Tag Archives: Imran Louza

A Cracking New Year’s Day in Plymouth

It was another early start for the first match of 2024. A number of fans had decided to spend new year in Plymouth. I thought about it, but not being a party animal, decided that I would be a lot happier tucked up in my own bed, even if it meant getting up early. I left home in plenty of time for my train. The Northern line trains were patchy, but the Elizabeth line was running well so I arrived at Paddington with half an hour to spare. That gave me time to have a leisurely breakfast of a large coffee and a bacon roll to set me up for the day. I was soon settled on the train for the journey to Plymouth. I had booked a seat by the window and was on the left-hand side of the train, which meant that I was in prime position for the gorgeous views when the train reaches Dawlish, and you are so close to the sea that you can imagine that you are on a boat rather than a train.

Laura met me on the train at Totnes and, on arrival in Plymouth, we headed for the pre-match pub. I knew that the pub didn’t do food, so was annoyed to find that the café that I had identified to grab something to eat was closed. But there was a coffee chain just up the road, so we were able to get a sandwich and take it into the pub (with their blessing). When we arrived, we noticed that most of the clientele were Watford fans. It was another great pub, the beer was excellent, and the staff were friendly. Given that almost everyone in there was a Watford fan, I am not sure how we ended up sitting next to a group of Plymouth fans, but they were really lovely. They are very positive about where their club is now. Having been close to folding, they are relieved to be debt-free. They were annoyed that, despite being Champions of League One last season, the media seemed to concentrate on Ipswich and Sheffield Wednesday. The FA Cup quarter final in 2007 was also mentioned. On that evening they completely battered us, but Ben Foster played a blinder and Bouazza scored the winner. I had to sympathise with them as we certainly didn’t deserve that win.

We gave ourselves plenty of time for the walk to the ground, which took us through a cemetery and down a side street in torrential rain. As we emerged, we saw a family park up and Laura asked if we were on the right track for the ground. The father turned around and was wearing a Watford top, so his guess was as good as ours, but he recognised me and said he reads my blog (hello!). We eventually found our way to the away end. We had to show our tickets to get to the queue for the turnstiles, so they had turned to mush by the time we got to use them. Our seats were cracking, just above an exit with a fabulous view.

Team news was that Ismaël had made three changes replacing Dele-Bashiru, Asprilla and Bayo with Andrews, Kayembe and Rajović. So, the starting XI was Hamer; Morris, Hoedt, Porteous, Andrews; Koné, Kayembe, Livermore; Martins, Rajović, Chakvetadze.

Prior to kick-off, the ball boys emerged from the tunnel in the corner and ran to the centre circle. They stood around it in formation before running to take their positions. Some found this laughable, but I rather enjoyed it.

The first action of the game came from behind the goalline where the grass was very slippery indeed. Pilgrim Pete, the Plymouth mascot, came a cropper as he tried to engage with the travelling Hornets. He was greeted with a far from sympathetic “You’re just a sh*t Harry Hornet.” On the pitch a good move finished with Martins playing a ball to Koné in the box, he flicked it goalwards and the Argyle keeper, Hazard, tipped it over the bar. At the other end, in front of the travelling Hornets, a Plymouth corner was met by a strong header from Andrews which was greeted with cheers from the away stand. The Hornets took the lead after 11 minutes, a throw from Andrews found Martins in the box, he cut the ball back for Kayembe who beat Hazard with a shot into the bottom corner. As we celebrated in the away end, I was interested to see Hoedt, Porteous and Livermore running to Ismaël, presumably for instructions, instead of joining in with the goal celebration. Maybe they weren’t supposed to score that early. The Hornets threatened again as Rajović intercepted a poor back pass and broke forward, but Hazard was out to meet him. At the other end, Hamer slipped while trying to make a clearance and the ball fell to Whittaker, but Hoedt was back to make a tremendous tackle. Then Koné gave the ball away in the midfield, Randell broke forward and played a lovely pass to Hardie whose shot came back off the post.

The home side threatened again with a shot from Whittaker that was parried by Hamer and eventually the ball was deflected for a corner from which Argyle scored their equaliser. The delivery was headed out but fell to Azaz who hit a gorgeous volley from outside the box that looped past Hamer. It was a well taken goal and it had been coming. There was applause on 22 minutes for Kiam Cummins, a young Plymouth fan who sadly passed away recently. The Hornets had a decent chance to regain the lead from a corner when Porteous met the delivery from Chakvetadze with a header that flew wide of the far post. The Hornets really should have tested the Plymouth keeper after Porteous played a lovely ball for Andrews who, instead of going for goal, crossed for Rajović and the pass was cut out. The Hornets threatened again as Martins broke into the box and played the ball back to Chakvetadze whose shot was blocked. The home side immediately broke down the other end where Whittaker had a shot blocked by Morris, but the ball rebounded to him, and he took a touch before shooting past Hamer into the opposite corner. The Hornets looked to strike back when Andrews beat a defender and ran into the box before unleashing a shot that flew just wide of the far post. Then Hardie ran on to a ball over the top, the away fans were begging for a flag, but Hamer came out to block the shot, thankfully the follow-up from Azaz was deflected out by Livermore. The resultant corner was played short and found its way to Whittaker whose shot was met by a great save from Hamer. It was the Hornets who scored next, and it was another beauty as Koné played a one-two with Chakvetadze before curling a gorgeous shot into the top corner. But the Hornets were not level for long as a quick move allowed Hardie to break forward and beat Hamer at the near post. There was five minutes of added time at the end of the half. The home side had a couple of chances to increase their lead. First, from a Watford free kick, the ball was intercepted, and the Pilgrims broke down the other end where a fantastic tackle from Andrews prevented Hardie from adding to his goal tally. Another break finished with a shot from Whittaker that was deflected wide. From the resultant corner, Azaz shot straight at Hamer, so we reached the break just a goal down after a bonkers half of football. I don’t know how the players spent the half time break, but the fans needed a lie down.

A very blurred image of Andrews and Morris with the crowd

Ismaël made a change at the break bringing Asprilla on for Kayembe. The Colombian was immediately involved, playing a ball for Rajović who took a touch before taking a shot that was deflected wide. The Hornets were then caught by another quick Argyle break as Whittaker bore down on goal, thankfully his shot cleared the bar. At the other end Rajović played the ball back for Asprilla whose shot was just wide of the far post. The Hornets threatened again as Chakvetadze broke forward and found Andrews whose shot from the edge of the area flew well wide. The Hornets continued to look for the equaliser, and Morris had a great chance, but Hazard made the block. Then Andrews played the ball back for Martins whose shot flew just wide of the far post. Behind us there was a countdown to the 55^th minute for Julie to have her lucky polo mint. It worked wonders as, almost immediately, Livermore played a gorgeous ball over the top for Andrews who dinked the ball over Hazard to draw the Hornets level again. The goal was just in front of us, so he ran to the front of the away stand to celebrate with the travelling faithful. The Hornets looked to take the lead with a shot from the edge of the area by Asprilla, but it cleared the bar. The first booking for the home side went to Mumba for pulling Andrews back. Chakvetadze went on another storming run but his shot from distance was caught by Hazard.

Argyle made a double substitution at this point bringing Cundle and Millar on in place of Houghton and Mumba. The home side threatened after a free kick that was played short by Whittaker, he took the return and hit a low shot that was well saved by Hamer. Plymouth then made another change with Kesler-Hayden making way for Edwards. The next chance for the Hornets came as Koné played a lovely ball for Andrews but the cross was blocked. Ismaël then made a double substitution with Chakvetadze and Koné making way for Healey and Dele-Bashiru. Tom was immediately in action playing a ball to Rajović who poked a poor effort wide of the target. The home side had a great chance to regain the lead after a free kick was taken short and Azaz unleashed a shot that needed a brilliant save from Hamer to keep it out. There were shouts for a penalty when Healey was pulled over in the box. It looked like a stonewall penalty from our vantage point behind the goal, but the referee was unimpressed. With 10 minutes to go, the home side made another change as Issaka replaced Hardie. The Hornets almost scored a fourth when a low cross from Morris was met by Scarr whose clearance went just the other side of the post. I think that we were all surprised that Ismaël’s final change was to bring Louza on in place of Andrews. It has been so long since he has played that I almost didn’t recognise him. The attendance was announced over the tannoy and they noted that there were 1459 travelling fans. It was an impressive turnout on new year’s day and I am glad to report that the travelling fans had been positive throughout and were in full voice as the game came to a close. There was five minutes of time added on during which the travelling Hornets alternated between nervously checking the clock and roaring the lads on. Hamer came to the rescue again tipping a great shot from Whittaker over the bar. From the corner Scarr headed wide of the far post. Argyle had one final chance to take all three points with a shot from distance by Gibson that cleared the bar. But the final whistle went on a three all draw that had been enjoyed by all.

Good luck drying the ball in these conditions, Rhys

The players came over to applaud us at the end of the game but couldn’t be blamed for wanting to quickly make their way to the tunnel to escape the wind and rain that had battered the stadium for the entire 90+ minutes of the game. But Ismaël came over and waved at them to come back and applaud us again.

The travelling fans were full of smiles on the way out of the ground. It had been a tremendously entertaining game. It was one of those days when you would have loved to be a neutral, but we had all enjoyed it just the same. The Hornets had generally been great going forward, although Rajović had a poor game, but we could not cope with the pace of the Plymouth forwards who seemed to break forward at will needing great last-ditch tackles and excellent saves from Hamer to keep them out. There had been some wonderful goals, with Koné’s an absolute belter. Andrews had a great game, and his goal was a thing of beauty. The nerves had been jangling at the end of the game, but there was a great atmosphere among the Watford fans, much more positive than we have seen at many games this season and they were in good voice cheering the lads on with much less of the negative chanting that I hate so much.

