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Hammill set up Danny Ward to head Huddersfield in front as the Terriers chased a sixth game on the spin without defeat. But classy Fernando Forestieri and a stylish Watford comeback left Town in no doubt last season’s defeated play-off finalists are up for it again.

Faced The Terriers have tangled with QPR and Nottingham Forest, but winger Hammill admitted: “That was the best we’ve faced.

“We were excellent until we got the goal. Then it was as though we took our foot off the gas – and we were punished.

“They gave us a lesson. They’re the best footballing team in the league.”

Forestieri, booed by home fans for a penalty dive last season, responded with a fine equaliser straight after Ward’s 17th-minute opener. But just before half-time Alex Smithies spilled a Lewis McGugan free-kick and Daniel Pudil tucked home the winner.

Forestieri should have made it safe but kept team-mate Joel Ekstrand on edge instead.

The Swede said: “We should have closed it out. As a defender, it’s horrible. When it’s 2-1, one cross, one flick or one touch leads to a goal and you come away with one point instead of three.”

Zola expects Forestieri to benefit from his rivalry with Diego Fabrini, just as he did from another Diego.

The former Chelsea hero understudied Maradona when Napoli won Serie A.

Zola said: “Fernando wants to learn and has huge potential. They will make each other better.

“Competition in my career was beneficial. The toughest wasn’t bad. He was a guy from Argentina, quite skilful!”