A Hard Won Point by Ten Men Against the Potters

Lloyd Doyley and Richard Walker at half time

Back to Vicarage Road after the horrors of Boxing Day and I arrived early to visit the Hornet shop in search of bargains in the sale.  While there I bumped into Andy Jenkins the Stadium Operations Manager.  I had contacted him about the barrier that was in the road for the Ipswich game, so he answered my questions about that and some recent issues with stewarding.  I also asked whether I would be able to take my purchases in to the ground.  I was told that I wouldn’t if they were large, which was rather unfortunate as I had my heart set on a fluffy dressing gown.  I bought it anyway and left it in my sister’s car.  It is a thing of comfy beauty.

I then headed for the West Herts where I was the first to arrive but was soon joined by Jacque, Pete, Julie, and my family.  There has been a change in catering at the West Herts from last season, which is a great improvement.  Maybe I have not been paying attention, but the menu seems to grow from game to game.  I noticed that they had chicken tenders on offer.  I am always a little cautious with these as they are often over processed and bear no relation to actual chicken, but these were really lovely, I would recommend them.

Dele-Bashiru takes a throw-in

We arrived at the ground to find surprisingly long queues everywhere.  We were in fairly quickly, but there was some consternation in front of me as a mother was complaining that her 16-year-old had been physically searched.  As I thought they were not allowed to search anyone under the age of 18, I asked a supervisor and was told that they were searching everyone over the age of 14.  A message to our Women of Watford WhatsApp group revealed that a 13-year-old relative of one of them had been searched.  This had never happened before and was rather concerning.

Team news was that Ismaël had made six changes bringing Dele-Bashiru, Porteous, Morris, Chakvetadze, Martins and Bayo in for Andrews, Sierralta, Lewis, Kayembe, Sema and Rajović.  So, the starting XI was Hamer; Morris, Hoedt, Sierralta, Dele-Bashiru; Chakvetadze, Koné, Livermore; Martins, Bayo, Asprilla.  While announcing the Stoke team, Richard Walker welcomed back Jack Bonham, who started in goal, and Ben Wilmot who was on the bench.

Celebrating Livermore’s goal

We started the game hoping for an improvement from Boxing Day and the Hornets created the first chance of note with a shot from distance by Livermore that was well over the target.  The Hornets had a better chance when Livermore played a gorgeous ball for Martins whose shot took a deflection and ended up behind the goal.  The Hornets opened the scoring from the resultant corner as Chakvetadze’s delivery was headed on by Porteous to Livermore who swept it in from close range for his first goal for the Hornets.  The first chance for the visitors was a shot from Hakšabanović that was easily gathered by Hamer.  Stoke then threatened again when Mmaee went on a run into the box, but his shot was high and wide of the near post.  The Hornets had a decent chance for a second when Asprilla played a looping cross to Martins whose shot took a deflection and hit the side netting.  This sparked celebrations in the family stand as they thought it was in.  Despite complaints from Matheus that it had taken a deflection, a goal kick was given.  The Hornets threatened again with a good break that finished with a cross from Dele-Bashiru that was met by a defender who found the roof of the net.  The resultant corner was cleared to Asprilla who hit a low shot with power but straight at Bonham in the Stoke goal.  The visitors then had a chance from a free kick, the delivery from Hakšabanović was met by the head of McNally but his effort cleared the bar.

Ben Hamer takes a free kick

The visitors then had a great chance to equalise after Hamer came to claim a cross and was challenged by two Stoke players so dropped the ball, thankfully Hoedt was on hand to clear off the line.  At the other end a great break from Chakvetadze came to nothing as his pass was too far in front of Martins.  The Hornets had another decent chance to grab a second as Bayo met a Chakvetadze corner with a header, but Bonham was able to make the save.  Annoyingly the visitors went straight down the other end and scored.  A lovely ball over the top released Hakšabanović who broke into the box, his cut back deflected off Porteous and fell kindly for Mmaee who turned away from Dele-Bashiru and found the net.  The visitors had a chance to grab a second goal soon after with a shot from Tchamadeu but it hit the stanchion before hitting me in the middle of the Rookery.  The first booking for the Hornets went to Koné who was penalised for a high foot when he appeared to have been fouled by McNally.  Into time added on and both Livermore and Ismaël were booked, the latter for dissent, after the referee had ignored nasty fouls on Bayo and Martins.  The whistle went for half time and the referee was booed and serenaded off the pitch with a chorus of “You don’t know what you’re doing.”

James Morris takes a throw-in

Lovely Lloyd Doyley was on the pitch at half time.  He talked through *that goal*, which was shown on the big screen.  It is scary to think that it was scored 14 years ago, but it still makes me smile.  He is still enjoying his coaching role at Boreham Wood, despite their recent struggles, and is confident that the Hornets can beat Chesterfield by a decent score.  He tried his luck at the centre spot challenge. He did get the ball in the centre circle, but nowhere near the centre spot.  Still, he was a lot closer than anyone else who has tried it so far.

The Hornets had a great chance to regain the lead at the start of the second half after a storming run from Chakvetadze who unleashed a great shot that Bonham did very well to tip onto the bar.  From the resultant corner, the ball was played short to Chakvetadze who moved it on to Martins who shot just over the bar.  Disaster struck seven minutes into the half after McNally pulled Bayo to the ground and appeared to swing an elbow at him as the Watford man tried to get up.  Bayo reacted by lashing out and was shown a straight red, so the Hornets had to play most of the second half with only 10 men.  Surprisingly, there was no caution for McNally.

Kayembe on the ball

Soon after the sending off Ismaël made a double substitution bringing Rajović and Kayembe on in place of Martins and Koné.  At the same time, Stoke made a change as Tchamadeu made way for Hoever.  Nerves were jangling in the Rookery when a shot by Vidigal rolled across the goal at the Vicarage Road end but, thankfully, it rolled past the far post.  The next chance for the visitors came as Hakšabanović played a lovely ball for Jun-Ho to run on to in the box, he had the goal at his mercy, but Hamer was quickly out to block.  Stoke made another change at his point replacing Burger with Baker.  The Hornets had a decent chance after Rajović played a lovely ball to Asprilla who worked his way into the box and hit a shot that was saved by Bonham.  Watford threatened again when Kayembe crossed for Rajović, who had to sort out his feet before taking the shot, that gave the defenders time to challenge him, so he could only clear the bar with his effort.  At the other end, Jun-Ho found Mmaee in the box where his shot was stopped by a great save from Hamer.  The next booking of the game went to Chakvetadze for handling the ball.  There followed a spate of substitutions as Johnson and Wesley replaced Pearson and Mmaee for the visitors and Asprilla made way for Andrews for the Hornets.  The visitors had a chance to take the lead with a shot from Baker, but Hamer was equal to it and the Watford players were complaining to the referee about a foul in the build-up.  With 12 minutes remaining, Ismaël decided to shore up the defence by bringing Pollock and Sierralta on in place of Livermore and Chakvetadze.  But the Hornets were still willing to attack and a free kick from Kayembe was met by Hoedt whose header flew wide of the target.  At the other end a shot from distance by Hakšabanović flew well over the bar.  There was 5 minutes of added time at the end of the game, but it passed without incident and the final whistle went with4 the Hornets deservedly gaining a hard-won point.

Asprilla on the ball with Dele-Bashiru on the overlap

There were boos at the final whistle, but they were all for the referee.  I found myself in the strange position of simultaneously applauding the players and booing the referee.  Security came on to escort him off the pitch and, when he had disappeared from view, the focus turned to roaring appreciation of the efforts of the players who were clearly enjoying the support.

It was a difficult game.  It was great to see Livermore score his first goal.  He has been so valuable for us since his return to match fitness.  It was also great to see Chakvetadze put in a storming performance that deserved a goal and would have produced one but for the fingertips of Jack Bonham.  Having been disappointed with Asprilla on Boxing Day, I thought that he was a lot more positive going forward.  The goal that was conceded was a little unlucky as the Porteous deflection wrongfooted Dele-Bashiru and gave Mmaee space to take the shot.  But, ultimately, the game changed when Bayo was sent off.  His reaction was foolish, but the strange decisions of the referee had wound a lot of the players up at this point.  I was just glad that they calmed down after that and mounted a tremendous rearguard effort that kept Stoke at bay while the Hornets continued to look for a winner.  They were bolstered by the Vicarage Road crowd who were incredibly noisy, roaring the boys on.  It was great to be a part of it.

I happened to see Andy Jenkins after the game, so told him of my concern that children were being searched.  I was surprised to hear that there is now no age restriction on searching and every man, woman and child entering the ground should expect to be searched.  I don’t know if anyone else was aware of this.  I certainly think that it should be communicated to parents and children visiting Vicarage Road.