Special mention must go to our disabled fans who were stationed at the front of the stand where they were rained on throughout the game. They travel week in, week out often having the worst seats in the house. I admire them for their loyalty and resilience.

It was still pouring as we walked back to the station, so we were all drenched by the time that we got there, and it was a relief to remove the wet outer garments when we boarded the train (and a misery to put them back on when we reached London).

We didn’t come back with three points, but we did have a great day out and were thoroughly entertained, even if I did arrive home wondering if I would ever be dry again.

I won’t be at the next two games as I will be diving in Little Cayman, so please give the lads a cheer for me and I will be back for the trip to Bristol. Happy new year!

Hornets Undone by a Brace from Vardy

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It was a leisurely start for the journey to Leicester. When I arrived at St Pancras, the train was already boarding. There were no seat reservations showing when I boarded, much to the annoyance of some of my fellow passengers. As the train filled up, they announced that for health and safety reasons, due to overcrowding, there would be no trolley service in first class. I had been looking forward to a bacon roll but had to make do with a satsuma that I had put in my bag.

For a few years, our pre-match hostelry in Leicester has been the Parcel Yard by the station, but it has now closed down. So, I consulted Jerry Ladell’s list of recommended pubs and headed to the Blue Boar. On arrival, it was packed, but Jacque had met up with Jerry and the East Anglian Hornets who kindly shifted up so that I could have a seat. The beer was good, and the stilton cob was tasty and substantial. Just what I needed after missing out on breakfast. Catherine and Laura joined us after the coach arrived. They were a little concerned about the lack of Watford colours in the pub. I assured them that those at our table were all Hornets and they then got into a conversation with the Leicester fans at the next table who said that they had high regard for Watford fans after the banner that was held up in the away end in memory of Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, after that terrible accident. We all left the pub commenting on what a lovely place it was.

Hoedt prepares for a goal kick with Porteous and Bachmann in attendance

When the team news came out, I was annoyed to see that we would be wearing the away shirt. The pre-match tweet the previous day had featured the home shirt, so I had brought that with me. That will teach me not to pack all three.

Team news was that Ismaël made three changes from the Rotherham game with Bachmann, Louza and Ince in for Hamer, Koné and Asprilla. So, the starting XI was Bachmann; Lewis, Hoedt, Porteous, Andrews; Louza, Kayembe, Livermore; Sema, Rajović, Ince. Ex-Watford man Hamza Choudhury started for the home side. It was interesting (and pleasing) to see that both teams took the knee prior to kick-off.

The first attack of note came from the home side, a quick break from Mavididi that was stopped by an excellent tackle from Andrews who took the ball off his foot. Leicester launched another attack after Louza gave the ball away to Iheanacho who broke through the middle while being pulled back by Livermore, he managed to break into the box, but a heavy touch allowed Bachmann to gather the ball.

Louza prepares to take a free kick with Andrews alongside

The first chance for the Hornets came as Ince played a square ball to Rajović whose shot missed the target when it looked easier to score. The Hornets threatened again with a good move that finished with Kayembe finding Louza whose shot flew well over the bar. The next chance for the home side came after they took a quick free kick, Dewsbury-Hall broke into the box and put in a cross that was cut out by Hoedt. The home side threatened again with a shot from distance by Faes that flew well wide of the far post. The next chance for the Hornets came from a corner, Sema’s delivery was met by the head of Porteous, but he could only find the roof of the net. The Hornets had another chance to break the deadlock when Ince won a free kick, but Louza’s delivery was again well over the target. The home side launched another quick break through Ndidi who fed McAteer, but Bachmann blocked the cross. The home side then had a decent chance with a shot from outside the box by Dewsbury-Hall that Bachmann dropped to save. The home side should have taken the lead after Porteous gave away a stupid free kick in a dangerous position. Justin played the ball back for Dewsbury-Hall whose shot curled just wide of the target as Bachmann watched. The first booking of the game went to Louza for stopping the taking of a free kick. The next chance for the Hornets came after Sema won a free kick and took it himself, but Hermansen punched it clear. There were a number in the away crowd booing Choudhury, which I found completely baffling. The home side threatened again when McAteer received the ball in space, but his shot was wide of the near post. McAteer had another chance from a corner, but this time his effort was well over the bar. Just before half time, the home side had their best chance of the game so far, again it was McAteer who met a looping cross from Dewsbury-Hall with a downward header that Bachmann did well to block. The home side had a final chance to go into the break ahead when Bachmann punched a corner, the ball dropped to Iheanacho, but his shot was also blocked. So, we went into the break with the game goalless. Leicester had the majority of the play and most of the chances, but the Hornets had done very well to frustrate them and make them look rather poor.

I saw Ross and Zoë from Ayrshire at half-time, who were very positive about what they had seen. Ross asked if I was going straight home. My comment that it was a short journey was met with “For you!”

The home side had an early chance in the second half with a quick break that finished with a shot from Mavididi that was saved by Bachmann. The Hornets had a decent chance to break the deadlock after Bachmann launched the ball upfield, it was flicked on by Rajović to Louza whose shot was deflected for a corner from which Sema’s delivery was caught by Hermansen. The home side threatened with another quick break, Mavididi exchanged passes with Iheanacho before shooting into the side netting. The next booking of the game went to Porteous for a foul on Iheanacho. From the resultant free kick, Vestergaard’s header was cleared by Hoedt but the ball fell to Choudhury whose effort was almost turned in by Justin. With 10 minutes of the half gone, each side made a double substitution. Vardy and Fatawu replaced Iheanacho and McAteer for the home side. While Louza and Livermore made way for Chakvetadze and Koné for the Hornets. Fatawu had a great chance soon after coming on, unleashing a shot that Bachmann blocked. The first booking for the home side went to Ndidi for a push on Chakvetadze.

The next chance for the home side came after a quick free kick released Fatawu who cut the ball back for Vardy whose shot was well over the bar. Each side then made a further change with Casadei replacing Ndidi for the home side and Bayo coming on in place of Rajović for the Hornets. The next booking of the game went to Vardy for kicking the ball away when he was flagged offside. The home side should have taken the lead when Ricardo crossed for Dewsbury-Hall who turned and hit a shot that rebounded off the post. The home side had another chance following a cross from Ricardo, this time for Vestergaard whose header cleared the bar. The home side should have taken the lead from the next move as Mavididi crossed for Vardy at the far post, the goal was gaping, but he managed to clear the bar. Leicester finally made the breakthrough on 76 minutes, A free-kick from Dewsbury-Hall was headed goalwards by Vestergaard, Bachmann punched it clear, but the ball fell to Vardy who poked home. The home side looked to increase their lead when Casadei found space for a shot, but his effort flew wide of the far post. They continued to push for a second as Dewsbury-Hall crossed for Mavididi whose shot was saved by Bachmann. Then Mavididi turned provider with a cross for Casadei whose header was gathered by Bachmann. Hornets made a double change bringing Asprilla and Martins on for Ince and Lewis. The home side also made a change with Dewsbury-Hall making way for Akgün. Asprilla’s first contribution was to play the ball out to Andrews whose shot was deflected to the keeper. Then Chakvetadze played the ball out to Martins whose shot was blocked. The Hornets had a great chance for an equaliser when Porteous exchanged passes with Chakvetadze before storming through the middle, but his shot was weak and easily gathered by Hermansen. The Hornets continued to push for an equaliser as Martins played the ball to Chakvetadze, but the shot was high and wide. Sadly, it was the home side who scored the next goal. Vardy broke into the box and seemed to invite the challenge from Bachmann. The referee pointed to the spot and showed Bachmann a second yellow card, he had been cautioned earlier for a protest after a nasty foul on Hoedt. Porteous took his shirt and gloves and went in goal. He went the right way, but had no chance with Vardy’s powerful penalty, so the Hornets fell to a two goal defeat.

Most Watford fans that I spoke to after the game thought that it had been a decent performance from the Hornets. They had set up to frustrate Leicester and had been very effective but, once the breakthrough came, a comeback looked unlikely. The Bachmann sending off was frustrating, although the first yellow seemed rather harsh.

The journey home was awful. I had chosen to travel back on the 19:05, as I thought that would allow most of the crowds to disperse. I hadn’t factored in the fact that Brighton were playing at Nottingham Forest, so the train was already full when it arrived at Leicester. I boarded and requested that the guy in my booked seat give it up. I was very grateful that he did. But the train was even busier than the one earlier in the day. People were standing in the aisles and a lot of loud football fans were shouting to each other, so I could barely hear the output from my headphones. The upside was that there were a number of chants for João Pedro, who had scored two goals that afternoon. We go again on Tuesday against Norwich at Vicarage Road. Since a result away at Leicester was very unlikely, that game will be a better sign of whether we are back on track.

Two Points Lost Against the Lions

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I arrived at Euston to catch my usual train which, given that Millwall were the opposition, was much busier than usual, but I walked the length of the train to find that there was plenty of room in the front carriage. On the walk from the Junction to the West Herts, I bumped into a couple of men who asked me the way to the ground. As they had an accent, I asked where they were from. When they said they were Swedish, I asked who they were supporting today. “Ken Sema.” Of course they were. I told them how much I admired King Ken and I hoped that they would see him make a start.

