RICHARD Lee was back in the starting XI for Watford last night (Tuesday) during their Carling Cup first round win at Barnet.

The Academy graduate started for the side for the first time since September 2008 and exclusively spoke to www.watfordfc.com after the game.

"It's been a while but it was great to get a game again" said Lee.

"I really enjoyed the match and it was obviously great to get a result in the end and to make a couple saves was pleasing.

"These kind of games against lower opposition are always tough and it's hard to keep a clean sheet sometimes, so I'm really pleased."

The game went to extra time at the Underhill and the Watford 'keeper believes his team's Championship experience made sure the Hornets took the spoils from the tie.

"They had a good chance towards the end and I was able to pull off a save to my left which I was pleased with.

"On another night it could have been a different story but thankfully in the end I think our qualities showed and we got the desired result.

"If a game goes into extra time, it's all about getting into the right mindset" the stopper revealed.

"It's never ideal going into extra time but if that's the case then you just have to get on with it and keep doing what you're doing.

"It wasn't like we were playing badly against Barnet, it was just the goal hadn't come for us.

"Thankfully in extra time we kept the tempo high and got the goals and there's the difference between the teams."

With the draw for the next round later on tonight, Lee has his gloved-fingers crossed hoping that Watford get to entertain at home.

"I think you always prefer a home game as a player in these situations. It was tough going to Underhill and I think we'd all prefer a home draw in the second round.

"Last year we had a really good run and we want to progress in the competition again, whoever it may be against!"

LET WATFORD BE THE PERFECT HOST