I wish you all a happy new year.  And, for those going to Plymouth, I hope that we have a great day out and come back with three points.

Poor Show in the Potteries

Dele-Bashiru chasing a ball

It is not a bad journey to Stoke, so it wasn’t too early a start.  I met Jacque on the train at Milton Keynes.  At the same time, we were joined by lads, of various ages, with their carrier bags full of beer.  The club had recommended an away pub and, when we reached Stoke, the mini-hoolies all seemed to be heading there, while we headed to our usual pre-match hostelry.  We arrived at 11:40, but it was already open, and Graham was there with a beer.  It had changed ownership since last time we were there.  It used to be the White Star and had beer from Titanic Brewery.  It was now called The King’s Way and had a disappointingly uninteresting selection of beers.  There was one constant as it still had a sign in the window that designated it as home fans only.  Sadly, what used to be a cracking pub with decent beer and food and a lovely atmosphere had been completely ruined.  We ordered food that took a half hour to come and, when it arrived, it appeared that my lasagne had been sitting under a warming lamp for some time as it was rock hard.  They had sprinkled some cheese on top that hadn’t melted.  It looked revolting and was completely inedible, so I sent it back.  Thankfully, the replacement was much better.  The bar staff were lovely and very apologetic, but that was the only positive.  Apart, of course, from the company as we were joined by the Happy Valley Horns.  Angela has been exploring areas around away games, something that I have been meaning to do, and regaled us with the beauty and the history of the area, despite how run down the town is.  She had us all considering spending more time in the Potteries.

Andrews takes a throw

We left in plenty of time to take a leisurely walk along the canal to the ground.  It is a decent walk, but you can spot where you have to exit for the ground, as there are a a couple of barges moored at that point selling drinks and filled oatcakes.

Team news was that Ismaël had made one enforced change from the Plymouth game with Livermore in for the injured Sierralta.  So, the starting XI was Bachmann; Morris, Hoedt, Porteous, Andrews; Dele-Bashiru, Livermore, Louza; Martins, Bayo, Sema.  Ben Wilmot started for Stoke and was cheered by the visiting Hornets.  Sadly, a number in the away end booed the taking of the knee (by both teams) before kick-off.

The first half started very slowly.  The first ball of significance into the box, came from a Stoke corner and was met with a firm header from Morris.  The next chance came from another Stoke corner, the ball reached Thompson outside the area, his shot was well over the target.  Nearly 20 minutes had elapsed before the first Watford attack worthy of the name.  Louza played a lovely ball over the top to Morris who put in a deep cross that was repelled.  Morris then had Watford’s first shot of the half which went well wide with Bayo chasing in.

Louza takes a free kick

The first shot on target came from the home side as Vidigal broke into the box and took a low shot that was comfortably gathered by Bachmann.  Vidigal threatened again as he broke into the box, but he was struggling to control the ball and Porteous was able to get back to make the block.  The home side then had a chance from a Johnson corner, Louza failed to clear allowing McNally to take a shot that was blocked.  The first booking of the game went to McNally for taking Martins down.  Just before half time, Ismaël was forced into a substitution as Morris went down, possibly with a hamstring injury.  He was replaced by Asprilla, with Sema going to left back.  Into time added on and Johnson went on a run before taking a shot from the edge of the area that flew wide of the target.  In the 1^st minute of added time, the Hornets finally had an attempt on target as a Louza free kick was met by the head of Hoedt, but it was an easy catch for Travers.  There was one last chance for the Hornets to take the lead before the break when Bayo fed Andrews, but the shot was blocked, and the half ended goalless.

It had been a very poor half of football.  The Hornets could barely string two passes together and, as has been seen repeatedly, could not cope with Stoke’s physical approach.  The home side dominated possession but didn’t do anything with it and neither keeper had to make a save worthy of the name.   

Morris prepares to take a free kick as Martins looks on

At the break I caught up with Ross from Ayrshire.  Despite the poor football, he was enjoying his afternoon out, basking in the sun which he never sees at home.

Ismaël made a change at the break bringing Koné on in place of Dele-Bashiru.  The best chance of the game so far came in the first minute of the second half, Martins beat Hoever to put in a cross that was blocked, the ball came out to Sema who broke into the box before cutting the ball back, it took a deflection before reaching Asprilla who could only head over the bar.  The Hornets launched another good move as Martins broke forward before playing the ball back to Koné, he probably should have tried a shot but instead moved the ball on to Asprilla who shot over the bar.  Watford created another decent chance as Sema played a ball over the top to Martins, he passed to Koné who fed Bayo who returned the ball to Martins who hit a shot that Travers had to get down to save.  After the tedium of the first half, this had been a great spell, so it was very disappointing that Stoke scored from their first attack of the half.  A cross from the right by Hoever was flicked on to Vidigal who chested it down before shooting past Bachmann.  It was a decent strike.  The first booking of the game for the Hornets went to Koné for a robust tackle on McNally.  The resultant free kick flew wide of the far post.

Koné and Asprilla prepare for a corner

Ismaël made a double substitution just after the hour mark replacing Louza and Livermore, who had both been ineffective, with Chakvetadze and Kayembe.  The home side then made a change of their own as Rose made way for Tymon.  Stoke created the next chance of the game with a shot from distance by Thompson that cleared the bar.  We then had our first sighting of Ince in a Watford shirt as he replaced Martins.  He was roundly booed by the Stoke fans, and it seemed very strange not to be booing him myself as he has so often been a thorn in our side when in opposition.  The Hornets had a great chance for an equaliser when Chakvetadze played in Asprilla who got himself into position and unleashed a shot that was stopped by a great save from Travers.  The Hornets threatened again with a shot from distance by Sema that was just wide of the far post.  The next caution of the game went to Thompson who was booked for stopping a break by Chakvetadze.  There were shouts for a penalty when Sema found the Georgian in the box, and he went down under a challenge.  The referee was unimpressed, and it would have been a soft penalty if given.  With 10 minutes remaining, the home side made a triple substitution with Vidigal, Thompson and Wesley replaced by Chiquinho, Pearson and Mmaee.  The home side had a chance to increase their lead when Ince gave the ball away to Mmaee who advanced and hit a shot that was deflected for a corner.  There was 5 minutes of added time, but the closest that the Hornets got to salvaging a point was an Andrews shot from outside the box that was blocked.  So, Watford suffered their first league defeat of the season and were booed by a number of the travelling Hornets.

Gathering for a corner

The second half had been better than the first, but it had still been a game of little quality.  There were some decent passing moves in the second half, but a reluctance to shoot and some decent defending by the home side meant that chances were at a premium.  The Stoke goal was a rare moment of quality and it was a shame that it came during our best spell of the game when we were finally getting on top.

We gathered for the walk back to town and were joined by Olly.  More than one of our group commented on the level of anger exhibited by some of our fans.  There was no lack of effort in the performance, but any defeat is now greeted with a fury from some who think we should be winning week in, week out.  Those of us who have lived through much worse times than this cannot get quite so worked up about a defeat away to a tough team like Stoke.

We had time for a beer before getting our trains home.  I had spotted a bar close to the station which was serving Titanic beer.  It turned out to be a lovely spot attached to the station.  The barman told Ashley that they were disappointed that they weren’t still running the White Star.  He assured them that we were too.  Our couple of pints there finished the afternoon rather nicely. Next up we have Blackburn at home on a Sunday which, annoyingly, clashes with the women’s first game of the season.  I hope that is a rarity as I would like to see more of the women this season.  I also hope that we see a return to the form that we have seen at home so far this season.  The fast-paced attacking was sadly missing on Saturday meaning a huge drop in the entertainment value.  I hope to see it back next week.

A Positive End to a Difficult Season

Hamza Choudhury

I arrived at the West Herts bright and early to find that it was oddly quiet, but I did have company as Graham was already there.  Gradually, the rest of our party gathered to be fed and watered before the game.  Glenn appeared with the last scratchings of the season, so we did have a treat before a game that promised little.

The previous day, Watford Women had a convincing win at Billericay and Ipswich did them a favour by beating Oxford, so the Women ended the season as champions of the National League Southern Premier Division.  Sadly, there is still one more game in their season as they have a promotion play-off against Nottingham Forest who won the Northern Division.  The game will be played in Milton Keynes on 20^th May and will be a great chance for revenge after the narrow Cup defeat.  The Women’s championship was celebrated on the pitch before the game and Megan Chandler was given the women’s player of the season award.

The men’s player of the season award was given to João Pedro.  It was thoroughly deserved, but tinged with sadness, as his move to Brighton had been confirmed during the week.  It seems like a great move for him to a well-run club where he will get the opportunity to play.  It has been a pleasure to watch him develop and I wish him well in his future career.