Jacque and Don were already in place at the West Herts, and we were soon joined by the others including an appearance by my family members much earlier than is usually the case, which was lovely. Due to illness and holidays, this is the first time that we have all been at a match together in some time, so it was good to catch up. As an extra treat, Glenn appeared with a bag of scratchings, which did not last long at all.

Team news was that Ismaël had made two changes from Tuesday with Sema and Asprilla coming in for Martins and Ince. So, the starting XI was Bachmann; Lewis, Hoedt, Sierralta, Ngakia; Koné, Livermore, Kayembe; Sema, Bayo, Asprilla. Paul Robinson was welcomed back to the Vic, as he is currently the acting Assistant Manager at Millwall.

Prior to kick-off there was a minute’s applause for Bobby Charlton, fans in all stands enthusiastically joined in. Also, both teams held up a banner declaring that they were United against Racism although, judging by the photo posted, certain Millwall players did not take this very seriously.

Before kick-off, Pete Fincham came over to see us and give us a hug. It was so lovely to see him back at Vicarage Road, but so sad that he is no longer accompanied by his lovely son, Freddie.

The first chance of the game fell to the visitors with a shot from distance by Flemming that was claimed by Bachmann. The Hornets took the lead after 6 minutes. It started with a good passing move that culminated in a cross from Lewis, this was headed clear but only as far as Ngakia, his shot was blocked on the edge of the box, the ball fell to Kayembe whose shot was spilled by the Millwall keeper, Bialkowski, Cooper attempted a clearance which bounced off Asprilla and into the net. A great start to the game. The Hornets continued their good work as a lovely move on the left finished with a cross from Koné that was just missed by Bayo.

The visitors were level after 12 minutes. The Hornets failed to clear a corner, it came back and a cross from De Norre was flicked on by Bradshaw to Flemming at the back post where he headed the ball past Bachmann. The Millwall man celebrated by running behind the goal at the Rookery end, he fell over to jeers and then got up to flex his muscles in front of us. Unpleasant individual. It all went a bit quiet for a while, but the Hornets had a great chance to regain the lead in the 26^th minute from a Sema corner, the ball was helped on by Kayembe to Asprilla whose close-range shot was blocked by Bialkowski. The first booking of the game went to Flemming for pulling Sema back. The next chance for the Hornets came as Kayembe tried his luck from a mile out but, unsurprisingly, his shot flew way over the bar. The Hornets had another decent chance as Sema found Lewis in a great position, but his shot flew wide of the far post with Bayo, again, not able to connect and turn it in. The first booking for the Hornets went to Livermore for arguing with the (apparently Luton supporting) referee when he wasn’t given a foul. There was also a booking for the visitors as Saville was cautioned for wiping Koné out. The Hornets had another decent effort when Asprilla played a cross for Bayo whose header flew just over the bar. There was a one more chance in time added on for the Hornets to go into the break ahead when Sema played the ball to Livermore in the box, but he shot wide of the target when he should have done better. So, we went into the break with honours even and the players left the field to applause after a decent half of football.

The Hornets could have taken the lead in the first minute of the second half when Ngakia played a one-two with Asprilla before going on a great run into the box and putting in a shot that took a deflection and trickled just wide of the post. The next booking of the game went to Asprilla after he pulled Saville over. There was a delay in the match for Sierralta to be treated for a head injury. The Hornets threatened again when Bayo closed the keeper down, but he couldn’t control the loose ball so conceded a goal kick. The Hornets had another decent chance to regain the lead when Koné headed the ball down for Kayembe who turned and unleashed a powerful shot that Bialkowski did very well to push clear. On the hour mark both sides made substitutions. The visitors replaced Honeyman with Longman and the Hornets made a triple change with Asprilla, Koné and Bayo making way for Martins, Louza and Rajović. The visitors then had their first chance of the half as Flemming hit a shot from distance, but it was well over the bar. But there was no time for complacency as they had a great chance soon after with a shot from Longman that flew just wide of the target. Sierralta had to leave the pitch again for treatment and returned with his head bandaged. He immediately went up for a header (which he missed). The Hornets threatened again as Louza went on a run and put in a cross that the keeper punched before Rajović could connect. Then a cross from Martins was met by a weak header from Rajović, the ball dropped close to Lewis who wasn’t expecting it, so didn’t react.

Back to the centre circle after Rajović scored

The Hornets attacking continued with another cross by Martins that was blocked by the keeper, it fell to Rajović whose touch turned it wide. Louza should have done better when he received a cross from Lewis, but he volleyed wide when he should have hit the target. There was an odd moment when Sema appeared to be booked for timewasting when taking a corner that had been delayed when a Millwall player threw the ball back on the pitch. Others in our party thought that he had been punished for words with the lino. When the corner was finally taken it dropped for Sierralta at the far post, he shot over the bar when it looked easier to hit the target. Into the final 10 minutes and each side made substitutions, Nisbet and Mitchell replaced Bradshaw and De Norre for the visitors and Sema made way for Ince for the Hornets. The ball had been in the Millwall half for a considerable time, so it was incredibly frustrating when the Hornets conceded a corner that Saville delivered for Harding to head home to give the visitors the lead. It was well against the run of play and there was little time for the Hornets to hit back, so a number of home fans headed for the exits. Ismaël made a final change as Healey replaced Kayembe. The visitors nearly had a third from a free kick, Cooper’s header was going in until Healey got his head to it and diverted it against the bar. The home faithful cheered the announcement of six minutes of added time and were rewarded when Martins played the ball out to Louza who crossed for Rajović to head home. The Hornets had a late chance to grab a winner as Louza crossed for Rajović whose header was blocked, the ball came out to Ince who shot wide. So, the Hornets finished with a point which really should have been three and were applauded off the pitch again.

It was another improved performance. The tedium of a few weeks ago has been replaced by a team with much more attacking intent, although some of the defensive frailties remain. The run of unbeaten games may only have stretched to three before Saturday, but it has brought with it an increasing confidence that manifests itself in more attacking play. The return of Sema has certainly added something as he is never afraid to try to beat a player and he makes things happen. I was also pleased that Asprilla put in a good showing after starting, proving that he isn’t just an impact sub. The triple substitution was maybe not Ismaël’s best decision as the three who were replaced had all been playing well. But it was inattentiveness at set pieces which let us down again.

There was some drama on the way back to the station. As we turned into the Hornets some police officers ran past us, although we couldn’t see what they were reacting to. Then I saw a lad trying to escape from an officer, who was caught and the two of them ended up flat out in a bush as the lad complained that he had done nothing. Thankfully, there was no more unpleasantness for the rest of the journey, and I was soon on a packed train where Millwall fans went up in my estimation as one offered me his seat (I declined). The performances in the last four games have set us up nicely for our trip to Huddersfield although, whatever happens on the pitch, that is always a cracking day out.

A Late Winner Brings Smiles Back to the Vic

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The journey to Watford on Saturday was totally without incident. I arrived at the West Herts before the gate guards did and was soon sitting comfortably with Jacque and a pint. The usual suspects joined us and we had a lovely chat about theatre and live music that we had seen, with very little reference to football. Rose and I chatted about the Taylor Trek, from which we had finally recovered. Discussion of the route brought happy memories to those who were brought up locally.

Team news was that Ismaël had made three changes from the Cardiff game as Porteous, Ince and Louza came in for Sierralta, Asprilla and Kayembe. So, the starting XI was Bachmann; Lewis, Hoedt, Porteous, Ngakia; Dele-Bashiru, Livermore, Louza; Martins, Bayo, Ince.

Prior to kick-off there was a minute’s silence for the innocent lives lost in Israel and Palestine. The introduction to this stated that there was no room for anti-semitism or islamophobia at Vicarage Road. They also expressed solidarity with Ken Sema after the murder of two Swedish football fans in Brussels. The silence was impeccably observed.

Porteous and Livermore waiting for the ball to drop

The first chance of the game came as Ngakia broke into the box and took a shot, but his effort was high and wide. Soon after, Ince found Martins whose shot was blocked. It was another 15 minutes before there was an incident worthy of note and it wasn’t that exciting as Martins played a ball to Ngakia on the right who put in a cross that flew past the far post. Watford had most of the possession but, just before the half hour, it was the visitors who had the best chance of the game so far as, from a Wednesday free kick, the ball came to Hendrick who crossed for Windass who headed just over the bar. Wednesday possibly had an argument for a penalty during this move as Diaby appeared to be bundled over in the box by Bayo, but the referee either didn’t see it or didn’t think it was a foul and there was no protest by the players. On the half hour, Ince played a lovely through ball for Ngakia who put in a great low cross that was a fraction too far in front of Bayo and was deflected for a corner that came to nothing. The next chance for the Hornets came as Hoedt tried his luck from distance, but his effort was high and wide. At the other end, from a Wednesday corner, the ball was played out to Buckley who shot over the target.

The next chance for the Hornets was a free kick from Martins that flew wide of the far post. There was a decent chance to open the scoring when Ngakia crossed for Louza, but the header cleared the bar. The first shot on target by either side came in the last minute of the first half, but the shot from distance by Hendrick was straight at Bachmann. There was just time for Porteous to get booked for a late foul on Windass. He protested vehemently, which was pointless as the card was deserved. The resultant free kick was met by the head of Iorfa and headed wide. There had been a lot of moaning from the crowd during the half at the reluctance of the players to play forward balls, so the half time whistle was met with loud boos. While I don’t boo, I couldn’t blame anyone who did. It had been a terrible half of football. I seem to have documented a number of chances above, but there had been no excitement in the half, it felt utterly tedious. Our Amelia said she could hardly keep her eyes open.

