At Our Place – Academy Q&A

The club held a Q&A about the Academy at the training ground on 1^st May.  On the panel were Richard Johnson (Academy Director), Jimmy Gilligan (Academy Head of Technical Development), Peter Sharp (Academy Head of Performance), Tom Cleverley (Head Coach).  There were apologies from Charlie Daniels who was unable to attend due to a family issue.  Scott Duxbury and Gian Luca Nani were also in attendance, but not part of the panel.

In the recent past there has been a distance between the Academy and the First Team. Will that change under the new Head Coach?

Tom Cleverley said that there is no better time for these players to move through the system.  Tom knows the U18s and talks to Daniels regularly about the U21s, so he is familiar with all of the players.  The management are very supportive of the Academy.  Giaretta had also been supportive when he was there.  They will be setting up an elite group within the Academy, who will have an extra programme for their development.  Jimmy Gilligan said that it was a great positive that they have a Manager that they can talk to.  Peter Sharp said that they know the needs and demands of the first team so will prepare the players for that.  The Academy players are given open access to the equipment and the food at the training ground.

Please explain EPPP to us.

The EPPP is set by the Premier League and consists of Academies categorised from 1 to 4.  The Watford Academy is Category 2.  Each category has rules for what facilities and staffing levels need to be provided.  They are audited every year.  There was a lot of work needed in the first 18 months that Johnno and Jimmy were in charge to bring the Academy up to standard.  The Club were very supportive of them at that time.

How is the Academy assessed?

The Academy has Professional Game Academy Audit Company (PGAAC) assessments which are similar to the Ofsted auditing of schools.  The Academy has to develop a Performance Plan and this forms the basis of the assessment.  When the assessors turn up at the gate, they can talk to anyone and inspect all areas.  In the first year, they were assessed four times.  After the audit, a feedback sheet is sent to the Academy in the form of a RAG report (Red, Amber, Green).  In the audits in the first year, there were a number of the boxes that were red (requiring improvement).  Last year, every box was green.

What compensation does the Club receive if players from the Academy move on to other clubs?

The compensation starts at U9 level and is based on the number of years that the player has been in the Academy.  From U9-U16 the compensation starts at £300K.  Once players become scholars and sign professional contracts, the compensation levels are negotiated as part of their deals.  Richard Johnson said that he sees losing players as a compliment to them as they have developed a player who is wanted by other clubs.  All players who leave will have sell-on clauses attached.

How do they decide on whether players should go out on loan and where?  Do clubs approach them or do they approach the clubs?

All players are different.  At 17, some are ready for the U21s, and some are ready to play for a men’s team, others are not.  But at some point, the youngsters have to understand men’s football as it is a completely different experience to playing Academy football.  Going out on loan gives the youngsters the chance to be in a dressing room with men who have to work during the day and for whom the success of the team is important as they may need to earn from it.  Kings Langley is used a lot.  Shaq Forde was mentioned as a player who has moved through various levels of loan football and was at Leyton Orient this season (winning their young player of the season award).  Clubs will approach the Academy to loan players.  It must be right for the player’s development.  They have to be mentally and physically ready to make that step.  Staff from the Academy go out to watch the players on loan when that is possible and will always let the player know that they are there.  Jon Marks puts together a report on all the loan players every week.  Peter Sharp keeps an eye on any medical issues and makes sure that the training and the environment is helping their development.  Scholars can go on work experience loans which are short-term.  There are also youth loans which can be 28 days plus.  There is no restriction on the number of youth and work experience loans that a player can have in a season.

How will the Elite Group be set up?

There will be 6-8 players in the elite group who will start pre-season with the first team.  It is thought that maybe 1-2 will complete that pre-season period.  These players will work with the first team and have the opportunity to be in the first team squad.  It is likely that the group will change over time as the players develop over the season.  But when the players come back for pre-season, the Academy players will have the same testing protocol as the first team so that the same data are available for all of the players.  Tom grew up under a manager who believed that if you were good enough, you were old enough.  He will follow that himself.  There will be no token debuts, but if the player is good enough, they will have the opportunity to play for the first team.  Jimmy Gilligan said that they will closely monitor the development of these players.  They want them to go to the first team and stay there.  They don’t want to make mistakes with players as it is not in their interest.  Richard Johnson stressed that the players have to be good enough.  There will be a support network in place, but the player has to be able to cope with the pressures of the first team.  Productivity of the Academy is measured on development of the players and moving them through to the first team.  It was zero when they took over, it is much improved now.

Culture of the Academy

Jimmy Gilligan said that they have an acronym RAPHHH which stands for Respectful, Accountable, Positivity, Hard-working, Honesty, Humility.  All of the players are expected to buy into this culture.  The players are in an elite environment, so need to have self-belief.  The players have reviews every six weeks and the Academy staff have meetings with the parents.  They want to produce good people.  They believe that they now have one vision for player development along with Tom.  Tom said that this is much more than he had when he was coming through the Academy at Manchester United.

What is the biggest barrier at 17?

Peter Sharp: Decision-making abilities.  Jimmy Gilligan: Attitude and ability.  Richard Johnson: The right mentality.  First year scholars often think that they have made it, but they have to treat it like a job.  Tom Cleverley: The relentless nature of the game.  In every training session players are competing with each other and being judged.  When asked if the players could be teenagers, Richard said that they can, but they are less likely to make it if they prioritise going out with their mates.  Jimmy Gilligan: There are cameras everywhere.  You can’t nip out for a pint like we could when we were youngsters.  If you want to be the best, you have to live, eat and sleep right.

What are the criteria for talent identification?

There is a matrix that covers development, performance, technical ability, attitude in training, time-keeping and whether they will fit into the group.  They have close ties with development centres and private academies.  Jon Goodman is the Head of Academy Recruitment who works to identify potential recruits.  They have an induction evening with each age group at which they set out what the players should expect.  They are upfront at these evenings about the percentage of players who are likely to reach the professional level.  Not everyone will make it, but it is as much about the journey.  The service that they get from the Academy gives every player the very best chance to succeed.  Jimmy Gilligan spoke about an app that they use similar to that used by fighter pilots which tests speed of thought and the accuracy of decision making.

Does the Academy have to play in the same way as the first team?

No, they don’t but, as a sign of respect, they should ask the opinion of the Head Coach.  They need to look at the players that they have and play to their strengths.

Every player should know the history of the club.  Are people like Luther brought in to talk to the Academy players?

 This is something that was discussed between Tom, Jimmy and Johnno.  The players are taught about the history of the club and the players that have gone before them.  Players from the Academy take part in the Taylor Trek and they are keen to get them out into the community.

Are the U18 games at London Colney open to the public?

Yes, they are.

Is it true that Stuart Pearce was brought in to train the Academy players?

As part of continuing professional development, former players are often brought in.  Jimmy knows Stuart Pearce as he scouted for him when he was in charge of the England U21s.  Stuart came in to give a presentation rather than a training session.  They also like to look at high performance in other sports to see what they can learn from it.

Agents

Currently when a player joins the Academy, they are all on the same contract and this goes through to when they become scholars at 16.  At this point some agents come in and demand a small fortune, they are sent away as this contract is not up for negotiation.  Once they sign a professional contract, they have the option for better terms.

What can the Academy do to retain players when other clubs come in for them?

There is very little that they can do if a bigger club makes an approach for a player.  They have to tell the player and their family that an offer has been made.  Harry Amass was mentioned.  When Manchester United came in for him, they had to tell the family.  He trains with the England U16s, so players from United would likely tell him that they were in for him.  The Academy staff have to be honest with the players or they will lose their trust.  Bigger clubs are likely to offer the players more money and that is a big thing for them and their families.

What support is there for released players?

When players are released, there is a three-year plan.  A dossier is sent out with clips of the player and an analysis of their performance.  The player welfare officer has regular contact with them for the first year.  There are also career events at which they can find other opportunities.

Will the lack of parachute payments affect the future of the Academy?

The lack of parachute payments won’t affect their funding.  Scott is very supportive of them.  They receive money as players leave.

How does the Academy now differ from when you were coming through?

Jimmy Gilligan trained under Tom Walley and said that Tom would be revered now for the number of players that he brought through the system but would be shut down due to his methods.  Jimmy said that Watford made him.  Tom, GT and Sam Ellis were all so influential.  Kenny Jackett was in charge of the youth team when Johnno was coming through.  He used to join in the 5-a-sides and kicked everyone.  He called Johnno “Skippy” and told him he would be on the next Quantas flight home if he didn’t succeed.  “You couldn’t do that now.”  It was clear that they loved their time in the Academy and that it made them the men that they are.  Tom said that he wants there to be belief all the way through the club.

Is there any sharing with Arsenal as they are next door?

There is no particular relationship with Arsenal apart from some personal relationships.  The Arsenal Academy is not at London Colney.  The sharing with other academies comes through the elite system.  On occasions they arrange games with Cat 1 academies to test the players.  Departments from the Watford Academy have been invited to present to other academies on best practice as they are now held in high regard.

It was a really good evening with a lot of information imparted.  It is clear that Johnno and Jimmy are passionate about player development, and they have a great relationship with Tom.  With all of them having come through the Academy system, they use their experiences to shape how they work.  It was pleasing that every participant stressed what a good bunch of players we have the in system at the moment.  I came away very impressed with all of them.  I have met each of them over the years, but I saw a completely different side to them.  They are all knowledgeable and single-minded and want the best for the club.  The Academy is in very good hands indeed.