Young player of the season, Morris, takes a throw-in

Ismaïla Sarr won the goal of the season for his tremendous strike from the halfway line away to West Brom.  The young player of the season award was given to James Morris in his breakthrough season.  The supporter of the season went to Geoff Wicken, which was very well deserved after his tremendous work on the book and the celebrations for 100 Years at the Vic.  

Team news was that Wilder had made two changes from the Sunderland game with Hoedt and Koné coming in for Kamara and Asprilla.  So, the starting line-up was Bachmann; Sema, Hoedt, Kabasele, Porteous, Andrews; Koné, Louza, Choudhury; Sarr, Davis.

In honour of the coronation, the national anthem was played before kick-off.

The visitors started brilliantly as, after 20 seconds, Pearson unleashed a brutal shot that needed a decent save from Bachmann to keep it out.  The Watford keeper was in action again soon after, repelling a shot from an acute angle by Tymon.  The Hornets then had a great chance to open the scoring as Louza played a gorgeous ball through the defence for Sarr who was one-on-one with the goalkeeper, Šarkić, who managed to get a touch to the shot and deflect it wide.  The resultant corner was met by the head of Kabasele, whose effort was caught by the keeper. 

Challenging at a corner

The Hornets threatened again as Louza played another lovely pass, this time to Davis who got into position to take the shot which was deflected over the bar.  From the corner, Louza’s delivery was again met by the head of Kabasele, but his effort was wide of the target.  Then a miskick from Porteous gifted the ball to the opposition, the ball reached Smallbone in the box and it needed another great save from Bachmann to keep the shot out.  At the other end, Sema went on a surging run into the box, his shot was saved, and the ball dropped to Andrews whose shot, under challenge, flew high and wide.  The visitors had another decent chance to open the scoring when Campbell played the ball back to Tymon whose shot was met by another good save from Bachmann.  The resultant corner was headed goalwards by Jagielka, but Bachmann made the save.  The Hornets threatened again as Andrews went on a great run before playing a ball to Sarr in the box, his shot was saved at the near post.  The visitors had a great chance to open the scoring when a cross into the Watford box was met by a volley from Powell, but his effort was over the bar, and the flag was up for offside, so it wouldn’t have counted.  The next chance for the Hornets came when Andrews played a lovely ball to Davis, who couldn’t sort his feet out in order to get a shot in, so he returned the ball to Andrews whose shot was deflected wide.  At the other end, Kabasele blocked a cross but could not prevent the ball reaching Smallbone, whose shot was just wide of the near post.  The visitors threatened again as Smallbone crossed for Powell whose header was saved by Bachmann.  Then a misplaced pass gave Davis a chance, but his shot was blocked by a defender.  The last chance of the half fell to the visitors as Tymon broke forward, but his cross was blocked by Bachmann with Campbell lurking at the back post.  So, the half finished goalless.  It had been an end-to-end game but, from my perspective behind the goal, which may have been misleading, it seemed that Bachmann had been the busiest keeper.  He had certainly pulled off some crucial saves.

Celebrating Louza’s goal

At half time, there was a celebration of a decade since *that* goal.  Almunia, Anya and Pudil were on hand with their memories of the day and they were joined by Johnny Phillips, whose Sky commentary still makes me laugh.

The first incident of note in the second half was a booking for Pearson for throwing the ball away.  The first attack came as Louza went on a run into the box, but failed to shoot and the ball ran through to Šarkić.  It was 20 minutes into the half before either side created a chance and it was Campbell for the visitors who tried a shot from the edge of the area which flew well over the bar.  At this point, Wilder made a double substitution with Araújo and Morris coming on in place of Koné and Kabasele and a change to 4-4-2.  The Hornets took the lead soon after.  Louza played a ball to Sarr in the box, he took a tumble under a challenge from Šarkić and was appealing for a penalty, but Davis picked the ball up and played it back to Louza who curled a gorgeous shot in off the post.  I think, prior to the goal, we had all been resigned to this game finishing goalless, so it was even more of a shock when the Hornets scored a second.  Sema went on one of his battling runs, before playing the ball to Davis whose shot hit the far corner. 

Sema congratulates Davis on his goal

Stoke made a change at this point with Thompson making way for Baker.  The substitute was immediately involved with a header from the edge of the area that cleared the bar.  The visitors had another chance to get a goal back with a shot from distance by Powell, but Bachmann was equal to it.  At the other end, Sarr went on a great run and put in a decent cross that was turned wide before it reached Araújo.  The visitors threatened again as a corner was met with a defensive header and the ball dropped to Pearson who shot over the bar.  Wilder made another double substitution at this point bringing Blake and Grieves on for Sarr and Sema.  It was gratifying that Sarr was given a tremendous ovation as he left the field.  I don’t think any of us are expecting to see him in a Watford shirt again, so it was lovely to give him a good send off.  The visitors made a late change bringing Taylor on in place of Campbell.  At this point, the stewards who gather behind the hoarding at the front of the Rookery before the final whistle were supplemented by a number standing in front of the hoarding, meaning that the view for anyone in a wheelchair or unable to stand was blocked.  There were some complaints, but they were not moving.  There was a decent late move for the Hornets as Blake released Davis on the wing, he crossed for Araújo whose shot was blocked.  That was the last involvement for Davis as he was replaced by Bacuna.  There was one last chance for the Hornets to increase their lead as Hoedt tried a shot from distance, but it was well wide of the target and the final whistle went on a creditable two goal win that left the Hornets in 11^th place in the division, ridiculously only 6 points off the play-offs.

Man of the match, Louza, takes a free kick

There were a good number in the Rookery for the end of season lap of honour and it was all very good hearted.  Kamara was clearly waving goodbye.  Someone behind me asked where Sarr was, and we had to point out that he was still only halfway down the Lower GT stand as he and Sema were signing autographs.  There was no sign of João Pedro who had said his goodbyes before the game before being picked up in a helicopter and whisked to Brighton to be presented at half time in their match.  Bachmann’s children were having a kick-about and King Ken’s little one was blowing kisses to the crowd.  It ended up being a surprisingly lovely end to what had often been a miserable season.

Our party had decided to have an end of season meal at L’Artista and, on arrival, it was unsurprising to see a lot of yellow shirts, but it was lovely to see some very familiar faces including someone that I used to see regularly at away games, that I haven’t seen for years.  It was great to catch up.  Then we settled down for some lovely Italian food and wine, while keeping an eye on the door in case Dan Pudil made an appearance.

Post match we were all quite relieved to see this season come to an end.  It is not a season that will live long in the memory, although the win at home against them up the road will remain as a highlight.  This Summer will see a new head coach and some rebuilding of the playing staff, and we will all return in August ready for a new adventure.  But the abiding memories of the season will be the time spent with family and friends.  The lovely group who met for dinner after the game would never have met were it not for the football club and it is the camaraderie and the friendships that make watching terrible football worthwhile.

Thank you to all who have read my reports this season.  Many have been written through gritted teeth and it has been hard to find positives on a lot of occasions.  But we ended the season with a win, and I spent time with a lot of lovely people, so I am going into the close season with a smile on my face.

The Bilic Era Starts with an Emphatic Win

The Meriden Centre on the Taylor Trek

Lunchtime on a Sunday has to be the worst time for a football match.  Scheduling a fixture on lunchtime on a Sunday in Stoke the day after a rail strike just added insult to injury.

The previous Sunday I had been in Watford early in order to take part in the Taylor Trek.  I walked 18.5 miles (actually a bit more as we took an unintended detour) to raise money for WFC Community Sports and Education Trust.  It was a lovely day out exploring the Hertfordshire countryside and any pain that I felt at the end disappeared when Rita Taylor gave me both my medal and a big hug.

Still smiling after 18.5 miles

On Monday we received the news that Rob Edwards had been relieved of his duties.  I was very sad to hear the news, although I was also surprised at the level of anger from Watford fans.  The team had been booed off at most of the games this season and Rob was confronted by a couple of very angry fans at the end of the Blackburn game.  If fans are going to express their displeasure in such a way, it cannot be a surprise when the owners take decisive action.  I try to take the positives from games, but even I was finding it really hard to do so and had not enjoyed the football that I had seen so far this season.  I was very happy that the replacement was Slaven Bilić.  He seemed like a great appointment, an opinion shared by my West Ham supporting cousin who adores him.

The return of Louza

Following the rail strike on Saturday, and the general unreliability of Avanti trains at present, I wasn’t going to risk of the train that would get me to Stoke in time for kick-off being cancelled, so opted to take the club coach, which was leaving Watford at 7am.  I am not an early riser so I decided to stay in Watford overnight on Saturday as, even doing that, meant my alarm was set for 6am.  It was dark when I left the hotel for the short walk to Occupation Road.  There were a good few complaints about the departure time, but we set off in good spirits and, once the sun rose, it appeared to be a beautiful day.  I was expecting a stop on the way, but we headed straight for the stadium and were in the car park at 9:40, which was a little annoying as the turnstiles weren’t due to open until 10:30.  Thankfully there was a burger van open so I had a coffee and a bacon roll as I contemplated my next move. 

