Missed Chances and Flukey Goals

Sierralta and Elliot in conversation

For once my travel planning went well and I arrived at Euston just as the 5:09 was about to leave, so was in Watford pleasingly early.  During the day, some of our group that had been intending to go to the game had to drop out due to various ailments meaning that the attendance at the West Herts was likely to be sparse.  I was saved with a guest appearance from Mike, a friend from City Orns, who was also without his usual football mates, so deigned to come and have a drink with me.  The turn out overall was very sparse in the bar, so I was not expecting much of a crowd.

We left in plenty of time for the game and there was no queue at the Rookery turnstiles, but they seemed to have upped the security.  The guy checking bags was complaining that he couldn’t see the contents.  Surely, he should have been equipped with a torch for an evening game.  Then I was told that I would have to be patted down.  I asked why they had started this and was told that they have been doing it for several weeks, which was clearly not the case as this was the first time that I had seen anyone being searched at those turnstiles.

Louza and debutant Tufan

Team news was that there would be debuts for Rob Elliot and Ozan Tufan.  The starting line-up was Elliot; Masina, Sierralta, Kabasele, Ngakia; Louza, Tufan, Gosling; Sema, Fletcher, Hernández.  Ben Wilmot was starting for Stoke and was given a really good reception by the Watford fans.

Prior to kick-off, there was a minute’s applause for Jimmy Greaves which was enthusiastically supported by all in the ground.

The game kicked off and there were early chances for both teams when, first Doughty for the visitors, and then Tufan for the Hornets blazed shots over the bar.  Stoke created the next chance after Tymon beat Louza and found Powell who shot wide of the near post.  The visitors opened the scoring on 25 minutes.  It came from a mistake from Ngakia who was trying to shepherd the ball out near the corner flag, Doughty nicked it off him and crossed for Powell who turned the ball in at the near post.  The Hornets tried to hit back after a lovely run from Hernández (who I failed to identify for 40 minutes due to his newly dark hair) who found Gosling who set up Masina for a shot that was parried by Davies, the ball found its way back to Gosling whose shot required a decent save from Davies to preserve the Stoke lead. 

Gathering for a corner

The Hornets threatened again when Sema crossed to the far post for Gosling whose header flew over the bar.  Watford should have drawn level after what looked like a mishit shot from Ngakia was headed back across goal by Kabasele to Masina, who had the goal at his mercy, but shot over the bar.  At the other end, Tymon hit a low shot from distance, but Elliot was down to make the save.  Then a cross from Hernández was headed clear to Masina who shot wide of the target.  The Hornets had another decent chance from a corner, when Kabasele’s header was blocked and the ball fell to Ngakia but the shot was over the bar.  The visitors had the last chance of the half, also from a corner, but Batth headed wide and we reached half time with the Hornets a goal down.

It was World Alzheimer’s Day so, at half time, a film about the Golden Memories scheme was shown on the big screen.  It was really lovely.  It is such an amazing project that is doing so much good for fans with dementia.  It was especially lovely to see Rita Taylor and Luther Blissett working as volunteers sharing memories with the fans.

Louza congratulates Fletcher on his goal as Sierralta looks very happy

The Hornets had an excellent chance at the start of the second half as Hernández crossed for Fletcher whose header was on target but Davies, again, managed to make the save.  The Hornets had another decent chance after a lovely cross-field pass from Louza found Hernández on the right, he advanced before cutting into the box to hit a shot that was deflected over the bar.  Another lovely move deserved more as Tufan played the ball out to Hernández who crossed for Fletcher, but his header was easily saved by Davies.  Watford threatened again as Masina crossed for Tufan whose header was dropping for Sema until Davies intervened.  Hernández was a complete menace at this stage and started the next move, playing the ball out to Tufan who crossed for Gosling whose header flew just past the top corner.  Just after the hour mark Fletcher found Hernández in the box, his shot was blocked by Davies, but dropped nicely for Fletcher who back heeled it over the line.  I checked that the lino wasn’t flagging before celebrating.  Michael in the row in front then checked that there was no VAR, so I knew I wasn’t the only one.  There was a double substitution for Stoke as Sima and Clucas replaced Surridge and Doughty.  The Hornets really should have taken the lead after Masina crossed to the back post for Hernández whose header rebounded back off the post and fell to Fletcher whose shot was deflected onto the same post.  How did that stay out? 

