Dundee United completed their series of pre-season warm-up games with a narrow defeat against a slick Watford side at Tannadice.
The English outfit dominated large spells of the game but the Tangerines had chances to equalise after manager Jackie McNamara made a raft of changes on the hour mark.
There was no place in the home line-up for new signing, midfielder Rodney Sneijder who has joined the club on a two-year deal, with the Dutchman set to link up with his new team-mates at training on Monday.
However, he received a great welcome from the home fans when he was introduced to them shortly before kick-off.
Watford, who will be playing in the Barclays Premier League this season, included Scotland cap Ikechi Anya in their starting line-up.
The winger was a constant thorn down the right for the Hornets in the first half, creating great chances for Jose Manuel Dorado, who shot past at the back post, while home keeper Luis Zwick pulled off a superb save when Odion Ighalo looked certain to score.
Right on the stroke of half-time, Zwick again denied Ighalo, making a vital block.
However, the keeper was cruelly exposed in the 53rd minute when Watford took a quick free-kick with Jurado crossing for Troy Deeney to head past Zwick from close range.
United went close in the 70th minute when sub Charlie Telfer’s free-kick was well saved by Watford replacement keeper Giedrius Arlauskis who pulled off an even better stop shortly after from a 16-yard Chris Erskine shot.
Then deep into injury time, United came agonisingly close to snatching a draw when Blair Spittal hit a fierce angled drive which flew just past Arlauskis’ far post.
For full report and reaction, see Monday’s Courier.