The view along the canal

After a quick chat with Don, who had remained on the coach, I decided that, as I had so much time, I would take a walk along the canal.  I have taken that route on the way from the town to the ground on a number of occasions so, after asking directions from a helpful programme seller, I set off for a stroll.  When I reached the canal, the refreshment barges that are moored at the exit for the stadium were already doing a good trade.  I had intended to walk towards town, but I have no sense of direction so it was no surprise that I actually headed off in the opposite direction.  This turned out to be a lucky mistake as the walk was a lot more attractive than I remember, past fields and rather nice looking canalside properties.  After a lovely walk, being greeted by dog walkers, I was back at the stadium in plenty of time for kick-off.  I had a quick chat with Chris Hall about the goings on during the week.  It was probably not the best time for his appointment as Supporter Liaison Officer to have been announced.  Then Jacque and Adam arrived and we went into the ground to meet up with the Women of Watford group.

Gaspar on the ball

Team news was that Slaven Bilić had made four changes from the Sunderland game.  Troost-Ekong, Cathcart and João Pedro were absent due to injury and Hause wasn’t thought to be fit enough to play 90 minutes.  They were replaced by Kabasele, Sierralta, Sarr and Gaspar.  So, the starting line-up was Bachmann; Kamara, Sierralta, Kabasele, Gaspar; Kayembe, Choudhury; Sema, Asprilla, Sarr; Davis.  The most exciting news was the inclusion of Louza on the bench.  Ben Wilmot started for the home side and the announcement of his name was greeted with a very warm round of applause from the travelling Hornets.

The Hornets had the first chance of note when Sema received a pass from Davis and crossed for Sarr who shot wide of the near post under pressure from a defender.  Already we were seeing a more attacking approach from the Hornets, Bachmann was launching balls upfield and we were yet to see the ball passed along the back line.  The home side then had a decent chance of their own when, from a throw-in, Smallbone crossed for Flint whose header flew wide of the target.  The Hornets took the lead on 12 minutes when Kamara put in a lovely cross and Sarr ran into an acre of space to head it home.  If there was to be any dissent in the travelling support, that quelled it.  Up to that point the anti-Pozzo protest had amounted to three or four kids chanting “We want Gino out” and giving up when nobody joined in. 

Asprilla, Sema and Kamara

The first booking of the game went to Fosu-Henry for pulling back Kamara as he tried to escape.  The Hornets should have had a second when Sarr fed Kayembe who hit a shot from distance that would have been on target had it not bounced off Davis and out.  At this point the travelling Hornets were chanting “You’re getting sacked in the morning” at Alex Neil and “How sh*t must you be he’s still got a job.”  The home side looked to hit back when Delap latched on to a through ball in the box, Bachmann came out to make the save but appeared to be injured in the process.  The Stoke players had no sympathy and one of them pulled him to his feet. He was mercilessly booed from that moment on (with no discernible effect on his performance).  Kamara did brilliantly to fight off the attentions of the defenders and get a cross in for Sarr whose header hit the post, he latched on to the rebound but his shot was saved.  The Hornets had another great chance when Flint dwelled too long on the ball, Sarr nicked it and played it back to Davis, the ball reached Sema via Asprilla, but the shot was turned on to the post by the Stoke keeper, Bursik.  The hosts had a chance to draw level on the half hour when Smallbone crossed for Delap but the header flew wide of the target.  Bachmann was then booked for timewasting, it was not a great surprise as he had been warned.  The home side had a great chance to equalise when Delap broke into the box but Bachmann came out to meet him, narrowing the angle, and his shot found the roof of the net.  There was some excitement when we saw Louza head for the changing rooms before everyone else, would he be coming on after the break?  In the last action of note in the half a lovely ball from Kabasele to Davis came to nothing when a robust tackle from Flint prevented him progressing.  Davis did not take kindly to this and there was a bout of handbags, but it all calmed down and the whistle went with the Hornets a goal up after a very enjoyable half of football.

Celebrating Davis’s goal

Bachmann came out for the start of the second half and, as he took his place in goal in front of the home fans, was loudly booed leading to cheers and support from the travelling Hornets.  The visitors had a great chance to increase their lead at the start of the second half when a free kick from Gaspar was met by the head of Sierralta, who really should have found the net, but his effort just cleared the bar.  Asprilla was booked after kicking the ball away in frustration when he had battled through a tackle and his opponent went down in a manner that seemed rather unlikely given the size of Asprilla.  The resultant free kick from Baker was heading for the top corner, but Bachmann got a strong hand to it and pushed it clear.  Baker threatened again with a shot that flew high and wide.  Smallbone was the next to try his luck but his shot was blocked.  The next caution went to Delap who was booked for dissent after being penalised for a foul on Kabasele.  The Hornets had another decent chance to increase their lead after a great ball found Sema on the left, he crossed for Sarr but the header deflected off Davis.  Just before the hour mark, Bilić made his first change and it was the welcome return of Louza in place of Asprilla.  The Hornets impressed with some lovely interplay between Kamara and Davis on the left wing, but the cross was caught by Bursik.  

Kamara very happy after Bayo’s goal

The second Watford goal came soon after.  Choudhury flicked the ball into the box for Davis whose shot was blocked, the ball broke to Sema whose first attempt was blocked by Wilmot, but he poked in the follow-up to send the travelling Hornets wild.  Ken was booked for taking his shirt off during the celebration, but it was well worth it.  After a couple of worrying chances for the home side, the second goal certainly calmed the nerves.   Sierralta was the next to incur the referee’s wrath when he was booked for a push on Delap.  The home side had a chance to reduce the deficit when a corner was cleared only as far as Smallbone, but the shot was well over the bar.  Then Louza played the perfect pass to Sema who played in Davis, but his shot was terrible and straight at the keeper.  With 20 minutes remaining, the home side made their first substitution replacing Gayle with Campbell.  The Hornets threatened again from a short corner, Sarr crossed for Davis whose header was just wide.  The hosts then made a second change bringing Clarke on in place of Sterling.  With 12 minutes remaining the Hornets found themselves three up after Sema won the ball in midfield and fed Sarr who broke forward before finding Davis who beat a defender before hitting a shot across Bursik into the far corner.  It should have been four a couple of minutes later when Sema went on a run before playing the ball back to Louza but his shot was just wide of the far post.  Bilić then made his second change bringing Bayo on for Sarr.  The hosts had a chance to pull one back when Campbell received the ball in the Watford box, but Bachmann was down to make the save.  Sema went on another run and should have taken a shot but tried to pull the ball back and it was blocked for a corner.  This was taken short, Louza received the ball back and played a magnificent cross to the far post where Bayo stretched to volley home.  The goal was a thing of beauty.  Bilić made a late double change replacing Sema and Davis with Hungbo and Gosling.  Sema left the pitch at the opposite side to the dugouts, so walked past the away fans on his way back, he was warmly applauded and returned the compliment.  The Hornets could have had a fifth but the lovely cross from Louza was just too far in front of Hungbo.  So the final whistle went on a four goal victory by the Hornets and nobody in the away end cared about having had to get up at the crack of dawn and the disruption to the travel.

Challenging at a corner

Bilić was never going to “do an Edwards” at the end of the game but, as he approached the tunnel, which was right in front of the away fans, he waved, applauded us and gave a fist pump.  The players stayed around a bit longer, they had a lot to celebrate.  Several shirts were thrown into the crowd.  Kamara took three attempts as he comically (and I assumed deliberately) dropped his shirt twice before it finally reached someone in the away stand.  Louza was the last to launch his shirt into the crowd and danced a joyous little jig that showed that he was as happy to be back as we were to have him back.

Back to the coach for the journey home during which most people seemed to be rewatching the goals with big smiles on their faces.

So the Bilić era started with a result that was as unexpected as it was enjoyable.  The starting line-up had players in their favoured positions and the change to four at the back was a positive that allowed the attacking players more freedom.  From the kick-off there had been a more attacking approach than we saw under Edwards and it paid dividends.  Sarr gave his best performance in some time contributing a goal and an assist.  Sema was everywhere and thoroughly deserved the ovation that he received after being substituted.  Kamara was awarded the Man of the Match award and his performance was a joy.  But the highlight of the afternoon was the return of Louza, who was absolutely magnificent.  We were all dancing a jig after watching his performance.

We host Swansea at Vicarage Road, which will be a sterner test than Stoke were but, if the players perform as they did on Sunday, we are in for a fun evening.

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.