A Disappointing Season Ends in Defeat

Asprilla takes on Thomas

The last game of the season meant a very early start due to the kick-off having been moved to 12:30.  I would have travelled up on Friday evening, but had booked to see Nye at the National Theatre (which was marvellous).  I was happy to find that there was a train from King’s Cross at 7:48 that would get me into Middlesbrough before 11, so my start wasn’t as early as those taking the coach who were leaving Vicarage Road at 5am.  I woke at 4:45 and checked that the trains were running, in case I needed to make alternative arrangements.  All looked good, so I turned over for another hour or so in bed acutely aware that my friends were already on the coach waiting to leave Vicarage Road.

I was at King’s Cross a half hour before the train was due to leave.  I bumped into Mick on the concourse and, when we boarded the train, we found we had seats together for the journey to Eaglescliffe.  Unfortunately, the Grand Central service wasn’t serving hot drinks as their boiler was broken, so I was glad that I had a coffee before I left the house (I was too tight to buy one at the station).  The breakfast offerings were sparse so I plumped for a pain au chocolat and a bakewell tart that would do for elevenses, although I consumed it at about 9:30 as that felt like mid-morning to me.  The train was busy as it was headed for Sunderland who were playing Wednesday, so their fans were mixing with ours and those from Middlesbrough.

Hoedt on the ball

The designated pre-match pub was opposite the station.  I was sceptical when I read that it was popular with away fans, but it was actually great.  It had good beer and a pleasant atmosphere.  We had been told that it was opening at 11, but the Happy Valleys were already at a table when I arrived, and Serena soon joined us.  We left ourselves plenty of time to get to the ground and arrived to find a deserted concourse.  The ridiculously early kick-off had prompted a number to stay at home and watch the game on television.  I had time for some lunch and went for the parmo in a bun, which is not really a parmo (no bechamel sauce) more a chicken sandwich, but it was rather good.

Team news was that Cleverley had made three changes from the Sunderland game with Andrews, Sierralta and Rajović coming in for Grieves, Porteous and Dennis.  So, the starting XI was Bachmann; Hoedt, Sierralta, Pollock; Sema, Asprilla, Kayembe, Koné, Andrews; Rajović, Bayo.  As expected from the Under 21 line-up on Friday (a creditable 2-2 draw with Burnley) there were a number of youngsters on the bench with Grieves joined by Albert Eames, Leo Ramirez-Espain, Zavier Massiah-Edwards and Amin Nabizada who are all currently Under 18s.

Asprilla and Andrews prepare for a free kick

The Hornets had the first chance of the game as Kayembe played the ball out to Sema who got to the by-line and crossed for Bayo whose header was stopped by an excellent one-handed save from Dieng.  Soon after Andrews squared for Kayembe whose shot from distance was well over the bar.  The first attack of note from the home side came as Latte Lath broke forward with Hoedt in close attendance, as they entered the box Wes made a great tackle and put the ball out for a corner that came to nothing.  The Hornets threatened again as Rajović played a cross-field ball to Andrews who crossed for Bayo whose header was an easy catch for Dieng.  There was applause all around the stadium on 16 minutes for Joe Field, a young Middlesbrough fan who passed away last month.  There was danger from the home side as Gilbert broke into the box, but he was stopped by a great tackle from Hoedt, the ball came back in, and Pollock made the clearance.  Pollock earned the first booking of the game for fouling Jones on the edge of the box.  The resultant free kick from Gilbert hit the wall.  Then a poor clearance from Bachmann fell to the opposition, the ball was moved to Jones in the box and Dan made amends by making a great save.  It being the end of the season, there were a few inflatables being thrown about in the away end which included a couple of flamingos which were not very buoyant and tended to drop as soon as they were thrown.  Very disappointing.

Bayo on the run

The home side took the lead in the 28^th minute when Ayling crossed for Latte Lath who swept the ball past Bachmann.  The Hornets had a great chance for an immediate equaliser when Asprilla played a lovely through ball for Koné who, in turn, played a through ball for Rajović whose shot was poor flying past the near post when he should have hit the target.  The first booking for the home side went to Azaz for a foul on Andrews.  From the resultant free kick, Asprilla crossed for Hoedt who headed wide of the target.  The Hornets attacked again as a long throw from Rajović was headed down for Kayembe whose shot was blocked, the Dane picked up the loose ball and found Asprilla whose cross was caught by Dieng.  The Hornets had a great chance to equalise when Andrews crossed for Asprilla who had time to take a touch but decided to hit it first time and his shot looped into the keeper’s arms.  Just before half time, Rajović found Kayembe on the edge of the box, but his shot was wide of the target.  There was two minutes of added time, which included no action of note, so we went into the break a goal down.   

At half time I bumped into Ross and Zoë from Ayrshire.  For once, their journey wasn’t much worse than ours.  Ross said that this would be the first time that Zoë would get home from a Watford match while it was still light.  That is dedication for you.  Back in the stadium Middlesbrough fan, Henry Barber, was on the pitch with his father.  Two-year-old Henry is being treated for a neuroblastoma and his uncles have been fundraising to support the family.  They have raised £28,600 so far and were hoping that a bucket collection before the game would take them over £30K.  I wish them all well.

The bundle in the box just before Hoedt headed home

Cleverley made a change at the break bringing Morris on in place of Sema.  The first chance of the second half fell to the home side as Latte Lath met a cross from Ayling with a header that was pushed clear by Bachmann.  The Hornets then had a chance of their own as Asprilla crossed for Bayo whose header was claimed by Dieng.  Andrews then went on a great run before releasing Bayo who delayed his shot and was tackled by Gilbert.  The hosts launched a counterattack, a lovely passing move that finished with Thomas one-on-one with Bachmann who blocked the shot, the loose ball fell for Pollock who cleared.  Cleverley then made another change bringing Martins on in place of Rajović.  The home side had a couple of chances to increase their lead.  First a shot from the edge of the area by Ayling that curled well wide of the target.  Then a shot from the edge of the area by Gilbert that flew just over the bar.  The Hornets had a chance of their own after a run from Asprilla who fed Martins whose shot was blocked with Bayo lurking.  Asprilla then took a free kick which flew wide of the far post.  There was a double substitution for Middlesbrough at this point as Howson and Thomas made way for Barlaser and Bangura.  The hosts had a good chance to grab a second after the Hornets gave the ball away allowing Boro to advance, the shot from Latte Lath was across the goal and just wide of the far post.  Then a cross from Barlaser to the back post was headed over by Clarke, I felt that Bachmann should have got closer to him.

Celebrating Hoedt’s goal

Middlesbrough made another double substitution as Greenwood and O’Brien replaced Gilbert and McCabe.  The Hornets drew level on 76 minutes when a corner from Asprilla was met with a glancing header from Hoedt that flew in at the far post.  The Hornets had a decent chance for a second soon after when Koné went on a great run and took a shot that was tipped wide by Dieng.  Just when it appeared that the Hornets were on top, Greenwood danced past a couple of defenders in the box and put in a cross that was deflected into the path of Bangura who finished past Bachmann to regain the lead for the hosts.  At this point Cleverley brought Grieves on in place of Pollock.  The home side made the three points secure when Ayling ran onto a ball over the top and pulled it back for Jones who found the net for Boro’s third.  The Hornets tried to pull one back from an Asprilla free kick, but Bayo’s header was poor and flew well wide of the target.  Instead, the home side nearly scored a fourth as a counterattack finished with Latte Lath curling a shot just wide of the target.  There was seven minutes of added time during which Asprilla tried a shot from distance that flew high and wide.  That was his last action of the game as he was replaced by Massiah-Edwards while Andrews made way for Eames.  For the home side, Wilson came on for Ayling.  Massiah-Edwards was immediately involved putting in a decent tackle and fouling Greenwood (I admired the willingness to get stuck in).  In the last move of the game Grieves played the ball out to Massiah-Edwards who squared for Bayo, but the ball was cleared, and the Hornets finished the season with a defeat.

A last image of Asprilla taking a corner. He will be missed

The players all came over to applaud the travelling fans and were given a good reception, which was rewarded as most of them gave away their shirts.  Asprilla and Hamer both appeared to wave goodbye.

It wasn’t a great game, but it was enjoyable enough.  Hoedt’s goal was excellent and gave the travelling Hornets something to cheer.  I thought that the 3-1 scoreline was a bit harsh but, sadly, Rajović, Asprilla and Koné had all left their shooting boots at home.  I was glad to see Eames and Massiah-Edwards come on at the end of the game with the latter putting in a rather encouraging cameo.

I had decided not to book a train home until after 5, which seemed like a strange decision early in the day, but we headed back into town to a rather good pub and had a lovely post-match drink in the upstairs lounge.  It suddenly filled up at about 4 and I decided to head to the station to get an earlier train to Darlington as the train that I had booked arrived quite close to the departure time of the London train.  That proved to be a good decision as the train that I had planned to get from Middlesbrough was delayed so I would have missed my connection.  As the majority of fans had headed home earlier, the London train was lovely and quiet, so I was able to have a nap on the way home.

So, we finish a disappointing season with a defeat and the lowest Championship points total of the Pozzo era.  It is difficult to know what will happen next season.  There is unlikely to be a lot of money available to strengthen the squad, so I hope that Cleverley will be able to bring in some decent loans and maybe find a couple of gems in the Academy.  But that is a thought for another day.  I will enjoy the Summer and start worrying about next season when the fixtures come out.  This season has been low on entertainment value, but high on great company and good days out and that is what keeps me going week in week out.  Enjoy your Summer and I will be back in August.