Gosling and Louza in conversation

Each side then made a change with Powell making way for Sawyers for the visitors and Sissoko replacing Louza for the Hornets.  Then, in the 80^th minute, out of nowhere, Watford were behind again when Clucas hit a curling shot from the edge of the area that took a slight deflection before nestling in the far corner.  It was their first real chance of the half and very frustrating after what had been a wonderful spell from the Hornets.  Almost immediately, Dennis, who had been preparing to come on for a while, replaced Gosling.  He was involved in the next attack after Sema played the ball back to him, but his shot was blocked.  The visitors threatened to increase their lead when Clucas hit a curling shot from the edge of the area that bounced back off the crossbar.  Stoke scored their third with a total fluke as Tymon crossed, it flew over Elliot and somehow the ball was in the top corner.  I was a bit shell-shocked at this point and many in the home crowd decided that they had seen enough.  The Hornets had a really good chance to pull one back after Sema advanced down the left and cut the ball back for Sissoko, but the shot was blocked by Dennis!!  It really wasn’t our day.  Then Tufan tried a shot from distance, but Davies got a hand to it.  Into time added on, Dennis won a free kick, which was taken by Tufan who blazed it over the bar and into the Rookery.

A dark haired Cucho with Fletcher and Tufan

At full time, there was a lot of grumbling, but Alex, who sits behind me, was very philosophical and echoed my feelings that we had played well and been really unlucky on the day.  We should have finished the chances that we had, but sometimes the post and the opposition keeper frustrate you.  Also, while Stoke’s first goal was due to a mistake, the other two came out of nothing, with the third appearing to be a complete fluke.  Watford had been very positive going forward and Cucho had a magnificent game, proving that blonds don’t always have more fun.  He worked well with Fletcher, who got into some great positions and deserved his goal.  Tufan’s debut was impressive and, if he continues in that vein, he will soon become a fan favourite.  Ngakia was at fault for the first goal, but he didn’t let it affect him and put in a decent performance after that.  So, there were plenty of positives to take out of a game which was far better than the scoreline suggested.

Also, in contrast to the Palace game, I arrived at the Junction to see that the 10:05 (fast train to Euston) was sitting on Platform 9.  I boarded with a couple of minutes to spare, so my journey home was painless and I was indoors at a very civilised hour.

There is no harm in no longer having the distraction of this cup which, given the attendance was only 8,421, is hardly a priority for the fans.  We can now look forward to the visit of Newcastle on Saturday and the hope that we can build on the positives from the Norwich game.

A Win to Make GT Proud

My favourite photo with GT and Rita (and Don)

The nightmares started on Friday night.  I have a recurring dream in which I am at a match but am unable to see the pitch from my vantage point which is often in a stand that is facing away from the pitch.  On this occasion, the Watford crowd at Bournemouth had been housed in a container.  Now, there have been some issues with our fans at Bournemouth in the past, but putting us in a metal box seemed a little excessive.  Saturday night I struggled to sleep but, when I did, I had my other recurrent dream of trying and failing to get to a destination.  These are usually football related, although this time the destination was a bit vague, but I knew what it meant.  There is quite a lot going on in my life at the moment.  I am in the process of buying a flat and readying a house for sale.  Work is busy with some crucial deadlines coming up.  But I am having nightmares about a football match.  I fear that there is something wrong with my priorities.

I left home at 8:40 to catch the train.  It seemed a little early on a Sunday, but I could hardly complain as Jacque had to leave Leighton Buzzard on a rail replacement bus at 6-ish in order to make the connection with the train she had booked from London.  Needless to say, at that hour on a Sunday there were few people on the platform for the train to Slough and I was able to occupy my ‘lucky’ seat, so all was right with the world.  As I checked social media it was full of fellow Watford fans expressing their love for Graham Taylor on the anniversary of his passing.  This added an extra significance to the day.

Capoue prepares for kick-off

We had arranged to meet in the usual pub but, due to the 2pm Sunday kick-off, the timing of my arrival meant that I would arrive before the pub’s scheduled opening time.  Alice was arriving by car at a similar time, so arranged to meet me at the station so that we could kill some time together.  Just before my train arrived in Bournemouth, there was a message from Pete telling me that he had found a table in the pub, which was already open.  So, I met Alice and, after a short walk, we had a drink and a seat in the pub.  My recollection had been that the pub menu was rather limited (mostly burgers), so I asked whether they had any food on.  The news that there were a couple of roasts or a burger if we wanted one was very welcome.  I had had no breakfast, so the lovely plate of meat and several veg which was served to me set me up very nicely for the afternoon.

I left myself plenty of time to get to the ground and through the security that is always in place in Bournemouth.  Thankfully, on this occasion, we arrived to find a very short queue and were soon through the turnstiles.  It was Alice’s birthday, and she had left for the ground a little earlier than I did to meet some friends.  When I found her inside with Mr Fincham, a man known for starting chants, she recounted that he had regaled her with a booming chorus of Happy Birthday that was soon picked up as the entire concourse joined in, much to Alice’s embarrassment/delight.  There was also another song being sung in the concourse, “Super Nigel Pearson” which was catchy and simple and, by the time I took my seat in the stand, I knew (nearly all) the words.  Our party soon gathered in the stands including my niece who lives in Bournemouth so it was a home game for her.