Sema and Chakvetadze livening up the game

Ismaël made two changes at the break bringing Rajović and Koné on for Bayo and Dele-Bashiru. The first chance of the second half was another shot from distance by Hoedt which was wide of the target. Lewis was the second Hornet to find his way into the referee’s book after taking down Valentín. Windass delivered the free kick into the box where it was headed over by Hendrick. Hornet hearts sank as Musaba appeared to throw himself over as Lewis tackled him in the box and the referee pointed to the spot. Fair play to the ref, he went to speak to the lino who had a great view of the incident and concluded that Lewis had won the ball and awarded a corner instead, much to the relief of the Watford faithful. Before the corner could be taken, Lewis was replaced by Sema. The appearance of King Ken was met with a loud roar of approval. The visitors had the next chance as a cross from Famewo was headed goalwards by Musaba, but Bachmann was equal to the effort. Musaba had another chance as he received a ball into the box from Paterson, he skipped past a defender and had only Bachmann to beat, but Dan came out to meet him and made the save.

Hoedt congratulates Asprilla on his goal

The next chance for the visitors came as a corner was headed clear to Buckley whose shot from distance was well over the bar. Each side made a change at this point with Musaba making way for Wilks for the visitors and Chakvetadze coming on in place of Louza for the Hornets. There was an immediate increase in the tempo of the game. Sema played the ball to Chakvetadze who played a great ball for Ince who was unable to capitalise, the ball fell to Koné whose shot was blocked. The first booking for the visitors went to Hendrick for a foul on Koné, which seemed harsh as the Watford man looked to have fallen over. With about 15 minutes remaining both sides made a change with James replacing Buckley for the visitors and Ince making way for Asprilla for the Hornets. Sema had been a breath of fresh air since his introduction, and he had the crowd on their feet as he ran down the wing before dancing past a couple of defenders on the byline and taking a shot from an acute angle that Dawson saved at the near post. The Hornets took the lead in the 81^st minute and it was a lovely goal. Koné played a gorgeous pass that released Asprilla on the right, he cut inside and ran along the top of the box before picking his spot and shooting past Dawson into the bottom corner. We were right behind the goal, and he had a very narrow channel to shoot into, so I was both surprised and delighted when his effort hit the net.

The visitors made two late changes with Hendrick and Windass making way for Smith and Gregory. The Hornets looked for a second as Asprilla fed Martins, his shot was blocked, the ball rebounded to Chakvetadze whose shot was straight at Dawson in the Wednesday goal. There was six minutes of added time, and the Hornets had a couple of chances to increase their lead. First Ngakia fed Martins whose shot was saved. Then Chakvetadze played a back heel for Martins who was on the run and took a first time shot that cleared the bar, when he had time to take a touch and give himself a chance of a shot on target. So, the final whistle went on what was a just about deserved win for the Hornets. It was testament to the goal and the improved performance in the last half hour that there were no boos at the end of the match and the players were applauded off the pitch.

The post-match consensus was that it had been a poor game between two sides low on confidence. In the first half the Hornets had appeared afraid to attack. A frustrated shout from one of my neighbours of “Bachmann is open” when the ball was being played about the midfield summed it up. But the introduction of Koné, Sema and Chakvetadze led to a more positive approach and more willingness to run at the defence. The goal came from an audacious move by Asprilla, which was great to see. Hopefully Sema will be fit to start on Tuesday as he makes a tremendous difference. The others have to show that they can affect the game for ninety minutes rather than being impact substitutes.

At the end of the game, it was announced on the big screen that Bobby Charlton had passed away. This news was met with great sadness from all there. Bobby was so well respected by all who love the beautiful game. He will be greatly missed.

A Pleasing Point in the October Sun

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I was at Paddington bright and early for the train to Cardiff. I met Jacque there and we had an uneventful journey, the highlight of which was a lovely view of some Red Kites who put on a display of diving as we passed by. We arrived to a lovely sunny day in Wales and walked to our pre-match hostelry. We meet in the café bar of an arts centre, which was introduced to Toddy and I some years ago by the late lamented Kimmo Muttonen. Jacque and I met Serena there and had good beer and a lovely lunch sitting in the sunshine. Very unexpected for October.

It is a short walk from there to the ground. On the way, I overheard a Cardiff fan saying that he would be happy with a point, given their injury list. After Wednesday, I thought that his expectations were far too low. Jacque had just commented that we hadn’t encountered Ross from Ayrshire when he and Zoe appeared at our side. He was amazed at the weather and bemoaned the fact that his pre-match pub had not had a garden for him to top up his tan. He should have joined us. On arrival at the away end, I am pleased to say that we were met by some absolutely lovely stewards who made sure that we had all the information about the ground that we needed. The away end at Cardiff is mostly safe standing now, which is a great idea. Given that most people now stand at away games, the rails make it much more comfortable as well as being safer.

Livermore on the ball with Sierralta and Kayembe looking on

Team news was that Ismaël had made four changes from midweek as Martins, Livermore, Kayembe and Asprilla came in for Chakvetadze, Porteous, Louza, and Ince. So, the starting XI was Bachmann; Lewis, Hoedt, Sierralta, Ngakia; Dele-Bashiru, Livermore, Kayembe; Martins, Bayo, Asprilla. As on Wednesday the Hornets were wearing a change strip, this time the white and maroon away shirt which has always appealed to me as they are Galway colours.

The game started very slowly, the first action in either box coming in the 12^th minute when Martins played a low cross for Bayo, who was unable to connect allowing the keeper, Alnwick, to gather. Then Dele-Bashiru played a through ball for Martins whose shot was blocked. The Hornets threatened again as Asprilla put in a cross, but it was too high for Bayo. The first real chance of the game fell to the home side as Grant broke down the left and hit a shot, Bachmann got a hand to it and Hoedt cleared the loose ball before anyone could capitalise. Grant caused more danger for the Hornets as he beat Kayembe in the midfield and broke forward, but his shot was terrible, flying well over the bar. The home side took the lead in the 26^th minute, it started with some dodgy defending as a looping header from Sierralta dropped for Lewis who lost out to Tanner whose shot from distance was deflected out. Ralls delivered the resultant corner which was headed on and dropped for McGuinness to volley home. Hearts sank in the away end as we contemplated another defeat.

Cardiff could have had a second soon after when Dele-Bashiru lost out to Ralls, but he tried a shot from distance that was well over the target. It took over half an hour for the Hornets to have a shot, although I am not sure that it was worthy of the name, as the ball broke to Bayo who really should have done better than steering his effort well wide of the far post. The next move started with Lewis who found Bayo, he tried to play a one-two with Kayembe, but the return pass hit a defender and was deflected out. The resultant corner was headed on by Hoedt to Asprilla at the back post, but he was stretching to meet it so could only head over the bar. The first booking for the Hornets went to Sierralta for a shirt pull. The resultant free kick from Ralls was headed wide by Ng. As half time approached, the away crowd became impatient, booing a pass back to Bachmann and even louder when the launch upfield was nowhere near a Watford man. The Hornets should have been level just before half time when Bayo intercepted a back pass, he had the goal at his mercy, but tried to pass to Martins instead of shooting and ended up conceding a goal kick. There were loud boos at half time. It had been a very poor half of football. Watford had a lot of possession but did nothing with it and conceded from poor defending at a set piece.

Livermore waiting to congratulate Bayo on his goal

The first chance of the second half fell to the home side with a header from Grant, but it was an easy catch for Bachmann. Then Asprilla did really well to win the ball but, instead of shooting, he passed back for Martins to the position that he had just vacated, and the chance was gone. The Hornets were level on 54 minutes due to a disaster in the Cardiff defence. There seemed to be no danger when McGuinness played a back pass to Alnwick, but the keeper failed to control it, Bayo intercepted and found the net. Bayo’s shot lacked power, so I feared that it would be cleared, but it reached the net before the defender arrived to clear off the line. Again, Bayo didn’t celebrate. There was a rash of substitutions just before the hour mark. First Robinson replaced Ralls for the home side. Then Louza and Ince came on in place of Dele-Bashiru and Asprilla for the Hornets. Soon after, Sierralta picked up an injury and was replaced by Porteous. The Hornets had a chance to take the lead when Louza found Martins, but his shot from the left cleared the bar. Then Louza and Martins combined again, this time Matheus broke into the box and tried to pull the ball back for Bayo who was unable to capitalise. The home side had their first chance for some time from a corner, but McGuinness headed it into the arms of Bachmann. The Hornets should have taken the lead when Wintle lost out to Ince in the box, he should have tested the keeper, but his shot cleared the bar.

The home fans were a bit disgruntled at this point so one decided to make his own entertainment by invading the pitch. He skipped away from a couple of stewards before being taken down and dragged off. What on earth was the point of that? The Hornets had another half chance when a cross from Ngakia was cleared to Livermore outside the box, but his shot cleared the bar. Both sides made a late change as Rajović replaced Martins for the Hornets and Ugbo made way for Sawyers for the home side. When they announced that there would be 5 minutes of added time, there were roars from the travelling Hornets. But the closest that we came to a winner in added time was a shot from distance by Kayembe that he blasted against a defender. So, we gained a point on the road. For the first time in a few weeks, the players were applauded off. They all came over to applaud the travelling fans and a number of them showed their appreciation by giving away their shirts.