A Long Awaited Home Win

Debutant Jack Grieves on the ball

The last home game of the season and I don’t think any of us expected to need several layers and woolly hats, but it was freezing.  There was a good gathering for the pre-match drinks at the West Herts and the chicken tenders were back on the menu, so I was happy.  The main topic of conversation was the permanent appointment of Tom Cleverley as Head Coach.  Everyone was delighted.  Tom is such a great guy, he loves the club and the fans love him.  It seems like a great appointment.

We left for the ground a little later than I intended, but I was in my seat in time to see Lloyd Doyley present Wesley Hoedt with the award for goal of the season for his magnificent strike away at Hull.  It got my vote, so I was delighted.

Team news was that Cleverley had made three changes from the Hull game with Andrews, Lewis and Sierralta making way for Sema, Grieves and Pollock.  So, the starting XI was Bachmann; Hoedt, Pollock, Porteous; Sema, Grieves, Kayembe, Koné, Asprilla; Dennis, Bayo.  This was the first start for Grieves who is the fourth generation of his family to play for the club, being the great-great-grandson of goalkeeper Skilly Williams.  Former Hornet, Luke O’Nien, captained the visitors.  Richard had met a Sunderland fan on the train who told him a story about Luke saving the life of a dog who was in trouble on Seaburn beach.  This inspired the song, “He shoots, he scores, he’ll save your labrador.” Wonderful.

Koné takes a corner

The Sunderland players were wearing black armbands due to the recent passing of Charlie Hurley, who was named the club’s Player of the Century in 1979.  It was announced that there would be a minute’s applause in the 87^th minute.

The first chance of the game went to the Hornets as a Sema cross was headed out, the clearance came to Koné whose shot was high and wide.  Then Asprilla released Bayo with a gorgeous pass but the shot from distance was straight at Patterson in the Sunderland goal.  Kayembe was the first to earn a booking for stopping a free kick, which seemed a bit harsh as it was taken very quickly.  A nice move from the Hornets had Asprilla playing Dennis in, he tried to play the ball back for Bayo whose effort was blocked, the ball came to Kayembe whose shot cleared the bar.  The first chance for the visitors came as Ballard met a Clarke free kick with a header that was headed off the goalline by Porteous.  The visitors threatened again as a throw-in was headed on, but it was easily gathered by Bachmann. Kayembe exchanged passes with Asprilla as he broke into the box, his powerful shot was blocked.  Then Koné danced into the box and hit a shot wide of the far post.  A terrible low corner from Koné somehow found its way to Pollock who turned and shot, but his effort was blocked.  At the other end Aouchiche crossed for Rigg, who was one-on-one with Bachmann who managed to put him off enough that his shot found the side netting.  The visitors almost opened the scoring in time added on at the end of the half when Bellingham headed the ball on for Hume whose shot was stopped by a great block from Bachmann.

Challenging at a corner

At half time, the Supporter of the Season award was given to my friend, Sarah Priestley.  She is Heritage and Arts Manager at Watford Museum, where she exhibits her passion for the history of the town including that of the football club.  She has been involved in several exhibitions of club history at the museum over the years and is a great resource for the Golden Memories scheme run by the Trust.  She received her trophy from Troy Deeney, which was rather lovely.  He also presented a signed shirt to the Club Doctor, Ian Hamilton, who is retiring after 18 years at the club.  In sadder news, among the Watford fans who are no longer with us that the club paid tribute to was Jenny Mintoft, who passed away a few months ago.  She was a stalwart who I often saw away games.  She is greatly missed by the travelling Hornet fans.

Cleverley made two changes at the break with Martins and Andrews coming on in place of Dennis, who had been poor, and Grieves, who had not seen a lot of the ball, which was a shame.  The first chance of the second half went to the visitors as Clarke broke into the box and beat Hoedt before taking a shot that flew wide of the far post.  Clarke also had the next chance with a low shot from the edge of the box which was an easy save for Bachmann.

Celebrating the goal

The first chance of the second half for the Hornets came as a Sema cross was met with a defensive header, the ball fell to Kayembe whose powerful shot was blocked by the keeper, more by luck than judgement, finally the ball fell to Koné whose shot from distance flew wide of the target.  At the other end, Clarke had another chance to open the scoring, but his shot was straight at Bachmann.  Then a dangerous ball over the top from the Hornets was stopped by a bizarre double punch from O’Nien who was lucky to only see yellow.  The Hornets took the lead in the 63^rd minute when Koné played a perfect pass into the path of Andrews who broke into the box and shot across Patterson into the bottom corner.  It was a moment of quality in a game that had been very lacking and sent the Vicarage Road faithful wild.  Sunderland immediately made a double substitution with Roberts and Ba replacing Rigg and Aouchiche.  A lovely passing move from the Hornets finished with a cross from Andrews that was blocked.  With 20 minutes remaining, Cleverley made another change as Lewis replaced Sema.  The substitute, Ba, had the next chance for Sunderland with a shot from a tight angle that was caught by Bachmann.  The visitors made two further substitutions replacing Alese and Ekwah with Semedo and Evans, at the same time Cleverley brought Rajović on in place of Bayo.

Asprilla with the Young Player of the Season trophy

On 87 minutes, the big screen showed a photo of Charlie Hurley and there was a minute’s applause.  A lovely gesture by Watford to do that for a Sunderland hero.  The Hornet fans joined in the applause but may have been a bit distracted as Asprilla crossed for Pollock whose header was blocked.  The visitors immediately launched a counterattack and should have equalised when Semedo squared the ball for Roberts, but he fell over the ball and the follow-up from Styles was smothered by Bachmann.  In time added on, Livermore replaced Asprilla who waved goodbye to the crowd.  There was no further action, so the final whistle went on the first home win for the Hornets since November.

The players did a lap of honour prior to the presentation of the final awards.  The Young Player of the Season award went to Asprilla, who had to be called back as his entire family seemed to have joined him on the pitch.  Tommy Smith presented him with the award, and he called Hoedt in to translate for him.  Is there no end to his talents?  Tom Cleverley then said a few words.  He said that his first job was to reconnect with the fans and that he wanted to create a team with an identity.  He thanked Jimmy Gilligan and that he would be returning to the Academy to strengthen the path to the first team for the youngsters.

Cleverley presenting the Player of the Season award to Hoedt with Alan Cozzi taking centre stage

Tom then presented the Player of the Season award, a miniature of the GT statue, to Hoedt, whose speech was very modest giving credit to his teammates and saying that there had been multiple captains this season, Bachmann, Hamer and Livermore were named, and that they had done it together.  After the awards ceremony, the players and their families hung around on the pitch.  Some of the children were playing football and I was impressed by the Livermores who had some good moves and were testing Dan Bachmann who had taken his place back in goal.  He was joined by Tom Ince who let his little one score past him.

The game had been real end of season fare.  It wasn’t great, but it was considerably better than the reverse fixture, which was absolutely terrible.  Dennis had a ‘mare.  Koné wasn’t much better in the first half but is forgiven for his stunning pass to set up the goal for Andrews.  Grieves didn’t have much of a chance on his debut as nobody seemed to want to pass to him.  The positives are that the goal was a thing of beauty and a home win to finish the season was very welcome.  Tom Cleverley was saying all the right things, and I am excited to see what he does with the team next season.

Before leaving the ground, we were all wishing a happy Summer to those that we see every other week and sending love to the absent friends.  This season has not given us a lot to enjoy on the pitch, but we have spent time with lovely people every week and that makes it all worthwhile.

Bachmann the Hero Against the Tigers

Dennis and Kayembe challenging for the ball

I had some things to do on Saturday morning including finally delivering Kate Lewers’ Trust award as Equality Champion, so I was very late on parade.  Luckily the timekeeping steward was distracted, so I snuck in without being reprimanded.  The woman who does the tremendous catering wasn’t there and none of the things that I like on the menu were on offer, so I decided to wait until I got to the ground for lunch.  When we arrived at the Rookery turnstiles, there were no female stewards on duty, so we were not searched, which always brightens my day.

Saturday was designated as the Junior Hornets matchday, so there was a fanzone outside.  They also had a number of youngsters involved inside the ground.  Some were helping out the ground staff, one read the team out, and another was helping Jon Marks on commentary.  What a lovely idea.  Ann Swanson was interviewed before the game and spoke with pride about how well the Junior Hornets were doing including recently welcoming the 5000th member.

Bachmann after the penalty save

Team news was that Cleverley had made three changes from the Southampton game with Andrews, Koné and Sierralta coming in for Dele-Bashiru, Chakvetadze and Pollock.  So, the starting XI was Bachmann; Hoedt, Sierralta, Porteous; Lewis, Kayembe, Koné, Andrews; Dennis, Asprilla, Bayo.  Former Hornet, Tufan, started for the visitors.  He was welcomed back with boos.

The visitors had the first chance of the game with a low cross from Philogene that was easily saved by Bachmann.  There was consternation among the home fans when Hoedt tripped Carvalho in the box and the referee pointed to the spot.  Tufan stepped up to take the penalty and was roundly abused by those behind the goal in the Rookery.  The penalty was struck to Bachmann’s left, the Watford keeper got down to make the block and then gathered the loose ball.  The first chance for the Hornets came soon after when Bayo met a cross from Lewis with a header that flew wide of the target.  There was a better chance soon after as Asprilla met another cross from Lewis, but his header was also wide of the target.  Another cross from Lewis found Dennis in the box, he turned and shot well wide when he should have passed to Asprilla who was in a much better position for a shot.  Then Lewis and Asprilla moved upfield, exchanging passes as they went, before the Colombian’s shot was blocked.

