THE date for West Ham's Carling Cup clash with Championship outfit Watford has been announced.

The Hammers travel to Vicarage Road for the third round tie on Tuesday, September 23. Kick off is at 7.45pm.

Irons boss Alan Curbishley saw his side scrape past League Two strugglers Maccelsfield in the second round at Upton Park last week.

Gareth Evans gave Keith Alexander's men a shock early lead and the Hammers were just 16 minutes from a humilating defeat when Lee Bowyer headed home to send the game into extra time.

Macclesfield had Izak Reid controversially sent off late on in normal time, and the East Londoners took full advantage when goals from Carlton Cole, Zavon Hines and Kyel Reid in extra time fired them to victory.

Watford meanwhile, also struggled in their opening two rounds of the competion.

Will Hoskins grabbed a late winner against Bristol Rovers in the first round, while another late goal saw them see off Darlington in the second round.

Damien Francis gave the Hornets the lead against the Quakers before a last gasp equaliser from Gregg Blundell sent the game to extra time. Youngster John-Joe O'Toole scored the winner four minutes from time.

The game could see an emotional return to Vicarage Road for Hammers star Calum Davenport.

The defender spent a disasterous loan spell with Adrian Boothroyd's men in January, when he suffered a horific broken neck in his debut game against Charlton.

However, the 25-year-old has made a remarkable recovery and has started every game for the Irson so far this season.