Watford’s run in the 2022/23 Carabao Cup came to an end at the second-round stage, as goals from Matthew Dennis and Darragh Burns either side of the break propelled MK Dons to a 2-0 victory under the lights at Vicarage Road.

The match was evenly matched for the majority of the first period, with Vakoun Bayo going closest for the Golden Boys, but Dennis’ close-range finish handed the momentum to the away side just before the whistle.

Burns made it two with an impressive strike eight minutes into the second 45, and though Watford improved following a string of substitutions they were ultimately unable to force themselves onto the scoresheet.

With the result marking a disappointing night in an otherwise positive start to the fresh campaign, Rob Edwards and his men will quickly turn their attentions to Saturday’s Sky Bet Championship clash at home to QPR (August 27, 3pm KO).

Head Coach Edwards made six changes following Saturday’s 0-0 draw at Preston North End in the league, with Maduka Okoye and Mattie Pollock coming in for their debuts in yellow.

After a tentative start to proceedings Joseph Hungbo offered a glimpse of his quality with a stepover and marauding run down the left, after the young Englishman had remained composed to clear the danger in his own box.

Neither team had been able to gain a foothold or produce a meaningful opportunity by the 10-minute mark, but two minutes later Okoye was alert to impressively hold a smart Louie Barry attempt from a tight angle.

Yáser Asprilla – who had made some neat touches – sent in a searching free-kick from the left that won a corner in the 18th minute, while William Troost-Ekong was next to impress with some strong defending to put off Will Grigg close to Okoye’s goal.

Nigeria international Okoye was then on hand to collect a Dawson Devoy shot from the edge of the 18-yard box, before Bayo shot straight at Jamie Cumming from close range after Asprilla had latched onto a loose ball.

As the game drifted towards half-time Hungbo sent in a fierce cross that was dealt with comfortably by Cumming, but early substitute Dennis popped up at the back post – colliding with the upright in the process - to finish off a smart one-two with Burns and make it 1-0 to the visitors at the break.

Hamza Choudhury came on at the start of the second half in place of Edo Kayembe as the Hornets went in search of a quick equaliser, and Rey Manaj won a corner soon after the restart after a nice turn deep in Dons territory.

Troost-Ekong headed over a Hungbo free-kick as Watford continued to ramp up the pressure, but at the other end Matt Smith served a reminder of MK’s threat with an ambitious effort from range that sailed off target.

And it wasn’t long before Liam Manning’s men did double their lead, with Burns sending a low shot past Okoye in the 53rd minute after being allowed too much space 20 yards from goal.

Edwards changed the system to four at the back, with Ken Sema replacing Craig Cathcart close to the hour, and the Hornets’ search for a route back into the game continued as Manaj headed an effort at Cumming.

Academy prospect Adrian Blake came off the bench to make his first-team debut in the 73rd minute, and his introduction seemingly sparked the hosts into life, Hungbo blasting over soon after Manaj’s penalty appeals had been waved away following a Jack Tucker challenge.

Okoye made sure Watford’s night didn’t get worse by holding a stinging Dan Kemp effort six minutes from time, but although they pushed forward in the late stage MK Dons held firm to seal their place in the third-round draw.