Goalless but Happy on a Cold Night in Stoke

Javi Gracia takes charge of his first league game for Watford

Why is it that when you are taking the afternoon off work, nobody speaks to you until a couple of minutes before you are due to leave and then it is a crisis that has to be dealt with?  I must have appeared very rude as I packed my bag and changed into my walking shoes while answering the questions coming my way, but I had a train to catch.

Once I left the office, it was a nice easy journey to Stoke, and having opted to travel first class, there was the delight of a glass of wine with my late lunch.  When I arrived at the hotel, I was happy to see a number of regulars milling around the foyer and the bar.  I was soon joined by my companions for the evening and we headed for the pub.  The pre-match pub at Stoke is lovely.  In previous years it has had a sign indicating that it is home fans only (not that we have ever been turned away).  That was missing on this occasion and, as always, there was a nice mix of home and away fans present.  One of the main topics of conversation was the dreadful behaviour of the Watford fans at Southampton and the belief that we wouldn’t be seeing that section of the support on a cold night in Stoke.

We set off for the ground in plenty of time.  I must admit that the walk along the towpath isn’t the most picturesque in daylight.  On a dark Winter’s evening, there was nothing to see but the lights of the stadium which shone in the distance welcoming us.

Challenging at a corner

Team news was that Gracia had made four changes for his first game in the Premier League giving a debut to Deulofeu in place of Carrillo, with Deeney, Cleverley and Prödl coming in for Gray, Watson and Janmaat.  So the starting line-up was Karnezis; Mariappa, Kabasele, Prödl, Holebas; Doucouré, Cleverley; Deulofeu, Capoue, Richarlison; Deeney.

Watford started brightly as a cross from Holebas was met by Prödl, but Butland was equal to the shot.  The first chance for the home side came as a cross from Adam was flicked wide by Diouf.  Watford had a great shout for a penalty as Deulofeu appeared to be thrown to the ground in the box, but the referee saw no infringement.  Then Richarlison pulled the ball back for Cleverley whose shot was over the bar.  The first booking of the game was earned by Kabasele for a push on Shaqiri.  Stoke earned their first booking soon after when Adam was cautioned for a trip on Richarlison.  At this point in the game, I couldn’t help but notice how different the crowd were from Saturday.   Lots of positive chants in support of our team and, on transfer deadline day, there was a lot of love for Deeney and the fact that he would finish the season as a Watford player.  The home side had a great chance to open the scoring as a quick break finished with a shot from Adam that was stopped by a brilliant block from Mariappa, Choupo-Moting picked up the loose ball and curled a shot just wide of the far post.

Deulofeu makes his debut

It was then Watford’s turn to break forward and Butland needed two attempts to gather the cross from Holebas.  Bauer was the next to be cautioned for a nasty tackle on Cleverley.  His reaction was pure outrage pointing out that he had played the ball (as well as the man).  Utterly ridiculous.  A decent free-kick from Holebas was headed goalwards by Doucouré, but Adam managed to clear the shot off the line.  The resultant corner from Holebas bounced off the crossbar.  Watford threatened again when Cleverley picked up a loose ball in midfield, he played a square ball to Doucouré whose weak shot was easy for Butland.  The final chance of the half fell to the Hornets as Deulofeu broke forward and crossed for Richarlison whose shot flew over the bar.

As the players walked towards the tunnel in the corner by the away fans for the half time break, they were cheered off the pitch.  It had been a much better performance than of late, with considerably more effort and energy on show.  Deulofeu had made a lively debut, Mariappa had done very well fitting in at right back and even Capoue had put in a decent shift.

Deeney and Doucoure in the Watford box

The first action of the second half was a booking for Holebas for a foul on Diouf.  Adam took the free kick, his low shot was easy for Karnezis.  There was another booking when Kabasele was knocked to the ground by Diouf.  I didn’t see the foul, but a number of comments post-match indicated that his reaction to the contact was over the top, which was interesting as the other Watford players reacted as if it had been a nasty challenge.  A lovely Watford move started with a break by Doucouré, who found Deulofeu, he flicked the ball on to Richarlison whose shot was deflected wide.  From the corner there was a total mishit from Deulofeu, allowing Stoke to break down the other end where Allen shot over the target.  Stoke made a substitution just before the hour mark replacing Adam with Crouch.  We had Karnezis to thank for keeping the game goalless as he pulled off a superb double save, first from Shaqiri, then the rebound from Crouch.  The Stoke substitute was having a lively start to the game and, soon after, he got on the end of a cross from Diouf but was forced to turn it wide under pressure from Mariappa.  Watford’s first substitution saw Richarlison make way for Gray.  I have to say that the young Brazilian appeared devastated at being taken off.  The Watford substitute was soon involved in the action as he played the ball to Doucouré whose shot was stopped by a great block from Shawcross.

Mapps takes a free kick

Watford’s next substitution was enforced as Pereyra came on for Cleverley who had appeared to go down with a hamstring injury.  The Stoke fans were less than sympathetic yelling at him for being a cheat.  Charming!  Watford continued to look for the breakthrough as Doucouré won the ball in the midfield before finding Pereyra whose shot was deflected for a corner.  There was an even better chance in the next move after Deulofeu beat a couple of players before the ball found its way to Pereyra but, again, Butland was equal to the strike, pushing it out for a corner.  The set piece was played out to Doucouré who shot wide of the target.  There was a late change for each side as Berahino replaced Diouf and Carrillo came on for Deulofeu, who went off to appreciative applause from the travelling Hornets.  The last chance of the game fell to the home side as a corner from Shaqiri was met by the head of Shawcross, but it was an easy save for Karnezis and the game finished goalless.

Kabasele and Prodl

It was a game of little quality, but plenty of action and endeavour and I thoroughly enjoyed it.  At the end of the game, the players were warmly applauded and Pereyra and Kabasele, who had been abused at the end of the previous game, handed over their shirts to smiling fans.  While a goalless draw at Stoke wouldn’t be everyone’s idea of a good night out, it was a point well won and I left the ground with a big smile on my face.

After a swift glass of red at the pub, we headed back to the hotel and spent a late night in the lounge with a large number of Watford fans.  Everyone in attendance had thoroughly enjoyed the performance and were happy to have been part of a more positive crowd.  One fan had actually contemplated staying at home due to the unpleasantness of the crowd on Saturday.  Thankfully he hadn’t and had his faith in his fellow fans restored.

The rest of the season will not be easy but there were more than enough positives in that performance and, if we all pull together, we could have an end to the season that is as much fun as the start was and that is something to look forward to.

Stymied by Stoke

The piper plays Flowers of the Forest

Back to Vicarage Road again and, after a busy week, it was lovely to sit down with the crowd for the pre-match pint.  I bumped into someone that I hadn’t seen for a while, a regular who had almost given up in the dark days at the end of Mazzarri’s reign.  He was all smiles again, thoroughly enjoying the football as we all are.  I must admit that, going into this game I was less confident than last week against Chelsea.  There is something about Stoke and their negative style of play that made me think that we could struggle.

Since it was the last game before Remembrance Day, there was a piper on the pitch to play Flowers of the Forest.  This was followed by a minute’s silence.  Both were observed impeccably by the crowd.

Team news was two changes for the Hornets with Capoue and Carrillo coming in for Mariappa and Pereyra.  So the starting line-up was Gomes; Holebas, Britos, Kabasele, Femenía; Capoue, Cleverley, Doucouré; Richarlison, Deeney, Carrillo.

Rare first half action in the Stoke box

There was a slow start to the game, with Watford having most of the possession but being given little space by the visitors.  So it was a bit of a shock when Stoke took the lead on 16 minutes after a corner from Shaqiri reached Fletcher on the edge of the box from where he powered a shot through the bodies in the box and past Gomes.  You couldn’t help thinking that, having taken the lead, Stoke would make it difficult for us.  There was certainly little in the way of goal attempts in the half.  The first half chance came as Holebas played a ball into the box for Deeney, who was unable to reach it.   A Cleverley corner was headed on by Britos, to Capoue who tried and failed to finish, but was in an offside position anyway.  Watford’s best chance of the game so far came in the 38^th minute as Cleverley played a lovely ball to Deeney who tried to place his shot, which drifted wide.

That was it for the first half.  The whistle was greeted with a few boos from the Rookery.  Who are these people?  It hadn’t been pretty, but any football had been played by the home side.

The beautiful game did make an appearance during the half time penalty shoot-out when a young girl from Holy Rood floated a perfect chip over the keeper.  Sign her up!

