The referee who took charge of last weekend’s fiery Lancashire derby between Preston and Blackburn is due to be in charge tomorrow when Watford aim to bounce back quickly from their dismal trip to Deepdale.

The EFL website has stated that Matt Donohue has been appointed as the referee for the Championship fixture against Middlesbrough.

Donohue has taken charge of six league and cup matches so far this season, showing a total 31 yellow cards and two reds – both of which were shown in the goalless draw at Deepdale last Sunday.

Preston’s Sam Greenwood was the first player to be sent off three minutes before half-time for a crude challenge on Lewis Baker.

The referee, who also issued nine cautions in the game, was reaching for his red card again a minute before the end of normal time when Owen Beck was dismissed for lashing out at Duane Holmes.

Beck protested that he had bitten by Milutin Osmajic, who subsequently accepted an FA charge of violent conduct.

However, the striker was still able to play against the Hornets on Wednesday and scored twice in North End’s 3-0 win.

Paul Hodskinson and Carl Fitch-Jackson are due to be the assistant referees for the 3pm kick-off at Vicarage Road, with John Busby the fourth official.