Kayembe distracted after making a pass

The visitors then had a decent chance from a corner which Greaves headed down to Tufan who tried a back heel which Bachmann did really well to keep out of the net.  At this point, there was enthusiastic applause greeting King Ken’s warm-up.  The next chance for the visitors came as a corner from Ömür was met by Morton whose downward header was blocked.  Hoedt was the first player to be cautioned, the card was earned for telling the referee what he thought of his decision to give yet another soft free kick to the visitors.  Greaves was then booked for a strong tackle on Sierralta.  There was a minute of added time at the end of the half and Kayembe had a chance to break the deadlock with a shot from just outside the box, which was deflected for a corner that came to nothing.  So, we went into the break with the game scoreless after a half of scrappy football in which the Hornets failed to muster a shot on target.  The visitors didn’t help with the entertainment value as they fell over at the slightest contact and the referee blew up for every incident.

The half time guest was Aidy Boothroyd, who was given a tremendous reception and spoke very positively of his time with the Hornets.  It was lovely to see him back and remember those tremendous play-off games including the fracas with Fitz Hall.

Asprilla and Rajović line up a free kick

The first chance of the second half fell to the Hornets as Porteous took a shot from the edge of the area that flew well over the bar.  Porteous was then in action at the other end and was booked for a foul on Tufan when my first reaction was that the card was being shown for simulation.  I had watched the first half, so should have known better.  Andrews was then shown a card for another soft foul.  At this point I wondered whether we would finish the game with 11 players on the pitch.  The visitors had the ball in the net on 52 minutes after Tufan broke forward and beat Bachmann, but the flag was up for offside well before the ball hit the net.  At the other end Asprilla went on a great run into the box where he passed to Dennis whose shot was blocked.  From the resultant throw-in, Asprilla hit a shot from distance that flew wide of the target.  A mistake by the Hull keeper, gave the ball to Dennis while Allsop was out of position, but the Watford man seemed unaware that he had an open goal to aim at, so didn’t shoot.  The move ended with Asprilla crossing for Bayo who headed down to Andrews who shot wide of the near post.  The visitors made their first change at this point bringing Delap on in place of Tufan.  The next chance for the Hornets came from Koné whose shot was straight at Allsop.  Cleverley then made a change of his own, bringing Ngakia on in place of Andrews.

King Ken back in action

The next chance for the Hornets came as Lewis crossed for Bayo but the header was so far off target that it nearly hit the corner flag.  The Hull keeper caused problems for himself from a drop ball that he kicked straight to Bayo, but the Watford man wasn’t expecting it, so failed to find the net.  There was then a booking for each side with Morton cautioned for a foul on Asprilla and Sierralta for a foul on Delap.  The Hornets made a double substitution as Dennis made way for Rajović and Lewis was replaced by Sema, who came on to a massive cheer from the Hornet faithful.  Rajović made an instant impact winning a free kick on the edge of the box and hitting a tremendous strike that needed a great save from Allsop to keep it out.  Sema was making a difference as well, with a couple of great crosses into the box, but nobody got on the end of them.  The visitors then launched a dangerous counterattack that finished with Philogene finding Delap in the box, his shot was just wide of the far post.  The visitors then made a triple substitution with Sharp, Traoré and Giles replacing Ömür, Seri and Slater.  For the Hornets, Bayo made way for Martins.  The visitors won a free kick on the edge of the box, and it took a brilliant save from Bachmann to keep Carvalho’s shot out.  Then Sema went on a surging run to the byline and pulled the ball back for Martins who just failed to connect.

Man of the match Bachmann

The Hornets should have opened the scoring after Martins played a great cross-field ball for Asprilla who returned the favour, but the Brazilian’s first-time shot was just wide when he should have taken a touch to steady himself.  The visitors were immediately up the other end, where Bachmann was equal to a shot from Jacobs, and then smothered the ball stopping Sharp burying the rebound.  There was four minutes of added time during which Greaves broke forward and unleashed a low shot that was straight at Bachmann.  Asprilla then shot over the bar when he really should have hit the target.  The visitors had one last chance to break the deadlock when Traoré crossed for Greaves, but his effort flew wide of the target and the game finished goalless.

So, the Hornets are still waiting for their first home league win since November.  After a poor first half, the second was much better and the Hornets had some decent chances, but didn’t test the keeper.  Hull City were very annoying opponents, going down far too easily.  I spent a large part of the game turning the air around me blue at their antics.  Thankfully none of my neighbours reported me to the stewards.  Dan Bachmann comes in for a lot of criticism that I have never really understood, but he had an outstanding game saving a penalty and making a couple of other decent saves to preserve his clean sheet.  Another positive from the game was the return of King Ken, which was very welcome.  I am not in the camp that abuses Lewis, but Ken offers so much more.  Seeing him running at players quickens the pulse and he always looks as though he will create something. 

So, we have our final home game of the season next Saturday.  One final chance for a long-awaited home win.  Let’s hope that we finish the season in style.

Daylight Robbery at St Mary’s

Asprilla on the ball

It is a nice easy journey to Southampton and I was delighted when I booked the trip to discover that there was a direct train from London to St Denys.  In the past, we have had to change at the Parkway or go into the city and come out again.  I boarded the train at Waterloo to find Jacque and Adam were already on board.  We arrived at St Denys just before midday and were first in the pub.  Despite the doors being open, the landlord told us that he couldn’t serve us until 12.  So we scoped out the beer and found a table.  We were soon joined by the rest of our party.  The pub was doing a football menu, which usually means that the choice and quality is poor, but my chili topped nachos were really rather good and the others all enjoyed their choices.

It was a gorgeous day, so the walk along the river to St Mary’s was in bright sunshine.  We arrived at the turnstiles and there was only a cursory search of the bags before we were admitted to the ground.

Team news was that Cleverley had made one change from the Ipswich game with Dennis coming in for Andrews.  So, the starting XI was Bachmann; Lewis, Hoedt, Pollock, Porteous; Dele-Bashiru, Kayembe; Dennis, Chakvetadze, Asprilla; Bayo.

Challenging at a corner

The game started disastrously for the Hornets as they conceded in the first minute when Adam Armstrong crossed for Smallbone who was allowed a free header that found the net.  The first chance for the Hornets came as Chakvetadze broke forward but his shot was straight at Bazunu in the Southampton goal.  The next chance for the home side came as Dele-Bashiru was tackled, the ball came to Smallbone whose shot was well over the target.  The Hornets had a chance to draw level when Bazunu failed to clear a back pass, but Bayo was unable to nick the ball and the keeper recovered.  The Hornets were two down after 20 minutes and it was a defensive nightmare.  Walker-Peters danced past Porteous and Pollock into the box, his low cross deflected to Dele-Bashiru whose miskick fell to Brooks who played a short ball to Adams who turned it past Bachmann from close range.  It was not looking good for the Hornets at this point, but they launched the next attack as Bayo released Chakvetadze whose cross was blocked for a corner that came to nothing.  Southampton could have had a third when a free kick was headed goalwards by Bree and needed a decent save from Bachmann to keep it out.  At the other end Dennis found Asprilla whose shot was deflected wide of the target.  The Hornets had a great chance to pull a goal back after another break from Chakvetadze who teed up Asprilla who broke into the box and beat a defender before taking a shot that flew just wide of the far post.

Cleverley instructing goalscorer, Porteous

This was much better from Watford and they pulled a goal back after 34 minutes.  The move started with Dennis exchanged passes with Chakvetadze before being closed down in the box, but the home side were unable to clear and the ball came to Kayembe who exchanged passes with Asprilla before breaking into the box, his shot was flicked away and the ball fell to Porteous who danced into the box and took a shot that was deflected over the keeper and into the net.  The Hornets had a chance of a second when Bayo exchanged passes with Asprilla, but his shot was blocked.  The first booking of the game went to Hoedt for a foul on Brooks.  The Hornets had a chance to equalise when a free kick from Asprilla was met by the head of Dennis, but Bazunu was equal to the shot.  The keeper’s throw launched a counter attack as Aribo broke forward and found Adam Armstrong whose shot cleared the bar.  So, the whistle went at the end of the half with Watford a goal down.  After a shocking start to the game, the Hornets had done really well to get back into it and could have been level at the break.

Porteous takes a throw

Cleverley made a change at the start of the second half bringing Koné on in place of Dele-Bashiru.  The Saints had an early chance to increase their lead with a shot from the edge of the area by Brooks but it flew well over the bar.  The first chance of the second half for the Hornets came as Chakvetadze crossed for Porteous whose effort also cleared the bar.  The Hornets were close to an equaliser when Porteous met a cross from Lewis with a header that was cleared off the line.  The next booking of the game went to Porteous for a foul on Adam Armstrong.  The hosts made a double substitution at this point bringing Fraser and Stuart Armstrong on in place of Brooks and Aribo.  Soon after, Cleverley made a triple substitution replacing Lewis, Dennis and Pollock with Morris, Martins and Andrews.  The next chance of the game went to the Hornets as Chakvetadze played the ball out to Asprilla whose cross was blocked and the ball ran back to the Georgian whose shot cleared the bar.  Watford threatened again as Morris crossed for Andrews whose header at the far post was easily gathered by Bazunu.  The next yellow card was shown to Kayembe who was booked for what looked like a soft foul on Fraser.  The Saints made another change at this point bringing Manning on in place of Bree.