Capoue and Holebas prepare for a short corner

The second half started at a cracking pace.  The first chance came as Doucouré played a gorgeous ball to Femenía who went on a run and crossed for Deeney, but Shawcross got a block in to prevent the shot.  The next chance followed the same pattern starting with a beautiful ball from Doucouré and finishing with Shawcross clearing before Deeney could shoot.  Next a cross from Holebas was flicked on by Deeney to Capoue, who couldn’t quite reach it to apply the finish.  Watford came closer still as Holebas played a cross-field pass to Carrillo who cut the ball back to Richarlison, but the angle was too acute for the Brazilian and his shot hit the side netting.  The first substitution came just before the hour mark as Gray replaced Capoue.  Stoke could have increased their lead when, completely against the run of play, there was a forward break from Sobhi, he cut the ball back to Allen who shot just wide of the target when he should have done better.  Watford continued to threaten as Cleverley advanced and put in a decent cross, but Butland’s fist reached the ball just before Richarlison’s head.  Another chance for the young Brazilian went begging as a cross from Britos reached him, but he couldn’t get a proper connection for the header and it flew wide.  Watford also should have done better with the next chance as a cross from Carrillo reached Gray, but he mishit the shot and it went wide of the near post.

Fisticuffs by the dugouts

Stoke’s first change came as Berahino replaced Sobhi in a substitution that seemed to take an age (they had been wasting time from soon after they scored).  Watford’s next chance came from a corner, but Doucouré’s shot was blocked and the ball was deflected over the target.  The second substitution for the Hornets came as Carrillo was replaced by Hughes, making his debut for the Hornets.  A rare attack by the visitors finished as Choupo-Moting shot straight at Gomes.  Watford had another decent chance as a lovely ball into the box from Doucouré was flicked on by the head of Gray, but Deeney couldn’t reach it to turn it in.  There was danger at the other end as a cross from Shaqiri wasn’t cut out but, even as Gomes hesitated, he did enough to cause Berahino to shoot wide.  Watford threatened again as Gray met a cross from Cleverley with a header that flew on to the roof of the net.  Soon after, it all kicked off on the sideline.  I don’t know what provoked it, but it seemed to start with Doucoure and Diouf who, in photographic evidence obtained from a friend in the SEJ stand, squared up to each other before everyone else got involved, including some members of the Stoke coaching staff, but it was only the initial perpetrators who were cautioned.  After the dust settled, Stoke made another substitution replacing Shaqiri with Adam.  There was another scuffle after Stoke had put the ball out when one of their players went down with cramp in their box.  It had appeared to be an attempt to waste time and the ball was, quite rightly in my opinion, not returned to them.  This incensed Allen who went for Deeney and it all got rather unpleasant.  The two men were booked, but the television pictures of the altercation suggest that Deeney may incur further punishment for his reaction, which would be unfortunate.  Watford had one last chance to win a point as Hughes found Gray, but the shot was deflected for a corner.  As it was late into time added on, Gomes came up to join the attack and was nearly caught out as Stoke broke upfield, Gomes was unable to tackle Adam, who advanced with an open goal to aim at but found the far post instead, much to the amusement of the Rookery faithful.

Doucoure on the ball

There were boos again at the final whistle, although most of these appeared to be aimed at the opposition.  Richarlison, Britos and Holebas had collapsed to the turf on full time with the latter staying prone with his shirt over his head for some considerable time.

It was a disappointing afternoon.  The football was horrible but, credit to Stoke, they played their game very well and we didn’t play ours.  The second half was much better as Watford attacked at pace, but the Stoke defence were very well organized and Butland didn’t have a save to make.  Special credit must go to Zouma, who had a great game keeping Richarlison very quiet.

As we walked up Occupation Road, a familiar face passed us, and I couldn’t help wondering if Pereyra would have made a difference, but it was one of those afternoons.

Back in the West Herts and the post-match analysis focussed on how horrible Stoke were to watch.  All very true, but you have to find a way past these teams and we failed to do that.  The positive is that this is one of very few games that have not been entertaining so far this season.  So let us put this one behind us and look forward to Goodison Park next Sunday.

 

A Spirited Performance Spoiled by Defensive Lapses

The teams emerge from the tunnel in Stoke

Memories of the recent dreadful performance at Vicarage Road against the Potters and the capitulation to Spurs on Sunday meant that I set off on my journey to Stoke with no hope of any pleasure to be gained from the evening’s entertainment.  But the afternoon started rather well, as I unexpectedly encountered a friend at Euston so we spent a very pleasant journey chatting about our various activities over the Christmas period.

The designated pre-match pub (for the two of us) had signs on the doors indicating that it was home fans only.  However, a previous visit had shown that they did not enforce this terribly strictly.  This was very pleasing as the real ale, the food and the atmosphere were all first class and it was no surprise that it was soon populated with familiar faces from our travels.  We decided to take the bus to the ground which, due to traffic, seemed to be within touching distance of the stadium lights for quite some time before we were dropped off.  Once in the ground, I donned my Watford regalia (scarf, shirt and socks) and was wrapped up warm at a stadium notorious for being cold at the best of times.  The pre-match flag wavers around the ground were not kitted out in Stoke uniforms, but appeared to be a random selection of local children in colourful coats and bobble hats which was rather nice.

Kabasele and Kaboul

Team news was that Mazzarri had made three changes from Sunday with Cathcart and Ighalo replaced by Britos and Kabasele, and Behrami, who was rumoured still to be carrying an injury, taking the place of the (presumably more severely) injured Amrabat.  So the starting line-up was Gomes; Kaboul, Prödl, Kabasele, Britos; Doucouré, Guedioura, Behrami, Capoue, Holebas; Deeney.  The chants in the concourse prior to the game were all about parking the bus.  Whatever the tactics, we needed to see a far more committed performance than on Sunday.

The news that Behrami was starting, injured or not, had me punching the air and that reaction was justified as soon as he took the pitch as he was immediately organizing and harrying the players.  We really miss him when he is not there.  But the first chance of the game fell to Stoke as Crouch headed wide after a corner.  Watford’s first shot came from a Guedioura free kick that was repelled to Holebas who, unfortunately, launched his effort over the bar.  The home side were almost gifted a goal due to a misunderstanding between Behrami and Prödl, who went for the same ball then left it for each other allowing Allen to sneak in and feed Arnautovic who went on a dangerous run into the area where he was stopped by a great tackle from Britos.

Capoue and Guedioura line up a free kick

The first card of the game went to Diouf who stopped a break from Holebas by pulling him to the ground.  A great header from Kabasele reached Prödl who battled his way into the box, but his shot flew harmlessly across the front of the goal.  There were loud appeals from the away stand for a penalty as a cross from Kabasele appeared to be handled in the box, but the referee waved play on.  There was a scary moment for the Hornets as a header from Crouch was parried by Gomes and ricocheted off Behrami back in the direction of the goal before it was finally cleared.  At the other end, there was a gilt-edged opportunity for the visitors as a lovely through ball from Holebas reached Doucouré in space but, instead of going for goal, he hesitated before cutting the ball back to Guedioura and the chance was lost.  I was becoming increasingly frustrated at this point as the lads seemed to be determined to score the perfect goal when taking a shot would at least give us a chance of scoring.  With four minutes to go to half time Behrami, who had been limping for a while, went down in need of treatment.  On a number of occasions this season, it has taken far too long for the substitute to get ready to replace an injured player.  In this instance, Ighalo was stripped and ready on the touchline before Behrami had left the field, only for Valon to turn around and come back on leaving Odion to return to the bench.  Just as it appeared that the game would reach half-time goalless, the Watford defence fell asleep at a corner and Shawcross was given the freedom of the area to finish past Gomes.  It was almost the last kick of the half as the whistle went straight after the restart.  I braced myself for the crowd’s reaction to this setback and was very pleased that as the players walked towards the tunnel, which was in the corner in front of us, they were greeted by loud, encouraging applause and chants of “Watford FC.”

Guedioura ‘assisting’ Holebas at a corner

The goal felt like a real kick in the teeth after a very even half in which my major criticism of the team was that they were reluctant to shoot when getting a sight of the goal.  With all the injury woes, the players didn’t deserve that.

As expected, Ighalo replaced Behrami at the start of the second half which began brilliantly for the visitors as Doucouré unleashed a terrific curling shot that Grant did really well to keep out of the net.  Sadly, Watford were two goals down a couple of minutes later as a routine cross into the box was inexplicably missed by Prödl and Crouch, lurking behind him, had an easy finish.  The crowd’s frustration started to build in the away end.  Their ire was particularly provoked by the corner routine that consisted of a second player standing just in from the touchline, but playing no role in the delivery which was launched straight into the box.  I can only assume that the tactic was designed to draw defenders out of the box, but the single defender standing just outside the box didn’t seem to create any advantage that would outweigh the presence of another Watford head to meet the corner.

