First-half goals from Josh Sargent and Marcelino Nunez proved enough as Norwich edged a 2-1 victory away to Watford in the first round of the Carabao Cup.
Substitute Kwadwo Baah pulled one back in the second half but Paulo Pezzolano’s first home game as the Hornets’ new manager ended in disappointing defeat.
Norwich went ahead in the 10th minute when the hosts surrendered possession in their own half to allow Papa Diallo to cross from the left and present United States striker Sargent with a simple finish from 10 yards.
Chile play-maker Nunez doubled City’s lead after 24 minutes with a long-range effort that goalkeeper Egil Selvik seemed to have saved, only for the ball to squirm through the Norway international’s gloves and over the line.
The Hornets were booed off at the break and were relieved not to be three behind when substitute Kevin Keben’s ball across his own box was blocked by Norwich’s Emiliano Marcondes and bounced narrowly wide.
Watford hit back in the 68th minute however when Baah, who had come on for Tom Ince in the 62nd minute, drove the ball into the box on the left and fired a fine shot across Canaries goalkeeper Daniel Grimshaw.
The Hornets dominated after that but Norwich held out to progress.