Most leaving the ground seemed quite happy with the performance. While the first half had been woeful, the second half was much better. The players were closing the opposition down and making things difficult for them, which we haven’t seen for a while. The attacking effort was also better than of late although they were still far too shot shy. There were a couple of occasions (Bayo and Asprilla come to mind) when a shot seemed a better option than the pass that they ended up failing to make. Livermore had a solid game and Kayembe looked more solid as the game went on. Louza impressed me on his appearance from the bench showing some decent touches which have been all too rare in the past few weeks. It was not a great performance, but there was a spirit there and it was good to see the team come back from a goal down and they were the most likely winners of the game. It was certainly good to break the losing streak before the international break.

As we had a while to wait for the train, Jacque brought some beer for the journey home. I decided to wait and have wine on the train. When the train arrived, we found that it had only 5 carriages instead of 10, so it was declassified and all seat reservations were cancelled. Jacque and I managed to get seats, but there were a lot of people standing in the aisles and the vestibules. At a number of the stations, there were requests for people to give up seats for new passengers who needed them, and it was gratifying to see some lovely youngsters willingly doing so. As if the crowding wasn’t bad enough, there is no free wine on GWR, so that was terrible planning on my part having been lulled into a false sense of security by the service on LNER during the week.

During the international break next week I will be filling my time by taking part in the Taylor Trek in aid of the Watford Community Sports & Education Trust. If you have a few spare pennies, please send them my way https://watfordfccsetrust.enthuse.com/pf/frances-lynn. It is a great cause.

A Lovely Day by the Sea Spoilt by the Football

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When I made the booking for this game, I reached out to the Women of Watford and my usual group of travelling Hornets and there were no takers at all. In search of company, I asked the Happy Valleys if they were going, as they are usually in attendance at the northern games. Most of them had planned an evening together in front of the telly in Halifax, but I finally connected with Angela who had planned a few days in the northeast around this game, so I would have a friend after all.

I had also arranged to spend a couple of days in Newcastle, which turned out to be good planning as there was a train strike on the day of the game. My hotel booking was less successful as, when I booked a hotel on the quayside, I failed to notice that it was the Gateshead side beyond the Baltic, which isn’t that far out of the city centre but felt it as I dragged my bag along the banks of the Tyne on a blustery day. I also discovered on arrival that I hadn’t packed my camera (which I discovered when I got home had somehow dropped into an empty box in the kitchen), so the photos are even poorer than usual as, unlike everyone else in the ground, I seem to be unable to take photos on my phone using the zoom.

I started the day on Wednesday with a visit to the Baltic gallery for an interesting exhibition which was centred around a recreation of a relief panel depicting the Assyrian gardens in Nineveh. This was a collage made up of packaging from South Asian and African foodstuffs. It was surrounded by beds of plants used for food, spices, and medicinal uses with informative captions about the use of each plant. I managed to latch on to the tour that was taking place, which really opened it up for me. Each day they have sessions at which therapeutic teas are brewed and on offer and people are allowed to grind their own spice mixes. Sadly, I couldn’t stay around for this, as I had planned to take a walk by the seaside.

In all the times that I have been to Sunderland, I have never seen the sea, so I decided to remedy that. The weather was looking rather unwelcoming as I travelled out and I was caught in a shower when changing trains (due to taking the wrong branch line). But the sun came out as I arrived in Seaburn, and I was soon on the seafront. I visited a seafood restaurant to get a crab sandwich for my lunch, which I had while sitting gazing out to sea. From there I walked the length of the prom down to the Roker Beach. It was rather lovely.

At the appointed time, I headed into the town. We usually have our pre-match drinks in Newcastle but, due to my desire to see the sea and the fact that Newcastle were playing PSG that evening, I decided to follow the EA Horns recommendation for a Sunderland pub and very good it was too. I arrived early doors and it filled quickly before Angela joined me. She had been on a tour of the Victoria Tunnels during the afternoon, something I had not heard of before, but it is now on my list for a future visit.

We left in plenty of time to reach the ground. I had forgotten that there was quite a climb to the away end, although they have amusing comments on the walls at each landing to distract you from your aching legs. On arrival at our section, we were told to sit where we liked. It was not going to be packed in the away end. We were joined for the game by Ross from Ayrshire, another glutton for punishment.

Team news was that Ismaël had made two changes from the experimental line-up that played Middlesbrough as Chakvetadze and Ince came in for Rajović and Asprilla. So, the starting XI was Bachmann; Lewis, Hoedt, Porteous, Ngakia; Dele-Bashiru, Sierralta, Louza; Chakvetadze, Bayo, Ince. Martins was absent due to a death in the family, so my thoughts are with him and his family. Former Watford youngster Luke O’Nien started for Sunderland. I am glad that he has done so well, I always had a soft spot for him as a Hemel boy. The Hornets were wearing the light blue third shirt for the first time this season, even though there was no colour clash, so my purchase wasn’t in vain.

There was an early warning from the home side as Clarke broke into the box, Bachmann saved his shot, but the ball was pinging about rather alarmingly until the Hornets eventually managed to clear. In the 6^th minute, there was applause for Bradley Lowery from all corners of the ground with chants of “One Bradley Lowery” from the away end. The home side threatened again as Roberts broke down the left before playing the ball back to Ba whose shot was blocked. The next effort, from Bellingham, had the same outcome. The first attack of note for the Hornets came in the 20^th minute when Lewis broke upfield, but his cross was into no man’s land. The first booking of the game went to Ngakia for a foul on Clarke. The next chance for the home side was a low shot from Bellingham that was easily gathered by Bachmann. The Hornets then had a decent chance as Bayo played a short pass to Ince who curled a shot straight at Patterson in the Sunderland goal. Chakvetadze was the next to try his luck, but his shot was also straight at the keeper. Chakvetadze was in action again soon after and should have done better after receiving a pass from Louza, but he delayed before taking his shot and lost the ball. The Hornets threatened again with a cross from Ngakia that was just too high for Bayo to reach. The Hornets were shouting for a penalty as, following a Chakvetadze free kick, Sierralta appeared to be pushed over by O’Nien. It looked a clear foul to us from our position high behind the goal, but the referee decided that Sierralta was the aggressor (possibly due to the difference in physiques of the two players) and awarded a free kick to the home side. I may have revised my opinion of O’Nien at this point. Sunderland immediately broke down the other end and Huggins beat three defenders as he skipped into the box before shooting past Bachmann. It was another soft goal to give away and incredibly frustrating as the Hornets had been dominating and really should have had a penalty. The Hornets had a chance to hit back in time added on at the end of the half, a decent move saw Ince exchanging passes with Ngakia before crossing for Chakvetadze whose shot was soft and straight at Patterson. So, we went into the break a goal down.

Ismaël made a change at the break bringing Andrews and Asprilla on in place of Ngakia and Ince. The first chance of the second half fell to the Hornets as Lewis found Dele-Bashiru who fed Louza, but his shot was easily dealt with by Patterson. The next booking of the game went to Burstow for a foul on Porteous. The Hornets really should have done better with their next chance as Chakvetadze found Bayo on the edge of the box, but his shot was wild, flying way over the target. It was a waste of a great position. Dele-Bashiru was then harshly booked for a tackle in which he won the ball but clipped the man. The referee had been giving soft fouls all evening and making some very odd decisions. Roberts delivered the resultant free kick into the box where it was met by the head of Ballard whose effort flew just over the bar, much to the relief of the Watford fans behind the goal. The players’ inability to play the ball around at the back nearly caused trouble again as the ball was given away, the resultant shot from Roberts was deflected wide. The Hornets conceded a second following the resultant corner, Burstow lofted the ball into the box, Bellingham headed it back across goal and Ba headed it past Bachmann. The Watford keeper appeared to be injured in the move, but I didn’t see any contact. The Hornets had a half chance to pull one back as Chakvetadze tried a shot from distance, but it was over the target. At this point Ismaël made a double substitution replacing Dele-Bashiru and Chakvetadze with Koné and Healey. The home side also made a change bringing Aouchiche on in place of Roberts. The Hornets almost conceded a third after a poor pass from Hoedt was intercepted by the substitute, Aouchiche, Bachmann came out to meet him and took the pace off the shot allowing Porteous to clear off the line. Hoedt redeemed himself soon after with a great tackle on Hume after he jinked into the box, the loose ball fell to Clarke whose shot was blocked. There was a double booking for the Hornets after Louza was fouled, he was cautioned for his reaction and Bachmann for his protest. It was chucking it down at this point as Ismaël made a final change bringing Rajović on in place of Louza. Emblematic of our performance, the Hornets won a free kick and the delivery from Lewis flew out for a throw-in on the opposite side. Very poor. Porteous then took one for the team earning a yellow card for fouling Clarke just outside the box. The resultant free kick hit the wall. There was more misery for the Hornets as Andrews was shown a straight red for a late tackle on Clarke. Sunderland made a rash of late substitutions and the fourth official indicated six minutes of added time as the ground emptied. The Hornets had a chance to pull one back as a Bachmann free kick dropped to Healey, but his effort flew high and wide. There was one final ball into the Sunderland box, but Patterson reached it before Bayo and the Hornets fell to their third consecutive defeat.

Louza and Chakvetadze preparing to take a free kick

There were loud boos from the travelling Hornets and some in the crowd got rather animated as they expressed their displeasure, so much so that the stewards got involved. It was another frustrating loss. Based on possession and chances it had been an even game, but the Hornets were undone by poor defending and being wasteful with their chances. There was an argument that we were unlucky to go behind in the first half as we had been on top and should have had a penalty just before they scored the first. But you can’t defend like that and expect to get something out of the game, and we never looked like getting back into it once the second goal went in. I do worry about Ismaël’s insistence on the players playing out from the back as they are clearly not comfortable doing so. Hoedt, in particular, looks to be in a complete panic while looking for a pass. That doesn’t help anybody’s confidence.

