Tranmere oust Watford to face Man United in FA Cup fourth round

Soccer Football - FA Cup Third Round Replay - Tranmere Rovers v Watford - Prenton Park, Birkenhead, Britain - January 23, 2020 Tranmere Rovers' Paul Mullin scores their second goal Action Images via Reuters/Jason Cairnduff

Tranmere Rovers substitute Paul Mullin scored an extra-time winner in a 2-1 victory over Premier League side Watford on Thursday to set up an FA Cup fourth-round clash with heavyweights Manchester United on Sunday.

Mullin, who had hit the post in the 71st minute after coming on minutes earlier, headed in the winner at the far post in the 104th minute as Prenton Park erupted with joy after the match ended 1-1 after 90 minutes.

Emmanuel Monthe had put the hosts, who are deep in relegation trouble in League One (third tier), ahead in the 36th minute for a well deserved lead.

Soccer Football - FA Cup Third Round Replay - Tranmere Rovers v Watford - Prenton Park, Birkenhead, Britain - January 23, 2020 Tranmere Rovers' Emmanuel Monthe scores their first goal Action Images via Reuters/Jason Cairnduff

Tranmere had already fought back from 3-0 down to draw 3-3 in the first match at Vicarage Road and force the replay.

Watford, who had played 48 hours ago in the Premier League and made 11 changes for the game, worked their way back after the break and Jose Holebas hit the woodwork just past the hour.

Kaylen Hinds, making his Watford debut, got the equaliser with a scrappy goal in the 68th minute after several defenders failed to clear the ball.

Soccer Football - FA Cup Third Round Replay - Tranmere Rovers v Watford - Prenton Park, Birkenhead, Britain - January 23, 2020 Tranmere Rovers' Scott Davies in action REUTERS/Phil Noble

But Tranmere fought back once more and grabbed the winner through Mullin, to book a glamour fourth round tie -- their first in 16 years -- with their big-name opponents.

(Reporting by Karolos Grohmann; Editing by Christian Radnedge)

Soccer Football - FA Cup Third Round Replay - Tranmere Rovers v Watford - Prenton Park, Birkenhead, Britain - January 23, 2020 Watford's Kaylen Hinds scores their first goal REUTERS/Phil Noble

Soccer Football - FA Cup Third Round Replay - Tranmere Rovers v Watford - Prenton Park, Birkenhead, Britain - January 23, 2020 Watford's Callum Whelan shoots at goal REUTERS/Phil Noble

Soccer Football - FA Cup Third Round Replay - Tranmere Rovers v Watford - Prenton Park, Birkenhead, Britain - January 23, 2020 Tranmere Rovers' Paul Mullin in action with Watford's Daniel Bachmann REUTERS/Phil Noble

Soccer Football - FA Cup Third Round Replay - Tranmere Rovers v Watford - Prenton Park, Birkenhead, Britain - January 23, 2020 Watford's Joao Pedro shoots at goal as he is challenged by Tranmere Rovers' Peter Clarke Action Images via Reuters/Jason Cairnduff

Soccer Football - FA Cup Third Round Replay - Tranmere Rovers v Watford - Prenton Park, Birkenhead, Britain - January 23, 2020 Tranmere Rovers' Corey Blackett-Taylor in action with Watford's Christian Kabasele and Mason Barrett REUTERS/Phil Noble