It was a long journey and Watford went a goal down - but by the end of the day it was an away trip to remember for the Hornets and their fans.

The 5-1 romp at Preston was described by head coach Valerien Ismael as "that is what we want", and no Watford fan would disagree.

For those who were there the 200-mile trip home would have felt extremely festive, and those who watched on lap-tops and phones elsewhere it was still an afternoon to savour.

Here are some of the photographs that capture the highlights.

Watford Observer: Vakoun Bayo returns to the ball to the centre spot after his equaliser late in the first half.Vakoun Bayo returns to the ball to the centre spot after his equaliser late in the first half. (Image: PA)

Watford Observer: Just seconds after the restart, Matheus Martins puts Watford 2-1 upJust seconds after the restart, Matheus Martins puts Watford 2-1 up (Image: PA)

Watford Observer: Get in there!Get in there! (Image: PA)

Watford Observer: Did you hear about Edo Kayembe's 20-yarder?!Did you hear about Edo Kayembe's 20-yarder?! (Image: PA)

Watford Observer: Bayo at the double, 4-1 to WatfordBayo at the double, 4-1 to Watford (Image: PA)

Watford Observer: Big hugs for BayoBig hugs for Bayo (Image: PA)

Watford Observer: Ismael Kone makes it 5-1 - you're having a laugh!Ismael Kone makes it 5-1 - you're having a laugh! (Image: PA)

Watford Observer: Kisses from Kone!Kisses from Kone! (Image: PA)

Watford Observer: He was still loving it after the final whistle.He was still loving it after the final whistle. (Image: PA)

Watford Observer: The gaffer acknowledges the travelling fansThe gaffer acknowledges the travelling fans (Image: PA)

Watford Observer: Someone in the away end went home with a great souvenir - a goalscorer's shirtSomeone in the away end went home with a great souvenir - a goalscorer's shirt (Image: PA)