I had feared that a defeat here and at Cardiff would mean the departure of Ismaël during the international break, but the new contract announced this week means that will not be the case. I hope that the good work that the management are seeing on the training ground results in some improved results very soon, as we are in a very precarious position in the table. Thank you to those who have already sponsored me. Just a reminder that I will be taking part in the Taylor Trek again this year in aid of the Watford Community Sports & Education Trust. If you have a few spare pennies, please send them my way https://watfordfccsetrust.enthuse.com/pf/frances-lynn. It is a great cause.

Defensive Frailty Spoils an Entertaining Game

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Due to the train strike on Saturday, there were only Overground trains running to Watford. It was rather odd to see the boards outside Euston station only displaying trains to Watford Junction. I settled in for the journey and got off at the High Street station, which was convenient for my visit to the Mad Squirrel. My change in pre-match venue was to have a drink with Laura from Women of Watford for whom this was the nearest home game to the 50^th anniversary of her first visit to Vicarage Road. She reflected how lucky she was to have witnessed the entire GT era with the rise through the divisions (twice) and European competition. Those of us who lived through that time were totally spoilt.

For the end of September, it was a gorgeous day as we walked to the ground. My fleece and waterproof were surplus to requirements as we settled down to watch the game in conditions that were in stark contrast to the deluge the last time we were there.

Team news was that Ismaël had made four changes from the Leeds game as Ngakia, Dele-Bashiru, Asprilla and Bayo came in for Andrews, Koné, Ince and Martins. There was also a change in formation to 3-4-3. So, the starting XI was Bachmann; Hoedt, Sierralta, Porteous; Lewis, Dele-Bashiru, Louza, Ngakia; Bayo, Rajović, Asprilla.

It was a dreadful start to the game for the Hornets who were a goal down in the 4^th minute as Howson skipped past Dele-Bashiru in the midfield before playing a lovely defensive-splitting pass to McGree who finished past Bachmann, it was all too simple. The first chance of the game for the Hornets came after 11 minutes when Ngakia crossed for Bayo whose header flew wide of the target. From the goal kick, the ball was quickly moved upfield to Crooks who played a square ball for McGree to score his second of the afternoon. The Hornets pulled one back after 18 minutes as Porteous played a lovely cross-field ball, Fry failed to cut it out, so it fell for Bayo who finished past Dieng. The visitors had a chance to increase their lead after another quick break, Coburn’s cross was interrupted by a defensive foot, but the ball fell to Jones, who shot over the target. The Hornets then had a great chance to grab an equaliser when Sierralta won the ball in midfield and exchanged passes with Hoedt before playing the ball out to Asprilla who played a lovely through ball for Bayo who broke into the box, but the keeper narrowed the angle, so he could only shoot over the target. The Hornets threatened again as Lewis played a ball to Asprilla in the box, his shot was deflected out for a corner. The initial delivery was poor, but the ball came out to Louza on the edge of the box, his shot flew over the target. The visitors had another chance as Howson chipped the ball into the box, but Crooks missed the header. Boro were forced into an early substitution as the injured O’Brien was replaced by Smith. The Hornets threatened again after Ngakia did well to battle his way onto the bye-line and win a corner, which was taken short and Louza crossed for Bayo who headed wide of the target. The first booking of the game went to Porteous for a robust foul on Howson. The Hornets had a chance to draw level before the break when Hoedt played a lovely cross to the far post, but Rajović was unable to connect. Then Asprilla exchanged passes with Bayo before taking a shot that was blocked. So, the Hornets reached the break a goal down.

There were some boos at the half time whistle, which I thought were a bit harsh. It had been a terrible start to the game with the two early goals, which were both down to poor defending, but the Hornets came back into it and could have been level at the break.

The tannoy announcer was a voice that I hadn’t heard before. She was very enthusiastic. I have never heard anybody so excited about the half-time shootout.

Ismaël made a change at the break bringing Martins on in place of Rajović, who had been invisible. The substitute was involved immediately winning a corner. His next contribution was to find Dele-Bashiru whose shot from outside the box cleared the bar. The Hornets should have equalised when a cross from Ngakia was met by a great header from Bayo that was on target, but Dieng made a wonderful save to keep it out. The resultant corner was cleared to Hoedt on the edge of the box from where he found the bottom corner to level the game. It was interesting that he ran to the dugout to celebrate. There was another booking for the Hornets as Sierralta was cautioned for a rash challenge on Crooks. The Boro player stayed on his feet, which was as well, or Sierralta could have seen red.

There were nerves jangling in the Rookery as a Boro corner resulted in a goalmouth scramble at the other end of the pitch, we couldn’t see what was happening, so it was a relief when the ball was finally cleared. The visitors scored their third on 63 minutes. The defence stood off as Boro played the ball upfield, Coburn received a through ball from Crooks, shrugged off the attentions of Hoedt and shot past Bachmann. It was another simple goal that looked preventable. At this point Ismaël made a triple substitution with Sierralta, Louza and Asprilla making way for Kayembe, Chakvetadze and Ince. The Hornets had a chance to hit back when the ball was played to Chakvetadze, but his shot was terrible and cleared the bar. Then Bayo found Martins on the left, he hit a lovely shot that Dieng pushed out for a corner. The delivery was met by Lewis whose shot was blocked. The visitors had a chance to increase their lead when a shot from Crooks took a deflection off Hoedt, Bachmann was scrambling back to make the stop, but the ball rolled just wide of the target. Hoedt was then in action at the other end, putting in a cross that Porteous could only direct over the target. The visitors then made a change replacing Jones with Forss. There were shouts for a penalty when Ince broke into the box and appeared to be pulled over by van den Berg, but the referee awarded a free kick to the visitors. McGree had a chance to score a hat-trick after jinking into the box, but he was falling as he took his shot and could only shoot wide of the far post. Ismaël made a final change bringing Healey on for his league debut in place of Dele-Bashiru. The Hornets had a good chance to equalise after Ince exchanged passes with Ngakia and hit a shot that was blocked by the foot of Dieng, the ball eventually bounced to Bayo who did really well to get to the near post, but the box was crowded, and he could only flick the ball over the bar. There was a final substitution for the visitors as Crooks made way for Greenwood. In time added on the Hornets won a corner. Bachmann originally came up for it, but was told to get back. No matter as it was directed straight to Dieng. The Hornets had a couple of late chances to salvage a point. First Hoedt released Martins who broke upfield before unleashing a lovely shot that hit the crossbar. Then Martins hit a shot from wide left that flew high and wide of the far post. The final whistle went to loud boos which, again, I thought was harsh as it had been a decent second half.

Bachmann (almost) coming up for a corner

Disappointing as the result was, it was a considerably better performance than last Saturday. The change in formation had not worked. The move of Sierralta to the back three had left the midfield rather porous and that was where the game was lost. There was no pressing. Players were standing off the opposition leaving them too much space, which led to all three goals. This improved when Kayembe came on, maybe he needs to start on Wednesday. Asprilla has been excellent off the bench, but was ineffective and the introduction of Martins sparked a late resurgence. Bayo was the man of the match, scoring one and creating plenty. The Hornets had mostly done well after the first 15 minutes but, by that time, we had given ourselves too much to do. We really must stop conceding soft goals.

So, we finished the weekend in 20^th position with two tricky away games to come before the international break. I will be travelling next week more in hope than expectation. I really hope that the travelling Hornets in Sunderland and Cardiff are given something to cheer.

On another note, I will be taking part in the Taylor Trek again this year in aid of the Watford Community Sports & Education Trust. If you have a few spare pennies, please send them my way https://watfordfccsetrust.enthuse.com/pf/frances-lynn. It is a great cause.

A Dreadful Loss in Leeds

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Bachmann prepares to take a free kick with Hoedt and Porteous in attendance

The journey to Leeds was pleasingly trouble free. I was at Kings Cross in plenty of time for the train, had breakfast on the way and was in Leeds before midday. The plan was to meet at our usual hostelry. The website claims that it opens at 12, but I received a message from Graham before I arrived that he was at “the usual table”. There is some construction going on by the station, so I took a wrong turn before finding the road that I needed. The walk takes you through the railway arches and goes over the Leeds Liverpool Canal. The sound of the rushing water is always therapeutic. When I arrived, Angela and Graham were at the usual table as promised. Angela was thrilled that there was a really good gluten-free beer on tap. We were soon joined by others from the Happy Valleys and Women of Watford. The food offerings were either pizza or a selection of pies. I had the pork and cider pie with buttery mash, minty mushy peas and gravy. It was absolutely delicious.

There had been a very long queue for the shuttle bus last time that we were at Elland Road, so we left ourselves plenty of time to get to the ground and were there much earlier than usual. The stewards were very attentive, insisting on patting me down even though they had a wand available. They were also preventing some guy from entering as his ticket bore someone else’s name. When we reached the away turnstiles, we could see a massive queue had built up of people trying to get through security. Once inside the ground, we found that our seats were at the front of the top half of the section. The disabled area was just in front of us and the bottom half was populated with Leeds fans. This was going to be an interesting afternoon.

Team news was that Ismaël had made two changes from the West Brom game as Lewis and Andrews came in for Morris and Ngakia. So, the starting XI was Bachmann; Lewis, Hoedt, Porteous, Andrews; Koné, Sierralta, Louza; Martins, Rajović, Ince.

Coach One had broken down on the way up, so a lot of the regulars, including Don and Janice, missed kick-off. Thankfully they arrived soon after, but it would have stressed them all out to still be on the coach as kick-off time approached.

