No excuses, no mitigating factors – Watford were second best from first whistle to last and can have no complaints at this 2-0 defeat to Blackburn Rovers that ended their unbeaten away record.

Rovers had lost their last two at Ewood Park but never looked like having that sequence extended as the Hornets failed to get a foothold in the game throughout the 90 minutes.

There were many players whose performances fell well below what we know they are capable of and others whose best just wasn’t good enough.

The defence looked uncomfortable and were too easily exposed by simple channel balls. The midfield struggled to win the ball and, when they did, they struggled to keep hold of it. Up front, the Hornets were toothless – not a single on-target goal attempt in the first 45 minutes.

There was some controversy in the 57th minute when Kabasele bundled home a flicked-on corner and the effort was ruled out by the linesman’s flag. It was hard to see what for, but it would have been an equaliser the visitors barely deserved.

In short, it was a ‘no complaints’ result, with much to be unhappy about in terms of performance. Watford have got by this season and taken points in games where they’ve only played well in spells.

Tonight they didn’t even really have those spells, and got what they deserved. For the 592 fans in the away end, it meant a long trip home where their efforts to get to Lancashire outstripped most of what was seen from their team on the pitch.

The Hornets were without defender Kortney Hause who sprained his ankle in training, whole a muscle strain ruled Hassane Kamara out.

Jeremy Ngakia came in for his first start of the season, and Francisco Sierralta replaced Hause.

An early clever corner routine was worked out to Travis, but his half volley was smothered by Bachmann, who fielded a low drive from Hedge soon after.

The Watford keeper was called into action again after 10 minutes, tipping a rising shot from Dolan over the bar.

The first sniff of a chance for Watford came three minutes later as Kayembe freed Pedro, but his cross towards Bayo at the back post was too firm and the striker couldn’t keep it in play.

Blackburn kept pushing and there was a bit of good fortune when Bachmann came to punch a 15th-minute free kick but the ball spun up off his gloves and looped over him. Brereton Diaz was first to the ball but it was high and a tight angle, and his header was off target.

The Hornets had to replace Sarr after half an hour after he went down in the centre circle, and Davis came on.

There were Watford appeals for a penalty when Davis appeared to be tripped as he touched a Pedro pass beyond a defender, but referee Mr Martin waved play on.

The home side were finally rewarded after 39 minutes. They broke down the right and the low ball into the box fell perfectly for Hedges, who slotted it past Bachmann.

It was nearly two on the stroke of half time as Brereton Diaz collected the ball wide on the left, cut inside and curled an effort beyond Bachmann but wide of the far post.

It was a one-sided and largely one-way first half, with the Hornets not mustering an on-target goal attempt.

A half-time switch saw Gosling replace Sierralta and the Hornets went to a back four.

Watford had the ball in the net after 57 minutes but its disallowed. A corner is flicked on and Kabasele bundles the ball over the line. The linesman is flagging though and it's ruled out, although it was hard to see exactly why.

In the 58th minute Watford were so nearly caught on the counter. Brereton Diaz is sent away on the left and Choudhury couldn’t keep up. He drew Bachmann off his line but the keeper deflected his angled effort wide.

Ngakia went down injured after 72 minutes and had to be replaced by Gaspar, and the Hornets also withdrew Choudhury and brought on Asprilla.

Again Rovers break on the counter in the 80th minute, this time Brereton Diaz had his shot deflected wide by Gosling's lunging challenge

The game was killed off a minute later as Morton's corner was flicked on and Hyams was in acres of space, but still did really well to hook a volley back across Bachmann.

Watford: Bachmann; Kabasele, Sierralta (Gosling HT), Cathcart (c); Ngakia (Gaspar 72), Choudhury (Asprilla 72), Kayembe, Sema; Sarr (Davis 30), Bayo, Pedro. Subs: Okoye, Troost-Elong, Hungbo