Folivi joins his team mates waiting for a corner

In contrast to the reaction on Sunday after conceding, Watford heads did not go down and they were making every effort to pull a goal back.  From a free kick, Capoue played a short ball to Guedioura whose powerful shot was blocked.  Then Kaboul played a through ball to Deeney who crossed for Ighalo, but the Nigerian’s shot was into a group of Stoke defenders.  Each side made a substitution at the half way mark in the second period with Afellay replacing Diouf for the home side and Sinclair coming on for Guedioura for the visitors.  With 20 minutes to go, there were chances at both ends as a decent free-kick from Holebas had to be punched clear by Grant and then a lovely shot from Stoke substitute, Afellay, curled just wide of the near post.  Stoke had a great chance of a third as a cross was headed down by Crouch to Walters, but Gomes smothered the shot.  Watford then had a couple of great chances of their own as Capoue’s corner was met with a header from Sinclair that was cleared off the line, Capoue sent the ball back in to the box and this time it was headed just wide by Prödl.  Then a punched clearance from Grant was headed down by Deeney to Igahlo whose shot was disappointingly weak and easily saved.  Mazzarri’s final change saw Folivi come on in place of Prödl.  In the times that I have seen Folivi play for the U18s and development teams, I have enjoyed watching him, so was delighted to see him make his debut for the first team, although it was under very difficult circumstances.  From pre-match songs about parking the bus, the travelling faithful were now extolling the benefits of having four strikers on the pitch.  Sadly it wasn’t to lead to a change in fortunes in front of goal.  The final chances of the game fell to the home side as Walters got the wrong side of Holebas and bore down on goal before Gomes made an excellent save to deny him.  From the resulting corner, Shawcroft fired wide.

Folivi leaves the pitch after his debut

There was disappointment at the final whistle.  Unusually Mazzarri applauded and waved to the crowd as he left the pitch, although the position of the tunnel right in front of us was likely the prime reason for this.  The players looked despondent but many of them showed their appreciation by giving their shirts to some of the travelling fans.  The post-match reaction among those that travelled was generally positive.  The team had picked itself due to the dearth of fully fit players.  Mazzarri also admitted that he had played Behrami knowing that he wasn’t fully fit but, assuming that it doesn’t mean a lengthier lay-off for the player, it was a gamble worth taking as he brings leadership and organization to the midfield that has been lacking in recent weeks and he ran his socks off.  Doucouré was also a different player when in the position that he was expecting to play, and he fashioned Watford’s best chances of the game.  The disappointing thing was that, yet again, we were punished for a couple of defensive mistakes.  No tactical game plan can overcome a lapse in concentration.  Still, we asked for a reaction after the Tottenham game and we certainly got what we asked for as there was no lack of effort among the players on show.

We now have a couple of weeks to regroup as it is likely that the Burton game will see more of the youngsters given a chance.  We have some tricky fixtures coming up, so both players and supporters need to band together to get through this sticky patch.  With the transfer window open, hopefully we can bring some players in to make up for some of the longer term injuries.  But I truly believe that a positive support from the stands is an essential element and it is the only thing that the fans can do to help the team so let us all make this our new year’s resolution.

Petulant Loss to the Potters

Kaboul and Capoue line up a free kick

Midday on a Sunday is a ridiculous time for a football match.  I was up at the crack of dawn (for me) in order to get to the game but a slight delay on my first train meant that I had to wait a while for the connection at Euston so that, when I arrived in the West Herts after a long journey, the pleasant greeting from my friends was “Where have you been?”  Still, my tardy arrival did mean that a round was already in progress and the traditional cider went down very well with the bacon roll (apple juice is a breakfast drink, isn’t it?) setting me up for the afternoon.

Team news was that Mazzarri made one change from last week with Holebas returning from suspension to replace Zúñiga.  So the starting line-up was Gomes; Kaboul, Prödl, Britos; Janmaat, Capoue, Behrami, Holebas; Amrabat, Deeney and Pereyra.  It was good to see each of the captains wearing a rainbow armband in support of the Rainbow Laces campaign which supports fans and players from the LGBT community.  It was also pleasing to see Mazzarri with the rainbow lace displayed on his jacket.

Amrabat on the ball

Any hope that we would start the game in a similar way to the previous week was soon extinguished and Stoke had the first chance, capitalizing on a Watford mistake, as a failure to clear the ball allowed Martins Indi to shoot, but his point blank effort was blocked by Gomes, who was also on hand to gather the follow-up cross.  The home side’s first goal attempt came as Janmaat intercepted a pass and went on a run before unleashing a shot that was saved by (Hemel boy) Lee Grant.  Stoke should have done better when a cross from Diouf flew across the goal but, luckily for the Hornets, there was no Stoke player anywhere near to apply the final touch.  The visitors threatened again with a shot from distance from Imbula that flew just past the far post.  A lovely passing move from the Watford team finished with Amrabat finding Capoue in space, but his shot was straight at Grant in the Stoke goal.  Mazzarri was forced to make his first substitution after 20 minutes as an injury to Kaboul meant that he was unable to continue, so was replaced by Kabasele.  Pereyra created a chance for himself as he picked the ball up on the edge of the area, turned and shot.  It was a similar strike to the one against Leicester, but this time the ball flew just wide.  Stoke were back in the Watford box as Arnautović headed the ball on to Walters who seemed a little surprised to see it come his way and Gomes was on hand to snuff out the danger.

Behrami being challenged

At this stage of the game, the home fans were becoming increasingly impatient with the referee who seemed to be blowing up after every tackle by a man in a yellow shirt.  Half an hour into the game, he had booked both Amrabat and Britos for reasons that were not apparent from the stand and seemed to baffle the players but were put down to dissent.  The visitors took the lead with a scrappy goal as, following a corner, a header from Adam bounced back off the post before rebounding into the net off Gomes.  The Watford faithful greeted this with a chant of 1-0 to the referee which, at the time, seemed to be stretching the truth somewhat as Stoke had been the better team to that point, but I hadn’t seen the foul by Adam before he reached the ball.  The referee certainly didn’t placate the crowd when he blew up immediately after the restart, insisting that the kick-off be retaken.  Watford had a decent chance for an equalizer as a Capoue free kick was met by Britos, but his header cleared the bar.  Holebas was the next to receive a caution, again for dissent as he kicked the ball away having been angered at being penalized when he conceded a corner while being fouled.  In time added on at the end of the half it appeared that Holebas was tripped in the box, but the referee gave the decision the other way.  The whistle for the end of the first half was greeted by loud boos directed at the referee, but it was difficult to put Watford’s woes at his door.  Stoke were playing a very disciplined, organized game and were ensuring that the Watford players had no space to play in.  Instead of finding a way to counteract this tactic, the home side were just getting increasingly frustrated, it was not good to watch.

Wonder Woman (Marcus Gayle), Ian Richardson, Ian Bolton and Keith Mercer and Gavin Mahon

There was a pleasant distraction at half time as the club celebrated Former Players’ Day by reminiscing with Marcus Gayle, Gavin Mahon, Wayne Andrews and Ian Richardson, all of whom evoked happy memories, although I am probably the only person who sees Marcus Gayle and thinks “Wonder Woman”.  They were followed by Keith Mercer, Ian Bolton and Neil Price who were advertising the upcoming dinner at the club and talking about the work of the Former Players Association.  I must say that seeing those old heroes cheered me up considerably.

The visitors started the second half brightly with a run from Arnautović that finished with a cross-cum-shot that was too far in front of the oncoming Walters for him to provide the finishing touch, so flew past the far post.  The Austrian threatened again, but his next shot was stopped by a good block from Kabasele.  Ten minutes into the half, Mazzarri was forced into a second substitution as Holebas, who had received some treatment on the sidelines, was replaced by Ighalo.  The Nigerian’s first half chance came as Amrabat delivered a decent cross into the box, but a defender was on hand to shepherd the ball out and ensure that Ighalo didn’t get a touch.  He had a better chance soon after as he headed a Britos cross goalwards, but the header had no power and was easy for Grant to deal with.

Waiting for a free kick

The home side were having much more of the play in the second half and another ball into the box looked promising as Janmaat’s cross was headed on by Ighalo but it didn’t reach Deeney and the chance was lost.  Mazzarri’s final change saw Okaka brought on to replace Amrabat.  There was a great chance for an equalizer as a cross from Pereyra was cleared to Janmaat on the edge of the box, but his volley was well over the bar when he should have hit the target.  The presence of Okaka did seem to unsettle the Stoke defence and he had a chance to bring the Hornets level as an overhead kick from Ighalo fell to him, but he was at an acute angle to the goal and could only hit the side netting.  Deeney had a great chance to get his 100^th goal when he met a ball from Janmaat with a header but it flew over the target.  Watford’s miserable afternoon continued when Britos stupidly fouled Shaqiri and was shown a second yellow card, so we finished the game with ten men.  Stoke then had a chance to increase their lead as Pieters tried a shot from distance which, thankfully, just missed the target.  But there was still time for another booking for Watford as Behrami received his fifth yellow card of the season.