The home side started well as Summerville played a through ball to Rutter, there was no one on hand to turn the cross in, but Piroe picked the ball up and played it back to Ampadu whose shot needed a great save from Bachmann to keep it out. Dan was in action again soon after as James found Rutter in the box, he only had the keeper to beat but Bachmann was again equal to the effort. At this point, the Elland Road experience was all too familiar as we were subjected to vile homophobic chanting which, for full transparency, had been provoked by some nasty chants from the Watford fans. Back on the pitch a Leeds corner was met by a great punch from Bachmann. The home side continued to push for the opening goal but a low shot from Piroe was straight at Bachmann.

On 19 minutes, the home side had the ball in the net, but the celebrations of the home fans were premature as the linesman’s flag had been up for some time. It was all one-way traffic, and the next chance for the home side came when Louza gave the ball away in midfield, the ball arrived with Rutter who played Summerville in, he beat Andrews to get the shot away, but Bachmann made another excellent save to deny him. Summerville then had another chance to open the scoring with a shot from distance, but Bachmann made a fairly routine catch. There were appeals for a penalty when James went down under a challenge from Lewis in the box, but the referee indicated a goal kick. There was relief in our section of the away stand as it certainly looked like a penalty from our vantage point. The first booking of the game went to Rutter for stopping the taking of a rare Watford free kick. Andrews was then booked for a challenge on Cooper that barely looked like a foul. The resultant free kick was headed on and then came off the post, but the flag was up so it wouldn’t have counted. Miraculously, we reached half time goalless or, as Graham said, Leeds 0 Bachmann 4. It had been all Leeds and Dan had made a series of impressive saves to keep the Hornets in the game.

Ismaël made a triple substitution at the break as Dele-Bashiru, Bayo and Kayembe came on in place of Ince, Martins and Koné. It took until the 50^th minute for the Hornets to have a shot when, from a throw-in, Andrews curled an effort well wide of the far post. It would be pushing it to call it a chance, but it was the first Watford ball that flew anywhere near the Leeds goal. The next chance for the home side came when Summerville hit a free kick over the bar. The first real chance of the game for the Hornets came after 55 minutes when Lewis went on a run and put in a low cross for Louza whose shot was blocked. Then Louza crossed for Bayo, but Meslier was first to the ball. The home side had another chance to open the scoring when Summerville beat Porteous to get to the edge of the box and hit a low shot that Bachmann got down to save. Leeds threatened again as Summerville found Piroe whose shot cleared the target. The home side finally made the breakthrough after James beat Hoedt and played a lovely chip to the far post for Piroe to turn it in. Given our location behind the home fans, I knew what was coming next. To a man, woman and child they turned around to direct obscene gestures in our direction. I find crowd baiting utterly tedious, and our fans are equally guilty of it. I buried my head in my notebook to avoid having to look at them.

The Hornets made a further change at this point bringing Asprilla on in place of Louza. Leeds scored their second within a couple of minutes as a corner from James was headed home by Byram. The Hornets then had their best chance of the game as Asprilla crossed for Bayo whose shot hit the turf and flew wide. It was a decent chance and would have given the Hornets some (undeserved) hope. With 10 minutes remaining, each side made a change with Anthony replacing Summerville for the home side and Lewis making way for Chakvetadze for the Hornets. Soon after, Leeds made two further changes replacing James and Piroe with Poveda and Gray. The home side had a chance to increase their lead when the ball was given away to Anthony who beat Porteous before hitting a shot straight at Bachmann. The third goal came with a couple of minutes of normal time remaining. Rutter danced through the midfield before playing a lovely through ball for Anthony who beat Bachmann. The scoreline finally looked fair to the home side. The last action of the game was the first shot on target for the Hornets which came in the 94^th minute when Asprilla played a lovely ball over the top to Chakvetadze in the box, he beat a defender before unleashing a decent effort that tested Meslier, but the Leeds keeper was able to divert it over the bar. Thankfully the whistle then went.

Bachmann was the first player to come over to the travelling Hornets, he looked very shame-faced but, without his saves, Leeds would have scored 7. We were glad to get out of Elland Road and decided to avoid the bus and walk back into the City. It was a beautiful afternoon and the walk was very pleasant indeed. There was time for another beer before I caught the train home. The post-match analysis was brief. Watford had been absolutely awful, creating almost nothing. They couldn’t string two passes together for large portions of the game. Bachmann had been superb and had prevented the score being embarrassing. Ironically, the Hornets had been marginally better in the second half, particularly after Asprilla came on. But the fact that the first shot on target came in the 94^th minute tells you everything about the game. The atmosphere at Elland Road was typically unpleasant and our position at the front of the top section meant that we spent much of the second half having to peer around security staff and police officers who were there to keep the fans apart. A horrible set up.

On arrival at the station for the journey home, I found that my train had been cancelled. But there was one half an hour later and the cancellation meant that the cost of the journey was refunded, so I enjoyed my free wine and snacks on the way home. They certainly numbed the pain after that performance, which was the worst I have seen this season. Let’s hope for much better next Saturday.

A Spirited Draw in a Deluge

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Darling Toddy with another wonderful gent

Wednesday was the 6^th anniversary of Toddy’s passing. He was a great friend to me, and I have so many happy memories of following the Hornets with him. The post-match discussions of exciting games often mention how much Toddy would have enjoyed that. I am sure glasses were raised by many of his friends before the match.

The journey to Watford was eventful. There was an obstruction on the line in the Harrow area, so no Overground trains were running and there were delays to the mainline services. I was initially on the 16:39 which had just started moving when there was a loud bang. We were all ushered off and eventually boarded the late-running 16:54, which was absolutely heaving. Luckily, I got a seat. The rain was falling heavily for the walk to the West Herts, which was sparsely populated when I arrived. Surprisingly, Don was in place, he is usually on his way to the ground at that time, but Trond was stuck in traffic. Our numbers were sparse as many had decided to watch from home on what promised to be a filthy evening.

Team news was that Ismaël had made just one change from the Birmingham game as Koné came in for Dele-Bashiru. So, the starting XI was Bachmann; Morris, Hoedt, Porteous, Ngakia; Koné, Sierralta, Louza; Martins, Rajović, Ince.

The Hornets started brilliantly taking the lead in the third minute. It was a lovely team goal as Morris released Martins, he broke down the left and the ball was played, via Koné and Louza, to Ince who curled a beautiful shot into the top corner. The visitors hit back after 14 minutes. Ngakia lost out, Bachmann had to come out to make a save, but there was danger from the loose ball, so Ngakia was forced to concede a free kick. Swift’s delivery flew over the wall, Bachmann misjudged the flight of the ball and was moving away from it as it hit the net. The Hornets had a half chance to regain the lead as Louza hit a shot from distance, but it was straight at the keeper. It was the visitors who took the lead with a second goal in 3 minutes. Morris was dispossessed and Furlong crossed into the box for Wallace to turn it in. But the Hornets were not behind for long as Martins raced down the left wing before cutting in and curling a lovely effort past Palmer in the West Brom goal. It was breathless stuff. The first booking of the game went to Molumby for a late tackle on Louza. The next chance fell to Martins, but a defensive head got in the way of his shot. Then Martins crossed for Rajović, but his connection was poor. Martins had the next chance himself, but his shot flew wide of the near post. The Hornets should have regained the lead with the next chance as Morris won the ball in midfield and found Martins, he passed to Koné in the box, the keeper came out to meet him and he shot over the target. It was a great move that deserved a goal. At the other end, Wallace crossed for Swift whose effort cleared the bar. It was end-to-end stuff as Martins played the ball back to Ince whose shot flew over the bar. It had been a rollercoaster half of football. Both sides put together some decent moves, but equally both were guilty of giving the ball away.

At half time, the club marked World Alzheimer’s day by welcoming guests from the Alzheimer’s Society. There was mention of the Trust’s Golden Memories scheme which caters for fans with dementia, and it was lovely to hear that the sensory room had been given over to supporters that have attended that scheme so that fans with dementia could attend the game in a safe environment. There was also a presentation for Organ Donation Week which highlighted the importance of signing up for organ donation.

The first incident of note in the second half was a booking for Porteous for a foul on Thomas-Asante. The resultant free kick led to a bit of a goalmouth scramble before the Hornets finally cleared the ball. The visitors had the first chance of the second half with a decent shot from distance by Thomas-Asante that needed a great save from Bachmann to tip it over. It had been raining all evening but by this point it was absolutely chucking it down. Just before the hour mark both sides made triple substitutions. For the Hornets, Ngakia, Morris and Ince made way for Andrews, Lewis and Asprilla. For the Baggies, Townsend, Sarmiento and Mowatt replaced Phillips, Swift and Molumby. There were shouts for a penalty when Kipré went through Andrews in the box. It appeared to be a nasty foul, but the referee was unmoved.

Koné prepares for a free kick in the rain

The Hornets then had a great chance to regain the lead as Asprilla crossed for Koné whose powerful header was on target, but Palmer made a great save and pushed it onto the bar, the loose ball came to Andrews who had a shot blocked. Porteous had been injured during that passage of play and was soon replaced by Pollock. The visitors threatened again as deep cross by Sarmiento was met by the head of Furlong, but his effort was straight at Bachmann. There was then a lovely move by the Hornets as a great ball found Asprilla, he crossed for Martins, who was unable to take advantage, the ball ran through to Lewis whose shot was saved at the near post, the follow-up from Martins was blocked. The visitors made another change and Nathaniel Chalobah was given a warm welcome from the Vicarage Road faithful as he replaced Wallace. The Hornets also made a change with Bayo coming on in place of Martins. The Hornets nearly played themselves into trouble as Hoedt gave the ball away to Sarmiento, he found Thomas-Asante, but Bachmann did really well to block the shot. Watford threatened again as Asprilla won the ball and played in Bayo, but the attentions of a defender meant that he could only win a corner. At the other end, the visitors threatened with a low cross, but nobody was there to turn it in. Watford had one final chance to grab a winner as Asprilla got into the box, but his shot flew just wide, so the game finished with honours even.