Hoedt on the ball

The next chance for the home side was a shot from Adam Armstrong that was blocked by Porteous who needed a moment or two to recover.  Fraser then had the ball in the net but had fouled Bachmann in the build-up and was booked for his trouble.  The Hornets then had a great attacking spell but the Saints defence prevented any shots going in.  Cleverley made another substitution as Bayo made way for Rajović.  The home side made a double change as Mara and Bednarek replaced the goalscorers, Adams and Smallbone.  Fraser had the ball in the net again but this time the flag was up for offside.  At the other end Martins crossed for Asprilla who was closed down as he tried to shoot.  The Hornets drew level on 85 minutes as a clearance was met by Hoedt who headed the ball back for Koné who turned, ran into the box and coolly finished past Bazunu.  It was no more than the Hornets deserved and Pete pointed out that the big screen was showing an advertisement for a concert, so the goal was greeted with “TakeThat”.  The Hornets looked for a winner as Rajović tried an shot from the byline, but the keeper gathered.  There was seven minutes of added time.  The home side had a chance to grab a winner with a shot into the ground from Adam Armstrong, Bachmann did well to tip the bouncing ball over the bar.  At the other end, a long throw from Rajović was caught by the keeper.  Then a corner from Manning was headed over by Mara.  The clock was showing 99 minutes when the hosts won another corner that was headed on to Downes at the far post where he scrambled the ball home.  The roar from the home crowd was deafening.  The Watford players were complaining that Downes had controlled the ball with his hand, but the goal stood and the Hornets fell to their first defeat under Cleverley.

Rajović meets a throw from Morris

I was absolutely gutted at the end of the game.  It was a cruel way to lose, we didn’t deserve that at all.  After a disastrous start to the game and a first 20 minutes when the Hornets had struggled, the lads had done incredibly well to get back in the game and had the better of the second half.  We deserved to come away with at least a point, so the celebrations in the home stands really hurt.  The players were cheered off the field by the travelling Hornets, which was as it should have been.  We have been greatly entertained in most of the games since Cleverley took over and, with such a difficult run of games, have done considerably better than I would have expected.  All we need now is a home win (or two).

An Impressive Point at Portman Road

Defending an Ipswich corner

I decided to have a mini break around this game, so headed for Ipswich on Monday.  On Tuesday, I spent the day at the seaside, despite the weather.  I had taken my cossie with me to Southwold, but one look at the stormy sea ensured that I stayed wrapped up in my coat as I walked the prom trying not to get blown over.  Wednesday dawned brighter and I headed for Sutton Hoo, which I absolutely loved.  When the group was gathering for the guided tour of the burial mounds, a woman approached me and said she thought I looked familiar.  It turned out that she and her husband were fellow Watford fans enjoying the delights of Suffolk before heading for Portman Road in the evening.  During the tour of the museum, I noted that the warrior depicted had more than a passing resemblance to Ryan Porteous.  He would need all of his warrior instincts if we were to get anything from the game.

Our party for this game was very small indeed and we had arranged to meet in the bar of a local microbrewery as recommended by Jerry Ladell.  When I arrived, Jerry was already there and I recognised almost all of the others in the bar, so clearly the message had got out among the Watford fans who like good beer.  I can report that the beer was excellent, and they did rather decent food as well, so the pre-match was very enjoyable.  We were soon joined by the Norfolk ‘Orns who had already visited another establishment, so were rather jolly.  I was greeted by Glenn, who lifted me off my feet, much to the horror of his daughter, Amy, who thought that her Dad had accosted a random stranger.

Asprilla and Porteous line up a free kick

At the appointed hour, we headed for the ground. The search at the turnstiles was just of my bag, so I was soon inside and at my seat to meet up with Jill, who is over from Australia and had so far seen 3 draws.   

Team news was that Cleverley had made two changes from the Preston game with Pollock and Chakvetadze coming in for Sierralta and Dennis.  So, the starting XI was Bachmann; Hoedt, Porteous, Pollock; Lewis, Dele-Bashiru, Kayembe, Andrews; Chakvetadze, Bayo, Asprilla.

The first chance of the game fell to the Hornets, Asprilla spotted Hladký off his line and tried a shot that flew high and wide and had two of my friends commenting “He’s no Ismaïla Sarr”.  At the other end a Davis free kick was met by the head of Moore whose effort flew wide of the target.  The home side threatened with a ball from Morsy to Hutchinson in the box, but Hoedt made a great tackle to avert the danger.  Then Chakvetadze found Asprilla who tried to play Bayo in, but the pass was cut out.  The first shot on target came on 18 minutes when Moore played the ball back to Moorhead who shot from the edge of the box.  Bachmann was down to make the save.  The Hornets immediately broke down the other end, but the cross from Lewis was straight at Hladký.

Andrews prepares to take a throw

Chakvetadze then went on a run before playing a ball through to Bayo whose shot was blocked.  The resultant corner was taken short before Asprilla crossed for Bayo who headed over.  The home side had a great chance to take the lead after 28 minutes when Jackson broke forward down the right, he crossed for Moore whose first time shot flew wide of the target.  The first booking of the game went to Clarke for a foul on Chakvetadze.  The Hornets threatened again as Chakvetadze played the ball out to Lewis who tried a chip that was easily gathered by Hladký.  At the other end, Broadhead tried a shot from the edge of the area, but it was straight at Bachmann.  The hosts nearly took a fortunate lead as a shot from Broadhead took a deflection that took it out of the reach of Bachmann, thankfully it came back off the post.  It was all Ipswich at this point and the next chance came as Jackson played a square ball to Taylor, but his shot was blocked by his colleague, Broadhead.  The next chance for the home side was a shot from distance by Morsy that was easily dealt with by Bachmann.  The hosts nearly took the lead just before the break after Clarke went on a run to the byline, he crossed back for Moore whose powerful header needed a good save from Bachmann to keep it out.  So, we went into the break with the game goalless.  It had been an even start to the game, but the hosts were on top late in the half and, but for an excellent save by Bachmann, would have been ahead.  The Hornets were probably glad of the half time break to regather.

Some robust Ipswich defending

Watford started the second half brightly and the first attack of note came with Asprilla and Kayembe having shots blocked in quick succession.  Then Asprilla exchanged passes with Bayo before his shot was charged down.  The first chance for the home side was a chip by Davis that was easily gathered by Bachmann.  Ipswich threatened again with a shot from distance by Morsy that was well wide of the target.  There was another booking for the home side as Moore was penalised for pulling Dele-Bashiru down.  The Hornets had a great chance to take the lead just before the hour mark with a shot from distance by Asprilla that Hladký could only parry, Lewis was lurking, but a defender managed to make the clearance.  The resultant throw was headed on into the box, but the keeper gathered before Bayo could connect.  Following a corner, Asprilla played the ball out to Chakvetadze whose shot was well over the bar.  Ipswich made a triple substitution at this point with Luongo, Chaplin and Sarmiento coming on in place of Taylor, Jackson and Broadhead.  Porteous was then booked for a late foul on Hutchinson.  The Ipswich man had the next chance with a decent shot that was stopped by a great block from Pollock.  Cleverley made his first change at this point bringing Koné on in place of Chakvetadze.  At the same time, Moore made way for Al-Hamadi for the home side.

Pollock lines up a free kick

The Hornets maybe should have done better when a cross from Lewis was parried by Hladký, it came out to Koné, who took a couple of touches before taking a shot that was blocked.  The home side made another substitution at this point bringing Woolfenden on in place of Edmundson.  Ipswich won a free kick in a dangerous position but the initial shot from Luongo was blocked as was the follow-up from Sarmiento and the danger was averted.  Cleverley made another change at this point bringing Dennis on in place of Bayo.  The home side had a great chance to take the lead when Al-Hamadi received a ball into the box, but Pollock made a great challenge to block the shot.  There was four minutes of time added on, during which Ince replaced Asprilla.  There was nearly a dramatic finish to the game.  Time was being played out when Koné made a tackle in the Watford half and the ball fell to Kayembe.  He saw the keeper off his line so tried to lob the ball over him.  It looked as though the shot was going to find the net, but Hladký backpedalled and managed to get a hand to the ball and keep it out.  It was an audacious shot that left the travelling Hornets with huge smiles on their faces as the final whistle went.

Don and Gavin in with the Ipswich fans watching Asprilla take a corner

So, the second goalless draw in a week, but this was a completely different game to the bore draw on Saturday.  There was plenty to get the pulses racing and the Hornets were good value for their point.  This was only the second time that Ipswich have failed to score at home this season and it was due to a sterling defensive effort from Hoedt, Porteous and Pollock, with great support from their colleagues further up the field.  There was more attacking intent from the Hornets in the second half and we could have won it with Kayembe’s audacious strike, but a draw was a fair result and rather an impressive one against a decent team like Ipswich.

Nearly 1500 fans had travelled to Suffolk for a midweek game at the end of what has been a disappointing season.  It was an impressive turn out and they were loud in support of the team.  The mood among the travelling fans has improved considerably in recent weeks and, as the players applauded us at the end of the game, there were loud chants of “Cleverley”.  We are unbeaten since Tom has taken the helm and are seeing some encouraging performances, so this appointment has been a very popular one.  We have another tricky away game on Saturday, but I will travel feeling a lot more positive than I have for many this season.  Let’s hope that I am not the kiss of death.

A Bore Draw on Gentry Day at the Vic

Dennis, Bayo and Asprilla watching where the ball will drop

I left for Watford bright and early and was walking up Park Avenue just before midday when I spotted the time-keeping steward who was looking up the road at me and pointing to his watch.  I was devastated.  To be fair, he did then tell me that I had done well.  There was a good gathering at the West Herts with most of the usual suspects in attendance.