Pereyra takes a free kick

The final whistle was greeted with yet more boos for the referee.  The Watford players, with the exception of Deeney and Gomes, disappeared in an instant providing no distraction for the home crowd as they directed their anger at the official.  Despite the feeling that the goal should have been disallowed for the foul by Adam, I didn’t feel that the defeat was down to the referee’s decisions.  It had been a poor day at the office for many of the Watford players.  There had been an improvement in the second half with the Hornets finding a bit more space, but the win was a result of Stoke effectively stopping their opponents from keeping the ball or creating any chances.  But the most disappointing aspect of the game was the petulance and ill-discipline of many of the Watford players, which resulted in yellow cards and a sending off that will mean that both Britos and Behrami are unavailable for the game against West Brom.  Sunday’s game was as bad as the previous week’s was good, but that is what we should be expecting this season and, to put a positive spin on it, this is becoming a season in which (ouside the top six) any team can beat any other and, while that will lead to games like Saturday’s, it also means that we can approach most games with an expectation that we can get something out of it and that has not been the case for us at this level since the 80s.

Stoked in the Potteries

 

The oatcake and beer barges

I have just returned from a business trip, the original plans for which would have meant missing this game and, to be honest, if I had to miss a game then a trip to Stoke wasn’t one I would be too upset about.  As it turned out, I missed the Arsenal game instead, or rather I spent the morning sitting in a pub in San Francisco watching it.  I was so proud of our performance for the first hour, especially the fact that we went for it rather than the cautious approach that we took against Man City.  The three goals were a little hard to take, but our season won’t be decided by the results of games against the likes of Arsenal.  The game against Stoke was a different matter completely.  It would be a real test, with the result giving an indication of what we can expect for the rest of the season.

My previous trips to Stoke have been on the supporters’ coach, so I’ve always had the impression that the ground is miles out of town and a pig to get to.  Also, away fans are advised to avoid most of the pubs.  So, as I left home feeling fatigued after my travels, I did not have high hopes for my day out.  However, on arrival at the designated pub, which had a sign in the window indicating that only Stoke fans were welcome, the door was held open for me by the security guy, which is always a good sign.  Our advance party was already in place at a table, the beer was good and the food was hearty.  As the pub filled up, there seemed to be more faces that I recognized than not, so the sign in the window was not acting as any kind of deterrent.  The next adventure was to walk to the ground.  It turned out to be an easy stroll along the canal towpath which was not the most picturesque I have ever encountered, but certainly had lots to remark upon.  There was a group of ropey looking canal boats, one of which had foliage on the rudder suggesting a lack of custom.  They were just outside a ‘shooting range’ that appeared to be someone’s garden shed.  Then, as we arrived at the bridge to the ground, there were a couple of somewhat nicer looking barges which were serving oatcakes and beer and doing a roaring trade from the punters who had made the ‘long’ trek from town.

Gomes takes a free kick

Team news was just the one change with Britos making his league debut in place of Prödl, a selection that raised eyebrows, especially from those who had witnessed his truncated performance at Deepdale.  The starting line-up was Gomes, Aké, Britos, Cathcart, Nyom, Watson, Capoue, Anya, Deeney, Abdi and Ighalo.  Stoke came into the game in good form having won their previous three league games while only conceding a single goal.  Given Watford’s lack of goalpower, this record was a little worrying.  But we started well as Deeney got goalside of Cameron only for Johnson to appear to take the ball off his feet and redirect it towards Butland.  The home side’s first chance fell to Charlie Adam whose shot from the edge of the area flew wide of the near post.  Then Anya cut the ball back to Watson whose shot was blocked.  Stoke were forced into an early substitution as defender, Cameron, was replaced by Wilson due to an injury sustained in his early challenge with Deeney.  A cross into the Watford box was well blocked by Capoue, it came back in and Aké headed clear but only as far as Adam whose shot was deflected for a corner.  Abdi exchanged passes with Aké before finding Anya whose attempted cross was blocked so looped unthreateningly into the area before it was cleared.  Stoke had a great chance to take the lead just before the half hour as a dangerous cross from Shaqiri was headed wide by Arnautovic when he really should have done better.

Celebrating Deeney’s goal

Watford had been dreadful for most of the half, they looked sluggish and passes were going horribly astray.  But, just as I was thinking I should have stayed at home and slept off the jet-lag, we had a great chance to take the lead.  Anya broke forward and crossed for Ighalo.  I was already celebrating when the Nigerian’s header came back off the crossbar, but the chance had not gone.  Odion’s follow-up shot was blocked and rebounded to Abdi, the ball got stuck under his feet so he moved it on to Deeney who was in space but his shot hit the same spot on the crossbar that Ighalo had found and rebounded to safety.  At the other end a Stoke break was stopped as a cross from Johnson was blocked by the brilliant Watson.  From the corner, Shaqiri’s delivery appeared to be flying in but Gomes punched it clear.  Surprisingly, it was the visitors who took the lead just before half time.  A lovely back heel from Ighalo found Deeney who got into position and curled the ball into the corner past Butland.  The celebrations in the away end had extra impetus due to Deeney finally having scored his first goal of the season.  He has worked his socks off and thoroughly deserved it.  Most of the first half had been dreadful, but the goal ensured that the Hornets left the pitch to applause and with Troy Deeney’s name ringing out in the Britannia.

Deeney congratulating Abdi after he scored the second

Watford launched the first attack of the second half as a long free kick from Gomes reached Deeney whose header was soft and straight at Butland.  At the other end, Shaqiri hit a shot from outside the area that flew high and wide.  Deeney had a great chance for a second as Ighalo found him in space.  Last season he would have buried the ball, but this time he took one touch too many and the chance was gone.  Watford had a shout for a penalty as Ighalo tumbled in the box, but the referee waved appeals away, which was fine by me as it would have been rather soft.  A corner from Watson reached Ighalo in the centre of the box, he volleyed goalwards, but there was a body in the way to block the shot which was hit with such power that I would suspect that body was hurting for some time.  Watford were on top now and a Cathcart free kick was nodded down by Deeney towards Ighalo who was held off by a defender so couldn’t reach the ball.  Flores made his first substitution on 64 minutes replacing Anya with Paredes.  Watford’s second goal came on 69 minutes as Ighalo battled to dispossess Wilson on the left and played a perfect pass into the path of Abdi who advanced and hit a gorgeous shot past Butland at the near post.  The celebrations in the away end were joy unconfined.

Challenging at a corner

Watford were looking to increase their lead further as Paredes advanced down the right, his cross reached Abdi who balooned his shot wide.  Paredes then had a chance himself as he hit a powerful shot from outside the area that Butland dived to keep out, although the block was such that the ball could have flown anywhere.  A Stoke counter-attack finished with Walters shooting well wide of the far post.  The first booking of the game went to Whelan for taking Capoue down in the centre circle.  Watford’s second substitution saw Behrami replacing goalscorer, Abdi, who went off to warm applause and the sound of his name being chanted.  Another Stoke chance was scuppered as the attentions of Deeney ensured that Adams shot high and wide.  At the other end, Deeney played a ball to Capoue whose shot curled just wide of the target.  Stoke’s late attempts to cut the deficit were poor as, first, a Johnson cross was headed wide by Arnautovic and then a corner flew across goal and straight out for a goal kick.  A late substitution by the visitors saw Guedioura coming on for Igahlo.  The Nigerian took a while to leave the pitch so was pushed by Pieters, there was a bit of handbags and both men received a caution.  Stoke’s frustration manifested again as Adam hacked Capoue down and was carded for the offence.  As the fourth official signalled four minutes of time added on, the home stands were almost empty.  The final chance of the game fell to Capoue whose low free kick was disappointing and flew well wide of the goal.

Just after the post-match hug

There were great celebrations in the away end after the final whistle and it was lovely to see Flores, Deeney and Gomes return from thanking the referee with their arms around each other.  As the last Watford player left the pitch the travelling Hornets were still bouncing and singing and my earlier jet-lagged state had been replaced with euphoria.  If we had been fortunate in the first half, we had been excellent in the second and thoroughly deserved the win.  While the goals for Deeney and Abdi and Ighalo’s two assists will attract the headlines, the consensus among our party was that the man of the match award should go to Watson, who was quietly magnificent running the midfield, with a special mention for Capoue who had the home side rattled throughout.

So 10 games played, 13 points and 13th in the table.  We’d have taken that in August.  We’ve also broken our Premier League duck for October.  It is always good to see records like that falling.

As I was waiting for the train home, I was joined on the platform by Stuart Timperley and Miles Jacobson, fresh from the Stoke boardroom, so had a very interesting journey home with these two delightful gentlemen.  A wonderful end to an unexpectedly enjoyable day in Stoke.