Doucoure and Lerma tangle

Team news was that Pearson had made two enforced changes from the Wolves game with Masina and Mariappa in for Kabasele (suspended) and Femenía (injured).  So, the starting line-up was Foster; Masina, Cathcart, Dawson, Mariappa; Capoue, Chalobah; Deulofeu, Doucouré, Sarr; Deeney.  I was disappointed to see that Aké had returned for Bournemouth.  I still hurts that he is playing for them rather than us and he always plays brilliantly against us.

The Hornets made a bright start to the game as Deeney played the ball out to Doucouré who put in a low cross but Deulofeu, who was charging into the box, could not reach it.  Then Deeney released Sarr on the wing, the first touch was a bit heavy but he managed to win a corner that came to nothing.  The first chance for Bournemouth came as a miskick allowed the ball into the Bournemouth box, it looked worrying for the Hornets as Solanke almost reached it, but he slipped over and Foster was able to gather.  Then Bournemouth won a free kick about 30 yards out.  Harry Wilson blasted the ball towards the Watford goal, but Foster managed to push the ball around the post.   Then there was a bit of niggle between Lerma and Doucouré which threated to get out of hand and Mike Dean had words, but no cards were shown.  The first caution of the game went to Adam Smith for a nasty looking tackle on Sarr.

Celebrating Doucoure’s goal

The Hornets had a decent chance on 18 minutes when Doucouré found Deulofeu at the near post, but stand-in keeper, Travers, was able to block the shot.  The resulting corner was met by the head of Masina whose effort flew wide of the far post.  The home side threatened again as a shot from distance by Harry Wilson was deflected for a corner.   With five minutes to go to half time Lerma got the ball in a dangerous position on the edge of the box, but his shot was woeful flying high into the stand behind the goal.  It was the Hornets who took the lead just before half time.  Francis played a back pass to Travers, Deulofeu closed him down forcing a hasty clearance that fell to Sarr who raced forward and crossed for Doucouré who controlled the ball before shooting past Travers and sending the travelling Hornets into delirium.  It was noted that, unlike previous visits, the goal was not greeted with a flare.  But, with my niece not making as many games this season, it was really lovely to share a goal celebration and hug with her.

Cathcart, Deeney and DAwson challenging in the Bournemouth box

So, we went into the break feeling very happy.  It hadn’t been a classic half of football, but there had been some very good signs and the goal had left us all feeling very positive.  The half time entertainment consisted of a “beer goggle challenge” in which disorientated fans tried to score a penalty against the mascot.  Most of the efforts were woeful and it was won by the Watford fans due to a single goal which followed a very clever run up and, it has to be said, he was the only fella who managed to get a decent strike on the ball.

The Hornets created the first goal-scoring opportunity of the second half as Sarr tried a shot from distance that deflected off Aké for a corner.  The Senegalese youngster then had a great chance to double Watford’s lead after receiving a pass from Deulofeu, but the shot was weak and easily cleared.  Then Bournemouth won a corner, but Fraser’s delivery was met by a header from Wilson that flew over the bar.  A lovely passing move from the Hornets deserved more as Sarr found Doucouré who fed Deulofeu, but the final shot was poor with Geri shooting high and wide of the near post.  Then Sarr found Deeney who tried to lift the ball over the defence, but the effort was cleared and a frustrated Deeney was booked for pulling Harry Wilson down as he attempted to escape.

Celebrating Deeney’s strike

The home side made a double substitution on the hour mark bringing Billing and Cook on for Lerma and Gosling.  Billing’s first contribution was a dangerous run into the Watford box that was stopped by a brilliant tackle from Capoue.  Chalobah then tried his luck with a shot from the edge of the area that cleared the target.  The second goal for the Hornets came on 65 minutes after Sarr rode a tackle and made his way to the bye-line, he cut the ball back towards Doucouré who was crowded out but managed to divert the ball to Deeney who came flying in and powered the ball past Travers.  This time a flare did go off, so we were unable to see the restart.  But the smoke had cleared by the time Deulofeu went on a terrific run into the opposition box, his shot was blocked but the ball rebounded to him and he crossed for Deeney who volleyed goalwards but Travers made the save.  At the other end there was a half chance for the home team as a headed clearance fell to Billing but he shanked his shot high and wide.  As the clock ticked over towards 72 minutes the travelling Hornets blasted out a loud chorus of one Graham Taylor in memory and appreciation of Watford’s greatest ever manager.  The Hornets created another great chance as Deulofeu found Deeney in the box, the ball was returned and Geri hit a wonderful shot that a defender managed to head to safety.

