Marnick Vermijl has handed Preston North End a 1-0 lead at the break in their League Cup clash against Watford.

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The home side took the lead in the eighth minute when Vermijl latched on to a loose ball in the area from Josh Brownhill's deflected shot and slotted the ball under Giedrius Arlauskis.

Watford came into the game as Nathan Ake raided down the left flank and put a low ball across the face of goal, but Matej Vydra could only fire his volley over the bar.

Fernando Forestieri had the chance to bring his side level when Watford were awarded a free kick in the edge of the box, but his strike sailed over the bar.

The visitors came close just before the break when Miguel Layun lined up a strike from distance, but his effort sailed inches over the crossbar.