We had been tipped off that the match was to be Gentry Day for the Preston fans.  The origin of this was a comment from manager Alan Ball in the 70s that Preston fans are the gentry.  This prompted a group of them to start dressing in bowler hats.  When one of the original Gentry passed away in 2005, they had their first Gentry Day.  It has now become an annual event where the fans dress up and use it as an opportunity to remember those Preston fans that have passed away in the last year.  It was rather lovely, and the fans looked splendid.  Sadly, as I chatted to a friend by the GT statue, one youngster in a bowler hat walked past me singing “If you are a Watford fan, surrender or you die,” which spoilt the effect somewhat.  There is always one.  

Challenging at a corner. No idea why Bayo didn’t get to the ball

It was also autism awareness matchday and the programme included an article on the numerous ways that the club have tried to make the matchday experience accessible for fans with autism which goes way beyond the amazing sensory room.  I had been delighted to see that a Kick It Out feature during the week on this subject had included a story about Caiden, who started in the sensory room and has since attended away games with Women of Watford.

On arrival at the turnstiles, I was surprised to see the stewards just waving fans through after searching their bags.  A rather pleasant change.

Team news was that Cleverley had made just the one change from the West Brom game with Asprilla replacing Koné.  So, the starting XI was Bachmann; Hoedt, Sierralta, Porteous; Lewis, Dele-Bashiru, Kayembe, Andrews; Asprilla; Dennis, Bayo.

Before kick-off the crowd were asked to congratulate Chakvetadze on his return from helping Georgia qualify for the Euro finals for the first time.  It was our pleasure.

Bayo and Asprilla waiting for a dropping ball

The first chance of the game fell to the visitors as Whatmough met a corner from Brady with a header that flew just wide of the target.  The first chance for the Hornets came after a lovely ball from Asprilla released Dele-Bashiru whose shot took a slight deflection and Woodman was able to make the save.  The next chance for the Hornets came after Andrews had done brilliantly to keep the ball after a very strong tackle, he fed Bayo who moved it on to Asprilla who exchanged passes with Dennis before taking a shot that drifted just wide of the target.  Kayembe then did well to beat a defender before feeding Andrews, his cross was pushed out by Woodman to Lewis who should have buried it but got under the ball and his shot cleared the bar.  Preston then threatened as Riis broke into the box, Bachmann was out to block the shot, it rebounded to the Preston man, but his follow-up effort landed on the roof of the net.  The action described so far happened in the first 15 minutes and it all went quiet for a while after that with the only thing exciting the home crowd being the refusal of the officials to penalise Preston for a series of foul throws.  The next move worthy of note came after 40 minutes and was a shot from distance by Riis that flew wide of the target.  The visitors had a burst of activity at the end of the half, the next was a decent passing move into the box that was stopped by a great tackle from Dele-Bashiru.  Preston should have taken the lead just before half time when the ball fell to Hughes in a great position, but he shot across goal and wide of the far post, so we went into the break goalless.

Kayembe takes a corner

The half time guest was Danny Graham.  He had come down from the North-East with his family for the game.  I was reliably informed that his children were wearing this year’s shirts with Graham 9 on them.  He was asked if he’d seen Clevs as manager material when he played with him.  He said that he was only 19 then, but he certainly looks the part now and could be in it for the long haul.  He was impressed at how much the ground had been improved.  He also spoke proudly about being table tennis champion (he still has the trophy).  And his happy memories of the wear a vest for Danny day, in honour of the vests that he would reveal after scoring a goal.  He still has a vest from that day.  It was lovely to see him back at the Vic.  Oh, how we could do with a goalscorer like Danny Graham in the current team.

There was another treat as Val Meaney, a lovely lady who I often bump into at games, took part in the centre circle challenge.  She is not the usual demographic for that competition but was mightily cheered for her effort.

Asprilla and Rajović line up a free kick as Lewis looks on

The Hornets had the first chance of the second half when Lewis played the ball back to Asprilla whose shot from distance was straight at Woodman.  The first booking of the game went to Asprilla for a foul on Riis, which angered the home crowd as the referee had ignored all the infringements by the visitors in the first half.  The resultant free kick by Brady was met by Storey whose header flew wide of the target.  The Hornets then had a decent chance with a shot from distance by Hoedt that was just wide of the far post.  The next chance for the visitors came from another corner which was recycled to Whatmough who headed wide of the target.  Cleverley made two changes at this point bringing Rajović and Chakvetadze on for Bayo and Kayembe.  Giorgi immediately injected some pace into the game with a run into the box, but he was closed down.  Chakvetadze then delivered a corner to the far post, Sierralta headed the ball down and Woodman caught the bouncing ball.  The visitors should have taken the lead when Riis played the ball back from the byline to Keane, but the shot flew just wide when he really should have hit the target.  The Hornets then had a chance to open the scoring from a free kick, but the delivery from Rajović was just over the bar.  The Hornets came close when Rajović flicked the ball to Asprilla who put in a lovely low cross for Chakvetadze, but Woodman was first to the ball.  Chakvetadze then played the ball out to Lewis, whose cross evaded all the leaping players with Asprilla the closest to making contact.

Asprilla prepares to take a free kick

Both sides made changes at this point with Koné replacing Dennis for the Hornets and Frøkjær-Jensen and Stewart coming on for Riis and Osmajic for the visitors.  The Hornets threatened again as Lewis put in a cross for Rajović who was bullied off the ball.  The Hornets had another decent chance as Asprilla played a great low ball across the field, Chakvetadze dummied, and it ran through to Lewis who took a touch before shooting over the bar.  Chakvetadze was booked for a foul on Brady and then, finally, there was a booking for a Preston player as Lindsay was cautioned for a foul on Andrews.  It seemed rather late in the game as they had been perpetrating niggly fouls all afternoon which had gone unpunished.  There was only three minutes of added time.  I think the referee wanted the game over as much as we did.  The Hornets had one last chance to break the deadlock from an Asprilla free kick that was met by the head of Porteous, but his effort was wide of the target and the game finished goalless.

It was a strange game.  The first 15 minutes or so had been quite entertaining, but then the attacking play came to a stop, and it became incredibly dull.  The most positive comment I heard was that at least we kept a clean sheet.  Watford completely dominated the play but too many shots were hopeful shots from distance that invariably hit a defender.  Preston were niggly and determined not to let us play, so I was rather amused when Sierralta decided he’d had enough and put his opponent into the hoardings.  It felt like an end of season game between two teams who have nothing to play for, which was odd as Preston still had an outside chance of making the play-offs.

At the end of the game, captain Hoedt decided to give something back to the fans as he went along the front of the Rookery signing autographs and posing for selfies.  At one point, he high fived a very small girl, which was just lovely.  Another fan was gifted his shirt, so at least some fans will have happy memories of the day.

We have trips to Ipswich and Southampton this week, which will both be challenging, so Cleverley’s unbeaten record may be at risk.

This hasn’t been a season with a lot of entertainment, but I still renewed my season ticket.  After all, next season may be the one!!

Another Late Goal Spoils an Entertaining Afternoon

Bayo on the attack

The journey to Birmingham was made a little more complicated due to the engineering works on the line from Euston to Milton Keynes.  So, on arrival at Euston, I had to head for Euston Square to get the tube to Baker Street and then a short walk to Marylebone for the train to Moor Street.  The train was busy, but I took one look at the carriage full of mini-hoolies and chose the one next door, which was much quieter, and the journey was rather pleasant.  On arrival in Birmingham, I walked to the designated pre-match pub and found Jacque and Stuart already there.  I was quite shocked at the price of the beer.  Birmingham prices appear to be even steeper than those in London.

We headed to Snow Hill to get the train to the Hawthorns and were grateful that they kept the train in the station to allow stragglers to board, so that we just caught it.  We arrived in Smethwick to blazing sunshine.  There was a bit of a scrum at the turnstiles, but we were finally directed to the one female steward.  She seemed reluctant to look in my bag and when she proposed a body search and I asked if it was really necessary, she waved me through.  My memory of past encounters with West Brom stewards is that they have been some of the most unpleasant in the country, so that was a nice surprise.

Kayembe prepares to take a corner

Team news was that Cleverley had made two changes from the Leeds game with Hoedt and Koné in for Pollock and Asprilla.  So, the starting XI was Bachmann; Hoedt, Sierralta, Porteous; Lewis, Dele-Bashiru, Kayembe, Andrews; Dennis, Koné, Bayo.

The visitors were nearly gifted an early goal when a mistake from Sierralta allowed Thomas-Asante to gain possession and find himself one-on-one with Bachmann who made a great save, the ball came out to Johnston whose shot was blocked by Porteous.  The resultant corner was met by the head of Bartley whose effort flew over the bar.  The Hornets had their first chance of the game soon after as Andrews played a square ball for Kayembe whose shot from distance was straight at Palmer in the West Brom goal.  Bachmann was then in action again with a great save to keep out a header from Thomas-Asante.  The hosts were on top at this point and Thomas-Asante got on the end of a cross from Townsend but this time his effort was over the bar.  The next chance for the Hornets was a shot from Bayo that was deflected wide of the target.  There was then a break in the game as Bayo went down holding his head.  There was a bit of afters and Dennis was booked for mouthing off at the referee.  The hosts won a free kick in a dangerous position, but the delivery from Swift was dreadful and drifted wide of the far post.  There was a minute of added time during which Fellows crossed for Thomas-Asante whose header flew wide of the target.  It had been a fairly uneventful half, although the hosts had started really well, and we were grateful to Bachmann for a couple of great saves that thwarted the impressive Thomas-Asante.

