Jonathan Bond’s mistake against Manchester City proved costly for the Hornets but the young goalkeeper received the backing of his team-mates, with Lloyd Doyley admitting “that happens to the best of them”.

With the score level at 2-2 and only four minutes remaining, Aleksandar Kolarov hit a speculative shot straight at Bond. It was a strike the young goalkeeper should’ve saved but the ball slipped through his hands, through his legs and into the net.

City went on to add a fourth in stoppage time to round off their victory, when Bond arguably could have claimed a cross.

However, the 20-year-old will make amends next time he is selected according to Doyley, who said: “That happens to the best of them. It happened to Manchester United’s David de Gea a few days ago.

“The only thing he can do is pick up his head and get on with it.”

Hornets midfielder Sean Murray came through the youth ranks with Bond and believes the England Under-21 international “can get over” his mistake.

He added: “He is a good lad and is now becoming an experienced goalkeeper. He will get over it and will be ready for the next game he is involved in.”