Midfielder Charlie Lee says Boro are ready to make life ‘hard’ for their Championship neighbours

Watford will need to be on top of their game if they do not want to be bundled out of the Capital One Cup this evening.

That is the view of Stevenage midfielder Charlie Lee, who says his side are determined to make the first round match as difficult as possible for tonight’s visitors.

Stevenage did just that to another Championship side last season as they defeated Ipswich Town before bowing out to Everton in the second round, and now they are looking for another scalp in the form of their Hertfordshire neighbours.

“They can’t come here and expect to win. If they come here and play unbelievable football it will be tough, but we’re going to play as well as we can and we’re going to make it hard for them,” said Lee.

“We played against [teams at a similar level] in pre-season and if they don’t come and give it 100 per cent then they’ll be in for a big shock.”

These are thoughts echoed by Chris Whelpdale, who says Boro want to create a ‘winning mentality’ after his goal secured a 1-0 victory over Hartlepool United in the season opener on Saturday.

“The league is important, but the cup matches are also important. We really want to get that winning mentality so we want to go and win this one as well,” he said.

“We can’t underestimate them but we know what we’re capable of and we can go out there and put the game on to them. It’s our home ground so they’ve got to come here and try to beat us at our gaff.”