If Peterborough United remember how they reached the levels they did in Watford demolition an 'enjoyable' season is in store, says Luke Williams

Posh thumped Championship side Watford 5-1 at Vicarage Road in a fantastic second round Carabao Cup performance performance.

An own goal from a Bolu Shofowoke cross got things started going before Harry Leonard slammed in a brace and then Shofowoke and Harrison Jones grabbed their first senior goals.

Williams was delighted with his side’s performance in all areas of the pitch and challenged his players to remember the levels they were able to find.

Williams said: “It’s difficult to complain about anything from the group tonight. I can’t say anything other than they were excellent.

“I’m so pleased with how hard everyone worked and the threat they posed going forward. They stood up to the quality of the opposition.

“It wasn’t easy. Watford moved the ball so well and quickly. We denied them the space as well as we could, but they shift it around quickly and players can take the ball quickly and find pockets of space. We had to work so hard.

“The concentration, the bravery defensively and the aggression in the duels came together to give us a platform. We also have a lot of pace at the top of the pitch and people desperate to score goals. That makes a good combination.

“We have to try and keep our level as high as possible now. We were the only team last season to win by a five-goal margin three times in the league.

"We have to try and remember how we get to that level. We did it by working very, very hard and if we can get to that level, we have a chance of doing something very enjoyable this season.

“We had some excellent performances last season and they got us three points and yet it got so tense at the end of the season. In hindsight, they were all huge wins because they got us the points we needed. This was huge is a different way because we were not expected to win or score five here.

"I want a group that all want to get into the action and play very well and what more can I ask for? That has to be the name of the game for us. We have to have a group where everybody doesn’t expect to play every minute of every game, but they are ready to jump in and jump out and support each other.

“They are doing that brilliantly. For us to come here without Tom O’Connor and give such a brilliant performance is the direction we have to go in.

“Hopefully everyone feels like they enjoyed watching their team play today and the players feel good after back-to-back victories and three wins in four.”

O’Connor was simply rested with him continuing to build up to full fitness after a long injury lay-off and Williams added that he was not overly concerned by the impact injury suffered by Vernon Masara that saw him withdrawn at half time.

Williams added: “Vernon shot at goal and caught a boot. I think he’s put everything into it and unfortunately, he’s suffered. I think it’s just real bad contact rather than anything more serious. It should settle down in the next day or two.”

Posh will learn their third round opponents Wednesday evening at around 10:15pm after the Preston v Everton game. The nine Premier League sides that are competing in Europe this season enter at this stage. The draw is also no longer regionalised so Posh can draw any of the remaining teams.

Posh travel to Blackpool on Saturday (August 29, 12:30pm) in League One. Blackpool were beaten 4-1 at home by Lincoln City in the Carabao Cup last night and had defender Zac Ashworth sent off.