The coaching team in discussion as the players celebrate the first goal

The Hornets took the lead early in the second half as a Dele-Bashiru corner was headed out to Kayembe who walloped it past Palmer to send the travelling Hornets wild.  Cleverley made a double change soon after bringing Rajović and Asprilla on in place of Bayo and Koné.  Yáser was serenaded onto the pitch with his song so gave an appreciative wave to the away crowd.  The Hornets had a great chance to increase their lead with a powerful shot from Dele-Bashiru that was stopped by a great save from Palmer, the ball then fell to Dennis who skipped along the byline before hitting a shot that rebounded off the post.  The Hornets scored a second after 66 minutes when Asprilla played a lovely ball out to Lewis on the left, he crossed for Rajović who turned it in at the far post.  West Brom responded by making a triple substitution replacing Mowatt, Swift and Yokuslu with Reach, Diangana and M’Vila.  The Hornets had a decent chance to score a third when Dennis played the ball back to Rajović but the shot was soft and straight at the keeper.  Then Asprilla broke down the left and put in a cross that was just too far in front of Dennis.  Sadly, it was the home side who scored next as Thomas-Asante latched onto a through ball and beat Bachmann at the near post.  The hosts made a further change at this point as Fellows made way for Wallace.  The West Brom scorer had a great chance to score a second as he ran onto a through ball and was stopped by a brilliant tackle from Hoedt, although I have to admit that I held my breath fearing that the referee would point to the spot.  Cleverley then made another change bringing Martins on in place of Dennis.

Dennis and Rajović celebrate the second goal

The Hornets threatened again from an Asprilla free kick, Hoedt played the ball back across goal, but it was put behind by a defender.  From the resultant corner, Asprilla’s delivery was punched clear.  Then a lovely ball released Martins who broke forward and crossed for Asprilla whose shot was straight at the keeper.  The Hornets had a chance to reprise the first goal when a cross from Asprilla was headed out to Kayembe, but this time he couldn’t keep the shot down and it flew well over the bar.  The Hornets then won a free kick in a dangerous position, but the delivery from Martins was straight into the arms of Palmer.  The final change for the home side saw lovely Andi Weimann coming on in place of Johnston.  The Hornets had another great chance for a third when Lewis delivered a lovely cross for Andrews, but the shot was easily gathered by Palmer.  Cleverley made a late change bringing Livermore on in place of Kayembe.  There was five minutes of added time and a number of home fans had already left when Furlong got the ball on the edge of the box and powered it in off the post to break hearts in the away end.  There was one last chance for the Hornets to regain the lead through Andrews, but his shot from a tight angle landed on the roof of the net.  At the other end, Weimann broke into the box and had a great chance to score a winner for the hosts, but Sierralta was on hand to block the shot.  The resultant corner was very poor, and the final whistle went on another 2-2 draw.

Martins takes a free kick

After the final whistle, Hoedt led the players over to applaud us while ruefully shaking his head.  The travelling faithful gave the players a really good reception and Cleverley was greeted with a loud chorus of his name.

We left the ground and headed back to the station.  The platform at the Hawthorns was full of mini-hoolies goading those on the opposite platform.  I was relieved to get on the train and head back to the city for a post-match pint.  It had been another impressive performance against difficult opponents.  The home side had dominated the first half, but the Hornets had much the better of the second half and could feel a little unfortunate to only come away with a point.  This was another solid showing from the lads who are playing as a team and appear to be enjoying their football as much as we are enjoying watching it.  While it was disappointing to concede late goals in both of the games over the Easter weekend, if you had told me a couple of weeks ago that we would watch two spirited draws, I would have been delighted.  I am thoroughly enjoying the Cleverley era so far.  Long may that continue.

A Very Entertaining Draw in Cleverley’s First Home Game

Meeting some delightful young men at the Trust Gala Dinner

On Thursday evening the Watford Community Sports and Education Trust Gala dinner took place.  It was a lovely event attended by players old and new.  Tom Cleverley and his wife had been at the dinner last year and it was good to see them again and to congratulate Tom on his new role.  He said that he was honoured to have captained the club, to be a coach and now manager.  I said that he wasn’t supposed to do it all in a year.  The current players in attendance were Jake Livermore, Wesley Hoedt and Dan Bachmann, who were all very positive about Tom’s appointment and were lovely to a man.  I also had a chat with Jimmy Gilligan who spoke about Tom in glowing terms.  All very encouraging.  There was a good turn out of former players, but Lloyd Doyley takes the plaudits for still being there at the end of the evening.

Good Friday and the game had been moved to the most inconvenient time possible as it was being broadcast on television.  Due to engineering work, there were no fast trains to Watford, so I took the Overground to the High Street station.  As I walked towards the West Herts, I was surrounded by stewards on their way to the ground.  As I looked at the young women, I wondered which of them would be wrestling me later at the turnstiles.

Porteous instructing Dennis before a set piece

I arrived at the West Herts to find that it was already very busy.  As it was Good Friday, the lovely woman who provides the food had added fish/scampi and chips to the menu for those “fasting”.  Don was already in place, and we were soon joined by the rest of our party, or at least those who were able to get there and back home before the early hours of the morning.

As we headed for the ground, there was a man collecting for Cancer Research.  He was accompanied by his dog who was looking at us with pleading eyes hoping for biscuits.  The lovely hound was sadly disappointed, and I felt ridiculously guilty.

Before kick-off, Tim Coombs welcomed Tom Cleverley to the dug out for his first home match in charge.  His photo was displayed on the big screen with the caption “Our Tom” which was just lovely.

Team news was that Cleverley had made three changes from the Birmingham game with Sierralta, Lewis and Bayo coming in for Morris, Koné and Chakvetadze.  So, the starting XI was Bachmann; Porteous, Sierralta, Pollock; Lewis, Dele-Bashiru, Kayembe, Andrews; Dennis, Asprilla, Bayo.

Lewis congratulating Bayo on his goal

The first chance of the game went to the Hornets as a corner was cleared to Andrews outside the box, but his shot was straight at Meslier in the Leeds goal.  From the goal kick, Bayo picked up the ball and played it to Dennis who held on to it for too long so that when he passed to Asprilla there was no chance of creating anything.  There were shouts for a penalty from the home crowd as Asprilla went down in the box while trying to get on the end of a low cross from Andrews, but the referee was unmoved.  The first chance for the visitors came after 15 minutes, Georginio took a shot that was blocked, the ball rebounded to Summerville who skipped into the box and hit a curling shot that was pushed around the post by Bachmann.  The Hornets took the lead after half an hour, and it was a lovely move.  Kayembe won the ball in the midfield and played it out to Lewis on the left, he found Asprilla who pulled the ball back for Dennis whose powerful shot was saved by Meslier but the ball fell to Bayo who powered home sparking joyous celebrations in the Rookery.  The Hornets should have had a second soon after when Asprilla intercepted the ball and played it to Dennis in the box, but he was closed down before he could shoot.  Sadly, it was the visitors who scored next with a lovely curling shot from just inside the box by Summerville that gave Bachmann no chance.  Thankfully, the Hornet heads didn’t drop, the next attack saw Lewis exchanging passes with Asprilla before playing in Bayo who was tackled, so the ball went out for a corner that came to nothing.  Then Asprilla broke forward and took a shot that was blocked.  From the resultant corner, Asprilla’s delivery was met by the head of Pollock, but the keeper was equal to his effort.  The Hornets regained the lead just before half time as Dennis won a ball in the air and headed it down to Kayembe, he returned the ball to the Nigerian who broke into the box and beat a couple of defenders before curling a shot past Meslier into the bottom corner.  It was another lovely goal and he celebrated with an impressive backflip. So, we went into the break with a surprising but well-deserved lead after a half in which the Hornets had dominated one of the best teams in the division.

Celebrating the Dennis goal

The half time guest was David Holdsworth who talked about the League Cup game against Leeds in 1992 in which he scored the first goal in an unexpected victory against the reigning League Champions during a difficult time for the Hornets.  He modestly claimed that the ball had bounced off his nose.  He talked very positively about working under both Tom Walley and GT and said what a great influence John McClelland had been on him.  He was also asked about working with Glenn Roeder, who is sadly missed.  One little nugget that I was unaware of was that Glenn gave him great tips for the horses.

I was interested to see Ben Hamer warming up during the interval and wondered whether Bachmann would be replaced at the break, but he led the team out for the restart.

The visitors started the second half brightly as Summerville rounded Pollock and took a shot that was straight at Bachmann.  The Hornets had a chance to increase their lead from an Asprilla corner that was met by the head of Pollock, but his effort was wide of the target.  Then Kayembe played a great ball to Lewis on the left, but he shot straight at Meslier.  Leeds then had a great chance to draw level as Summerville broke down the left and beat the defence, his shot was heading for the top corner, but Bachmann did really well to keep it out.  The visitors had another chance from a free kick that was headed back across goal to Byram, his header was headed off the line by Sierralta, but the flag was up for offside.

