Watford heap more misery on Hammers

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The third-round tie was seen as the perfect way for the Hammers to forget about the ruling in the Carlos Tevez affair, which could cost them £30million by Sheffield United's estimation, but Adrian Boothroyd's side belied their place in the bottom half of the Coca-Cola Championship.

The winner was bizarre but they are used to that at Vicarage Road after Reading's phantom strike at the weekend.

Half the crowd thought Lionel Ainsworth had given the hosts the lead in the 12th minute when his drive crashed into the side-netting but referee Peter Walton correctly awarded a goal-kick.

As the Hammers eased themselves into the game, Scott Loach was required twice to keep the score level.

Boothroyd's side were rubbing shoulders with Premier League heavyweights two seasons ago and they showed no fear as they finished the first half strongly.

Ainsworth went close again, drilling across the face of goal. Goalkeeper Jan Lastuvka was required to save twice from Tommy Smith, the first after a flowing move that ended with Will Hoskins backheeling into his path.

David Di Michele had sight of goal at the near post after the break but the hosts hustled him off the ball at the cost of just a corner. Lastuvka was busier than Loach at the other end. He saved a powerful drive from Jordan Parkes before leaping to his right to stop Tommy Smith's header from Lee Williamson's cross from the left.

Lastuvka's good work was undone with 20 minutes remaining. After Walton awarded a questionable handball against Walter Lopez, Williamson swung over the free-kick from the right, the goalkeeper dived over the dipping cross, with the ball hitting Mullins and trickling over the line.

Jay DeMerit was injured and hobbled down the tunnel with five minutes to go, leaving Watford with 10 men - but they held on to inflict a first defeat for Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola.