A goal from Matej Vydra has put Watford 1-0 ahead in their friendly against German side SC Paderborn 07.

In what has been an entertaining and well contested match, the deadlock was broken in the 11th minute when Troy Deeney’s pass split the hosts’ defence and Vydra coolly fired past Lukas Kruse.

Paderborn begin their league season next weekend but their superior fitness has not been a factor in the opening half.

Watford have lined up in a 4-1-3-2 system. Giederius Arlauskis has been handed his first start in goal behind a back four of Allan Nyom, Sebastian Prodl, Craig Cathcart and Jose Holebas. Etienne Capoue is sitting in front of the Hornets defence with Almen Abdi, Valon Behrami and Ben Watson behind strikers Vydra and Deeney.

After a bright opening ten minutes from the Hornets they took the lead in style. Deeney received the ball 25 yards out and was given time to slip an excellent pass through the Paderborn defence. Vydra cut in off the left flank and he struck a first-time shot past Kruse.

The German side have, however, had their chances to level. Idir Ouali directed a volley over from close range while Marcel Ndjeng tested the hands of Arlauskis from distance.

Deeney has come close at the other end. He has had a header saved and, soon after, clattered into Kruse but quickly readjusted his feet and whipped a shot narrowly wide. Vydra has also seen an 18-yard effort deflected wide while Prodl has threatened at several set pieces.

Behrami and Abdi have been booked in what has been at times a feisty encounter but it is the quality of Watford’s possession that is likely to most please Watford head coach Quique Sanchez Flores.

SC Paderborn 07: Kruse; Brückner, Hoheneder, Hünemeier, Heinloth; Bakalorz, Ndjeng; Ouali, Saglik, Koc; Proschwitz.

Paderborn substitutes: Fernandes, Nubel, Lopez, Stoppelkamp, Schonlau, Bertels, Ruck, Brasnic, Vucinovic, Pepic, Narey, Hartherz, Malle

Watford line-up: Arlauskis, Nyom, Cathcart, Prodl, Holebas; Capoue, Behrami; Watson, Abdi, Vydra, Deeney.

Watford substitutes: Gomes, Gilmartin, Angella, Anya, Pudil, Hoban, Belkalem, Murray, Dyer, Byers, Lewis, Ighalo, Fabbrini, Jakubiak.

The Watford Observer's trip to Germany has been kindly sponsored by DAS Heating, Bathrooms & Lighting Supplies Ltd. Visit www.dasheating.co.uk/shop/ for more information.