In the end, a draw was probably a fair result. All of the goals had been in the first 20 minutes, but both teams had chances to win it in the second half and had their keepers to thank for making terrific saves. The conditions had been horrible, so misplaced passes could be excused, and I was glad that the weather didn’t lead to any catastrophic errors. Watford’s game is still annoyingly error strewn, but the attacking threat continues, and it was a very entertaining game for those that braved the elements.

If the conditions were bad on the pitch, they were horrendous in the Rookery. The water had built up on the roof and came streaming down, drenching us. We had to move to seats that were not under the deluge. As we left, there was a river streaming down the steps in the Rookery, so we were surprised to emerge onto Occupation Road into slight drizzle. After the final whistle the tannoy played “Why Does it Always Rain on Me”. I couldn’t help a wry smile even though I was absolutely drenched. Thankfully the journey home was uneventful. I was certainly glad to be back in the warm and, all in all, it was an evening well spent.

Late Goals Give Birmingham the Blues

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The recent international weekend wasn’t completely without Watford content as the Kit Aid 25^th Anniversary celebration was held at Vicarage Road on the Friday. The celebration also marked the 1,000,000^th donation, an amazing achievement. Kit Aid was started by Derrick Williams after a visit to Tanzania where he saw how passionate the locals were about football. He had been particularly struck by a child he saw in a very faded Liverpool shirt. When he arrived home, he collected a box of kit to send out to them and the rest is history. It was an inspiring evening with stories of those that have been helped both at home and abroad. I had no idea how much the organization did. The testimonies of those that they have helped were very moving. Graham Taylor is their Patron and did a great deal for them, so it was lovely to see Rita, Karen and Jake there. Don and I went to have a chat with Rita and she leapt up to greet us when she spotted Don. It was a wonderful evening.

Friday night before the game, I was in Worcester seeing Karine Polwart, a gig that was supposed to have taken place the evening that Gino met with the fans. I had decided to see Karine in Lincoln instead, in order to spend the evening with Gino. But Karine lost her voice that week, and the Worcester gig was postponed so I was able to attend after all. I was delighted as it was a gorgeous gig and the setlist was quite different from Lincoln.

Porteous considering his options as Ince looks on

The journey back on Saturday morning was painless. Having come into Paddington, I took the Met line to Watford, which was surprisingly empty. On arrival at the West Herts, Graham and Jacque were in situ. We were soon joined by Pete and Julie for whom it was the first game of the season. Glenn had kindly delivered a bag of pork scratchings, so it was already a good day.

On arrival in the Rookery, I was delighted to see Kevin and Di back in their seats after a long absence. When I arrived, Luther was on the pitch saying a few words after the announcement that he has been appointed as Club Ambassador. It will be interesting to see what that role entails as he sets to work.

Team news was that Ismaël had made two changes from the Coventry game as Andrews made way for Ngakia and Morris came in for the injured Sema. So, the starting XI was Bachmann; Morris, Hoedt, Porteous, Ngakia; Dele-Bashiru, Sierralta, Louza; Martins, Rajović, Ince. Lewis made his first appearance on the bench since signing in the Summer. The visitors had Hornet legend John Eustace in the dugout. He is always guaranteed a warm welcome at the Vic.

Prior to kick-off there was a minute’s silence for the victims of the disasters in Morocco and Libya. Sadly, there were some idiots in the away end who shouted to disrupt it.

The visitors made a quick start to the game testing Bachmann within the first minute as Stansfield unleashed a shot that Dan had to make a sharp dive to save. The visitors also earned an early booking after Drameh fouled Martins. This would set the tone for the Birmingham performance. The resultant free kick was well struck by Martins, but Ruddy pushed it clear and Bielik headed it out for a corner that came to nothing. The Hornets had another decent chance to take the lead soon after when a deep cross from Martins dropped to Porteous in the box, he shot past Ruddy, but his effort rebounded off the far post. It all went a bit quiet after that with the Hornets having lots of possession, but not doing anything with it. The most interesting event in this period was the bloke wandering up and down the Rookery with a pint in his hand. One of the senior stewards pointed it out to a younger one, who challenged the guy who looked very surprised to be sent back into the concourse. Although, having arrived with his mates about 20 minutes into the game, he clearly wasn’t that interested in the football. The crowd were briefly roused as Bachmann was nearly caught out at the back. I really don’t know why they shout at Dan as it isn’t his decision to play this way. At last, after 32 minutes, there was another chance worthy of the name as Sierralta released Dele-Bashiru, Martins was calling for the ball, but Tom decided to try his luck and it was a decent effort that Ruddy had to tip over the bar. Then a rare attack by the visitors was broken up and Dele-Bashiru escaped upfield, he was tackled by two men at the same time, but Buchanan was the one cautioned for the offence. Bielek was the next to find his way into the referee’s book after a foul on Louza. That was it for the first half. It had been a poor half of football. The only chance of note for the visitors came in the first minute. From then on, the Hornets dominated and Ruddy was called on to make a couple of saves, but it was rather dreary fare.

Lewis stares down Hogan as Louza prepares to take a free kick

It was Academy Day at the Vic so, at half time, Academy players from the U9s to the U21s were introduced to the crowd. Richard Johnson spoke to Tim and talked a bit about their path through the Academy.

Ismaël made a change at the break bringing Lewis on to make his debut in place of Morris. There was a good early move from the Hornets as Ngakia played a lovely ball for Rajović but his cross was too far in front of Martins. The first booking for the Hornets went to Hoedt, presumably for something he said. The next chance for the Hornets came when Martins picked up a poor clearance and advanced to take a shot that was deflected wide. Ismaël made another change at this point bringing Asprilla on in place of Ince. The Colombian was involved immediately as he received a ball from Louza and put in a decent cross, but Rajović was unable to connect. The visitors then had a chance with a curling shot from Stansfield which hit the post. There was then a double change for the Hornets as Koné and Chakvetadze came on in place of Martins and Dele-Bashiru. The visitors threatened again with a low cross from Stansfield but, thankfully, there was no one on hand to turn it in. The Hornets then had a decent chance as Koné found Ngakia just outside the box, his shot flew just wide of the far post. Birmingham then made their first change bringing Miyoshi on in place of Anderson. The visitors then had a half chance as a shot from Hogan was blocked. At the other end, Louza played a lovely cross-field ball to Chakvetadze who should have done better than shooting straight at Ruddy.

Ismaël made a final change replacing Ngakia with Andrews. There was then an odd incident in the Birmingham box as Rajović had two shots blocked, Bielik and Long both went down and a foul was given against the Watford man, much to Long’s amusement. Birmingham then had their best chance of the game as Hogan took two shots from close range, but Bachmann made a smart double save to preserve his clean sheet. The Hornets threatened again after Asprilla found Andrews, but the shot was weak and easily caught by Ruddy at the near post. Then Louza tried a shot from distance that was well over the target. With two minutes of normal time remaining, the visitors were reduced to ten men after Buchanan pulled Asprilla back and was shown a second yellow. He took an age to leave the pitch. There was seven minutes of added time. The crowd were roaring the team on, and it felt as though we all had a part in opening the scoring as the noise intensified when Asprilla crossed for Rajović to flick home. Porteous, who had remained in a defensive position, celebrated with Bachmann while everyone else celebrated with the fans at the front of the Rookery. You wait hours for a goal and then two come along at once. The game seemed to being winding down when Chakvetadze squared for Andrews, but the youngster hit a low shot from distance that took a deflection and beat Ruddy. He ran to the 1881 section of the Rookery and celebrated with Harry the Hornet while the crowd sang “He’s one of our own”. In the 10^th minute of added time, the Hornets had a chance to score a third as a Louza corner was turned goalwards by Chakvetadze but found the head of a defender in the way. So, the final whistle went on a late victory for the Hornets.

If you look carefully you can see Andrews celebrating with Koné in front of the 1881

Given the standard of play and the entertainment that has been on offer so far this season, it was a little surprising to remember that this was only the second win of the season. It was not a classic performance but, on the balance of play, the Hornets deserved the win. There is something joyous about injury time winners which always send you home with a great smile on your face. One improvement to the performances this season is that the Hornets appear a lot fitter. We have been used to seeing them run out of steam after 70 minutes in games, so it is a joy to see them still fighting as the clock hits 100 minutes. Rajović continues to be the number 9 that we have been missing for so long, the flicked header for his goal was excellent. And, on Academy Day, Andrews scoring the second goal was the icing on the cake. We have a midweek visit from West Brom to look forward to. More of the same please.

Fran's Watford Blog

A Middle Aged Woman's Adventures Following Watford FC

Tag Archives: Imran Louza

A Cracking New Year’s Day in Plymouth

Hornets Undone by a Brace from Vardy

Two Points Lost Against the Lions

A Late Winner Brings Smiles Back to the Vic

A Pleasing Point in the October Sun

A Lovely Day by the Sea Spoilt by the Football

Defensive Frailty Spoils an Entertaining Game

A Dreadful Loss in Leeds

A Spirited Draw in a Deluge

Late Goals Give Birmingham the Blues