Celebrating Pereyra’s goal

With 15 minutes remaining, Bournemouth made their final substitution replacing Harry Wilson with Surridge.  Soon after, Pereyra replaced Sarr and then Quina came on for Doucouré.  I noticed that Pearson had given both of the players who were substituted a cuddle and talked with them as they came off.  What I hadn’t noticed, but have read subsequently, was that Sarr had reacted badly to his withdrawal and that Pearson had a word with Doucouré who went and chatted to the youngster and smoothed things over.  Following his introduction, Pereyra was immediately involved with an uncharacteristic (and impressive) defensive tackle.  In time added on Deulofeu made way for Gray.  Then Pereyra went on a storming run before crossing for Gray who was tackled, but managed to get a shot in that was cleared off the line but Pereyra was following up, chested it down and volleyed for our third which extinguished any lingering doubts about where the points were going.

The final whistle went to loud cheers and hugs and Alice declaring “Happy birthday to me!”.

Chalobah takes a corner

There was much excitement after the game as phones were proffered displaying the table showing Watford out of the relegation zone for the first time this season.  Nobody in the away end wanted to head for the exits as we stayed to cheer our heroes.  The Nigel Pearson chant had had a good airing, but there was always time for another chorus as well as chants for Deeney, Doucouré and anyone else who attracted our attention.  Then lovely Nate Chalobah came over and pumped his fists at the crowd and was greeted with a cheer.  A repeat fist pump elicited the same reaction.  He headed away from us and the crowd responded with ‘oooooooohhhh’, he turned around and pumped his fist and was rewarded with another cheer.  This was repeated another couple of times before he reached Pearson in the centre of the field and the two of them pumped their fists in unison.  I know that this loses a lot in the telling but it was a gorgeous moment and I had a tear in my eye at the togetherness.

As we made our way out of the ground, there were more celebrations with broad smiles and warm hugs with friends.

We headed back to the pub for a celebratory pint/glass of wine and to cheer City on against Villa.  It felt odd to be cheering one of the bigger teams against one that was struggling but needs must.  The crowd in the pub was a mix of fans of the two teams and was absolutely lovely.  The landlady even commented that she was sure we were enjoying our day after the result.

Adam Masina

The post-match discussion centred around how impressive our team had been.  There were times when we played some absolutely gorgeous football and the team are actually playing as a team.  A criticism earlier in the season had been that they were playing a lot of clever passes that just went to the opposition.  On this occasion there was some exquisite passing and it was a joy to watch.  The defence had been really solid and there has to be a special mention for Adam Masina, who was quite brilliant, as well as Dawson who has turned into the solid defender that we were expecting when he arrived.  The midfield was magnificent.  Capoue was excellent as always, Doucouré is back to his best after a terrible start to the season, but the special joy for me was seeing Chalobah finally putting in imperious performances.  I had worried that, after too many injuries, he would never return to his best but his recent performances have been just wonderful to watch.  Sarr started a little slowly and seemed to be struggling against Aké in the first half, but once he started taking on the defenders he was brilliant and made two of our three goals.  Similarly, Deulofeu wasn’t getting as much of the ball as he would have liked, but he worked his socks off and was a constant threat to the Bournemouth defence.  Then there is Troy Deeney.  During his absence with injury there were some that doubted that his return would make that much of a difference as he was not the goal scoring phenomenon that he had been.  He has proved all the nay-sayers wrong as his organisation and leadership has made a huge difference.  Of course, I cannot finish this without heaping praise upon Nigel Pearson.  Before he arrived, we were watching a team of talented individuals who had lost their way.  He has added a focus and organisation that has transformed those individuals into a formidable team and watching Watford is an absolute joy again.

We headed home at a reasonable time and I decided to accompany my friends on the London train as far as Basingstoke rather than taking the (slightly earlier) train directly to Reading.  It was only when we took our seats in cattle class that they all mentioned that they had first class tickets and were slumming it for me.  Still we had a great time eulogising our performance, watching the highlights and listening to Jon Marks’ commentary for the goals.  We were also joined by another regular away fan and discovered that we all had a mutual dislike for ‘plucky’ Bournemouth and their manager and how special a win over them felt.

When I changed trains at Basingstoke I was left alone with my thoughts.  This was one of the most enjoyable days out this season.  The game was a “six-pointer” against another team who are struggling and we beat them comprehensively.  The talk after the game was of a top half finish, which may be a stretch but does not sound impossible as it would have done a couple of months ago.  But, on the anniversary of Graham Taylor’s passing, we reflected on a team who worked hard and worked together and a fanbase that were totally engaged and felt part of the team.  It was a performance on and off the pitch that would have made GT proud and that is the ultimate praise from me.