On Friday night, I celebrated International Women’s Day by watching Copa 71, the story of the Women’s World Cup in Mexico which had been set up after the success of the Men’s tournament in 1970. The film starts with Brandi Chastain being asked about the first Women’s WC and she says that it was in 1991 and she played in it. She was then shown footage of 1971 and was angry and ashamed that she knew nothing about it. Most of the film is the story of the tournament told by the women who played in it. Their stories are fascinating and inspiring. They are some strong, talented women who were pioneers in their day. The games were played at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City and attracted massive crowds. Despite the success and the commercial possibilities, FIFA were threatened and banned women from playing at accredited stadia and the women’s game went underground again. The film finishes with successful female players from the recent era watching their predecessors and pledging to share their story. But seeing the Lionesses of 1971 watching those of the modern era brought me to tears. When I shared that I had seen the film, Jacque said that she had too. She then said that one of the players featured, Chris Lockwood, is a neighbour of a friend of hers and had never mentioned her involvement in the tournament to her. The players who took part were ridiculed and made to feel ashamed, which makes by blood boil. I am so happy that the players today do not have that experience. The film is a wonderful story of brave women who blazed a trail. It made me both angry and inspired. Catch it if you can.
The game had been designated the Women at the Game match, which meant Women of Watford had taken over the Junior Hornets fan zone before the game. Kate and Julie manned the stall and had a selfie frame branded with the logos of Women of Watford and Her Game Too for children to take photos. The collaboration of WoW and Her Game Too is also being celebrated with sleeve transfers, so I made a trip to the Hornet Shop to have one added to my shirt.
Team news was that Ismaël had made three changes from midweek with Koné, Chakvetadze and Kayembe coming in for Sema, Bayo and Livermore. So, the starting XI was Bachmann; Lewis, Hoedt, Porteous, Andrews; Koné, Dele-Bashiru, Kayembe; Asprilla, Dennis, Chakvetadze.
In honour of the Women at the Game week, a group from Women of Watford were invited to watch the game from the Sky Lounge (above the Sensory Room). It was great view but a bit off-putting to be next to the away fans and to have a rather vociferous Coventry fan sitting with us.
The game started with an early chance for the visitors as a shot from Bidwell curled just wide of the far post. The Hornets then had a chance of their own with a low shot from Kayembe that Collins had to dive to push clear. The next chance for the Hornets came after good work from Chakvetadze to keep the ball in play, he advanced and crossed for Asprilla who turned the shot just wide. The Hornets threatened again as Koné released Chakvetadze who broke forward before playing a return pass to the Canadian on the edge of the box, his shot was deflected just wide. Andrews was the next to try his luck with a shot from distance that flew high and wide. Andrews had another chance soon after with a low shot that was easily gathered by Collins.
The Hornets took the lead on 20 minutes when a long throw from Andrews was met by Porteous whose header looped over the keeper and in. The Hornets thoroughly deserved the lead after the best start to a game that we have seen for some considerable time. The attacking play continued with a run from Chakvetadze, he played in Kayembe whose shot was blocked, the ball came back to the Georgian whose shot flew wide of the target. The first booking for the Hornets went to Hoedt who was cautioned for pulling a player back and will now miss the next two games due to suspension. The visitors looked to draw level with a powerful shot from Wright, but it was straight at Bachmann. At the other end Koné and Asprilla combined to feed Kayembe, but his shot was well over the bar. It had been a good spell for the Hornets, but it was the visitors who scored next as Eccles broke into the box and skipped past a couple of players before going down under a challenge from Bachmann. He went down very easily, but there was definitely contact. Wright stepped up and hit a powerful penalty. Bachmann went the right way, but he had no chance. So, we reached the break with the score level despite the dominance of the Hornets.
Ismaël made a change at the break bringing Bayo on in place of Chakvetadze who had picked up an injury after a strong challenge towards the end of the first half. It was a shame to lose him as he was having a great game. The visitors also made a change with Kelly making way for van Ewijk. The first chance of the half for the Hornets came after a cross from Koné was headed out to Asprilla, he played the ball back to the Canadian who hit a chip from an acute angle that looked as though it might sneak in but ended up on the roof of the net. The visitors then made a double substitution bringing Sheaf and O’Hare on for Torp and Palmer. The next chance came after Koné exchanged passes with Bayo before taking a shot from the edge of the box that flew just wide of the target. Ismaël made another change for the Hornets replacing Dennis with Martins. The Hornets had a chance to regain the lead as Hoedt met a free kick from Asprilla with a powerful header, but Collins was behind it and made the catch. Then a quick break by Martins was stopped by Thomas who was booked for his trouble. The next chance for the Hornets came when Koné played the ball out to Asprilla who took a couple of step-overs before taking a shot that was saved by Collins.
The visitors took the lead on 72 minutes, totally against the run of play, Eccles played a square ball to Wright who had all the time in the world to pick his spot and find the bottom corner. Soon after, the visitors had a chance to increase their lead as Wright played the ball back to Eccles, but his shot was high and wide of the target. At the other end Martins crossed for Andrews whose shot was into the ground and easily dealt with. Ismaël made another change bringing Ince on in place of Koné. A corner for the Hornets led to some pinball in the area that finished with Porteous trying to back heel the ball goalwards, but it was cleared. The Hornets continued to search for the equaliser as a cross from Lewis was met by Martins, but his effort flew wide of the target. Ismaël made a final change bringing Rajović on in place of Asprilla. The next chance for the Hornets followed a corner as Martins played the ball back to Kayembe who was in a great position but shot over the target. The visitors made a final change as Godden replaced Simms. There was five minutes of added time, and the Hornets were still pushing for a point. First a free kick from Martins reached Lewis who prodded it wide when he should at least have got it on target. Then Andrews sent in a cross that was too high for Rajović, the ball came to Martins who crossed for Bayo who was unable to connect, so the Hornets fell to a cruel defeat.
The final whistle went to boos which I thought were very harsh. There had been a much more positive approach to the game than we had seen of late, and both of the Coventry goals were against the run of play. There were some encouraging performances. Kayembe looked as though he is back to match fitness, which was encouraging. Chakvetadze had another excellent game, giving the visitors plenty to think about. His injury certainly impacted our game in the second half. But the lads never stopped working and were very unlucky to come away with nothing from the game.
Despite the result, I spent a lovely afternoon with my friends from WoW. A really wonderful group of women that I have got to know since WoW was set up. It was very kind of the club to entertain us for the day.
I went to a gig in the evening and, while travelling home, picked up the news that Valerien had gone. Given the terrible run of results that we have had lately, it was hardly a surprise. I just hope that Tom Cleverley can bring some of the magic that he has had with the youngsters to the first team. I certainly wish him well.
Fran's Watford Blog 
Thanks yet again Frances, should always be an enjoyable read but sadly………….