Sierralta, Pollock, Dele-Bashiru, Andrews and Kayembe gather for a corner

At this point, Dennis went down and needed treatment.  During the break in play, Bachmann was using the match ball for some physiotherapy.  Dan continued to play, but Dennis could not and was replaced by Koné.  The visitors soon made a change of their own as Cooper made way for Firpo.  The Vicarage Road faithful were in very good voice at this point with a loud chorus of Tom Cleverley’s Yellow Army.  Leeds had a great chance to draw level with a shot from James that Bachmann was down to save as Bamford slid in and just missed connecting.  Each side made further changes as Asprilla made way for Ince for the Hornets, and Piroe, Anthony and Joseph replaced Georginio, Byram and Kamara for the visitors.  Leeds drew level with 5 minutes of normal time remaining, Summerville beat Andrews and crossed for the substitute, Joseph, his initial shot was blocked, but the follow-up beat Bachmann to set up a nervous end to the game.  The visitors had a great chance to take the lead soon after but were foiled as Bachmann first blocked a shot from a narrow angle by Summerville and then did brilliantly to keep out the follow-up from Anthony.  Leeds had another chance from the corner, but Bachmann leapt above the crowd to make the catch.  Cleverley made a final change bringing Rajović on in place of Bayo who left the field to an ovation from the Vicarage Road faithful.  There was five minutes of added time during which the only incident of note was a foul on Porteous by James who appeared to step on the Watford man prompting a brief spate of handbags that went unpunished by the referee.  The final whistle went to massive cheers from the home fans after a thoroughly entertaining game.

Asprilla takes a corner

I hadn’t been looking forward to this match as I still shudder at the memory of how we were battered in the game at Elland Road and, despite having won at Birmingham, the performance hadn’t been particularly impressive against a poor team.  But Tom had time to work with the team over the international break and the result was a very impressive performance.  The lads worked incredibly hard and were playing as a team.  The passing was much more accurate than we have been used to this season, which was really pleasing.  Rose commented that we were not playing out from the back.  It has been known that this was an instruction from Ismaël and that the players were not suited to it.  Bachmann looked much more comfortable being able to launch the ball forward.  The lads had been effective in restricting the chances for the visitors in the first half, but they allowed them more space to play in the second half and the equaliser had looked inevitable.  But I would have been delighted with a point before the game, so the fact that I left the ground a little disappointed is a testament to the quality of the performance.  In the stands, the crowd were up for the game and it is clear that the fans are united in wanting Tom to succeed and that can only be a good thing.

Friday night under the lights we were served up a cracking game of football which reminded me why I go week-in week-out and has me really looking forward to the trip to West Brom on Monday.

The Cleverley Era Starts with a Win

Porteous on the ball as Koné points the way

As it is such a short journey to Birmingham, I was able to have a leisurely breakfast before leaving home to catch the train.  Well, it would have been leisurely if I hadn’t kept checking that I wasn’t mistaken about the time of my train.  There was a slight delay on the journey up, but I was soon heading for the pre-match pub and, on the way, recognised the backs of Pete, Jacque, and Adam in front of me, so our party arrived together and met Serena at the bar.

The pub had a sign up saying that it was cash only.  They told us that they were in the process of changing banks and their card provider was taking some considerable time to update their system.  As I was the one with cash in my purse, I bought the first round.  They also had a more welcome sign behind the bar which read “We don’t sell Carling”.  Even better, they did sell Taytos.

The pub usually hosts a good number of Watford fans, and I was delighted to see Ross and Zoë from Ayrshire, who I haven’t seen in a while.

At the appointed time we headed for the ground.  I had to empty out my bag to be searched and, when they saw my (compact) camera, I was told that I would have to keep it inside my bag.  I argued that most people going into the ground had a powerful camera on their phone, but they countered that I could record the game (as could everyone with a phone).  I gave up arguing in order to get inside, but at least that distracted them from searching my person.

Dele-Bashiru on the ball

Team news was that Cleverley had made two (enforced) changes for his first match in charge with Pollock replacing the suspended Hoedt and Morris in for Lewis who was absent through injury.  So, the starting XI was Bachmann; Morris, Pollock, Porteous, Andrews; Koné, Dele-Bashiru, Kayembe; Asprilla, Dennis, Chakvetadze.

When we took our seats in the stand, it was good to see a large turn-out of Junior Hornets next to us with the wonderful Ann Swanson in charge.

The home side started the game brightly as a cross from Stansfield was headed away by Porteous, it came back for James who headed over the bar.  Laird then broke down the right, his cross was cleared to Miyoshi on the edge of the box whose shot was just wide of the target.  The first attack from the Hornets came as Asprilla played the ball out to Dennis but his cross for Chakvetadze was dreadful and the chance was gone.  Birmingham had a great chance to take the lead after 20 minutes when a corner from Bacuna was headed just over the bar by Laird.  At the other end Kayembe played a great ball for Koné who went down under a challenge and the referee waved play on.  Then Andrews broke down the wing and crossed, but Laird turned it behind.

Celebrating the goal

The home side threatened again as James played the ball back to Bacuna in the box, his shot was blocked by Porteous.  Then a brilliant shot from Aiwu was stopped by a great save from Bachmann, but the flag was up anyway.  The Hornets threatened again as Koné played the ball out to Asprilla who broke forward and put in a shot that was blocked.  The best chance for the Hornets so far came as Dele-Bashiru exchanged passes with Koné before shooting over the bar.  Then Andrews crossed for Dennis who shot wide of the target.  At the other end a shot from outside the box by Bacuna cleared the bar.  Then Kayembe exchanged passes with Koné before playing the ball out to Asprilla whose effort was well over the target.  For the home side a corner from Miyoshi was met by the head of Buchanan but Bachmann was equal to the effort.  Watford took the lead just before half time and it was a goal out of nothing.  A throw-in reached Aiwu on the edge of the box, he dwelled on the ball allowing Dennis to rob him and shoot over Ruddy into the net to spark major celebrations in the away end.  The Hornets looked to get a second before the break.  First Asprilla found Dennis whose shot was pushed wide by Ruddy.  From the resultant corner the ball came out to Asprilla who could only find the side netting.  So, the Hornets went into the break with a very welcome, if undeserved, lead.  It had been a poor half of football.  The home side had started strongly, the Hornets had come back into it, but there was a lack of quality and a dearth of chances.  If we hadn’t scored there would have been a lot of grumbling at the break.

Gathering for a corner

The Hornets started the second half brightly as Pollock met a corner from Asprilla with a header that was blocked on the line, the ball came back to Asprilla whose cross was headed just over the bar by Buchanan.  The resultant corner from Chakvetadze was caught by Ruddy.  At the other end, the home side had a great chance to draw level as Stansfield broke into the box beating a couple of players, but the ball fell to Sunjic who shot well wide of the target.  At the other end, Asprilla advanced and got to the byline but his shot was blocked by the keeper.  The home side threatened again with a shot from Bacuna that flew wide of the target.  Birmingham should have equalised after Bacuna played the ball back to Aiwu in the Watford box, his shot was blocked, and the ball rebounded to Miyoshi whose shot was stopped by a great save by Bachmann.  Cleverley made his first change at this point bringing Bayo on in place of Dennis.  The substitute almost made an immediate impact as he ran on to a through ball from Kayembe and shot across goal and just wide of the far post.  The first booking of the game went to Chakvetadze for a high boot, although many around me were complaining that Laird had ducked to meet it.  The resultant free kick was straight into the arms of Bachmann.

Morris prepares for a free kick as Pollock points the way

The home side had a great chance to draw level on 70 minutes when James played a lovely ball to Miyoshi in the box, but his shot was terrible and flew past the far post.  The home side made a double substitution at this point bringing Roberts and Jutkiewicz on for Miyoshi and James.  The hosts pushed for the equaliser as a cross from Bacuna was met by the head of Stansfield, but his effort was wide of the target.  With just over 10 minutes remaining, Cleverley made a double substitution replacing Chakvetadze and Koné with Ince and Martins.  The Hornets had a chance to extend their lead after Kayembe exchanged passes with Martins before hitting a shot that reached Bayo whose effort to find the target cleared the bar.  The home side then made a double substitution as Laird and Sunjic made way for Hall and Gardner.  Another chance went begging for the Hornets as Bayo failed to connect with a cross from Morris.  Cleverley made a final substitution bringing Sierralta on in place of Asprilla who had just been booked for a foul on Hall.  Birmingham continued to attack and a low shot from Roberts was saved by Bachmann.  Then a cross from Bacuna was met by the head of Jutkiewicz but his effort flew into the arms of Bachmann.  The next chance for the home side came when a corner was headed out to Paik Seung-Ho, but the shot was well over the target.  There was a break in the game after Pollock and Jutkiewicz went up for a ball and both ended up needing treatment.  The Birmingham man was unable to continue so was replaced by Hogan.  The game restarted with a drop ball for Birmingham which allowed a cross that was met with a good punch from Bachmann.  So, the game ended with a rare win for the Hornets.  The players all came over to celebrate with us and it was lovely to see Tom Cleverley right in the middle of them.

Cleverley applauds the fans after win

After the game we returned to the pub and perched on the end of a table occupied by a local.  His mates soon turned up and one was complaining about how few shots on target they had had given that they had a total of 26 shots.  When we outed ourselves, he said that he thought we should finish upper mid-table.  They had seen many teams worse than us this season.  He also told a great story about the play-off semi-final.  They had had a terrible journey to Vicarage Road, but he was the first in the queue for the bar inside the ground.  He looked at the queue behind him and ordered 16 pints for his group of four so was set up for the night.  They were great company.

So, the Cleverley era started with a win, but it had been a very poor game of football between two poor teams.  The Hornets had taken the three points based on an opportunist goal and a couple of excellent saves from Bachmann.  Pollock impressed as did Porteous and Tom Dele-Bashiru, but the forwards had a disappointing afternoon.  Still, three points are always welcome, and we now have a fortnight to prepare for the challenges of the Easter weekend.  Let’s hope that this result will instil some confidence and that the remaining games yield some entertainment.  This has been a trying season.