Two Points Lost to the Royals

Oli with Toddy and Don at an end of season dinner

Last week we heard the sad news of the passing of Oli Phillips.  His reports about the Hornets in the Watford Observer were a vital ingredient to my falling in love with the club.  I had the paper on order at the local newsagents and, when I was away at university, my Mum would keep the pile of papers for my return.  Later, when I was on the board of the Supporters’ Trust, Oli was very helpful to me, calling from France to chat through his knowledge of some of the behind the scenes stuff that we were looking into.  It is fitting that the Media Suite at Vicarage Road has been named after Oli and I am so glad that he was made aware of it before he died.

On Saturday, it was a fairly leisurely start to the day as we had only a short trip to Reading.  I had intended to arrive early to grab a table in the pub, but was slow getting going and delayed myself further by having to return home as I had forgotten to pick up my ticket.  My progress stalled again at Tottenham Court Road as the Elizabeth Line was closed so it was back on the Northern line and a change to the Bakerloo.  Paddington underground station was a zoo when I arrived and it took forever to get out, so I missed the train that Mike and Jacque were on.  No matter, when I arrived at the pub, most of our party were already in place and had secured a couple of tables for a comfortable gathering.  We had a fan reach out to Women of Watford asking where we were meeting so our numbers were swelled further, and new friends were made.  I also saw Ross from Ayrshire and his daughter there, so all were accounted for.

Martins waiting for the ball to drop

We took the bus to the stadium and arrived to find that the block of seats next to us housed a large group of Junior Hornets.  I saw Helen on the way in with her two children.  She told me that they had spent the morning at a trampoline park and had a tremendous time.  The children had been given fan clappers with “when I was young” printed on them.  I went to speak to Ann Swanson, who was buzzing.  “We’ve brought 300.  It’s just like the old days.”  There were loads of the clappers left, so I took some for the Women of Watford group.

Team news was that there were three changes from the Middlesbrough game with Araújo, Bacuna and Porteous in for Ferreira, Koné and Sierralta.  So, the starting line-up was Bachmann; Kamara, Porteous, Cathcart, Gaspar; Bacuna, Choudhury; Sarr, Davis, Martins; Araújo.

The Hornets dominated the opening exchanges, but the first chance of note came after 16 minutes and was created by the home side, Ince broke forward and unleashed a shot that was pushed wide by Bachmann.  From the corner, Ince put in a cross that was cleared by Sarr. 

Celebrating the first goal

The first chance for the Hornets came soon after as Davis found Sarr who curled a shot wide of the far post.  The Hornets were ahead on 29 minutes as Gaspar played a ball over the top to Araújo who squared for Sarr to poke the ball past Lumley.  A goal away from home in the first half.  How delightful!  Sarr then got on the end of a lovely through ball but was taken down by Mbengue as he tried to escape.  The Reading man was booked for the foul.  The Hornets had a decent chance for a second from a free kick, but the delivery from Martins was caught by Lumley.  There was an even better chance soon after when Araújo received a throw-in from Kamara in the box but could only find the side netting.  A foul on Choudhury prompted a lad in front of me to hold up a yellow card, sadly the referee did not do the same.  The next chance for the home side was again stopped by a great clearance from Sarr, who was putting in a great shift at both ends of the pitch.  Reading had a chance to draw level in time added on at the end of the half when Ince won a free kick just outside the area.  He stepped up to take it himself, but his effort was well over the bar, so the Hornets went into the break with a well-deserved lead.

Porteous looks very happy to have scored

The first chance of the second half fell to the home side with a shot from Hendrick that Bachmann was down to save.  The Hornets then had a great chance when Martins broke forward before playing a lovely ball to Sarr in the box, but Lumley blocked the shot, Gaspar picked up the loose ball and his shot was deflected for a corner.  This lead to the second goal as the delivery from Martins was met by a great header from debutant, Porteous, who celebrated in front of the travelling Hornets who had to make up a song for him on the spot.  The Hornets were very much on top at this point and the next chance came when Gaspar crossed for Sarr whose header was blocked.  The Hornets had the ball in the net again when Sarr ran on to a pass that came through a defender’s legs, but the flag was up curtailing the celebrations.  There were shouts for a penalty from the Reading players when one of their players tumbled in the box, but the referee waved play on.  The Hornets had another great chance to increase their lead when Martins got on the end of a free kick from Porteous and broke forward before unleashing a shot that Lumley saved at the near post.  At the other end, Loum tried a shot from the edge of the area, but Bachmann was down to make the save. 

Challenging at a corner

The Hornets were in charge at this point but then Cathcart and Long tumbled together in the box and the referee pointed to the spot.  My immediate reaction had been that Cathcart was the one who was fouled but, of course, it was Long, who has been our nemesis for years and the decision went his way.  Ince stepped up to take the penalty and, although Bachmann went the right way, he put it in just inside the post.  Infuriating.  The Reading fans suddenly started making some noise.  With 20 minutes remaining, each side made substitutions as Azeez replaced Hoilett for the home side, Assombalonga made his return to the club in place of Araújo and João Pedro made his return from injury in place of Davis.  Reading had a great chance to draw level with a shot from distance by Azeez that was punched clear by Bachmann.  Then Sarr ran on to a pass and took a shot that was blocked.  Kamara was booked for what looked like a decent tackle from our vantage point, but I do think that a lot of bookings are very soft.  The Hornets thought they had scored a third, Kamara went on a great run before pulling the ball back to Martins, he shot, and the ball bounced off Lumley into the goal.  It seemed to have been given until the Reading players complained that Assombalonga had got a touch having come back from an offside position.  The referee went to speak to the linesman, and he finally raised his flag indicating an offside.  Two minutes later the home side were level.  A deep corner was met by a volley from Kendrick that beat Bachmann, sending the travelling Hornets into despair.  Bilić made a couple of late substitutions bringing Koné and Adeyemo on for Bacuna and Martins.  At this point, the travelling Hornets were letting the referee know what they thought of his performance.  Paul Ince made a couple of late substitutions bringing Meite and Dann on for Long and Mbengue.  The home side nearly grabbed a late winner with a shot from Hendrick that needed a really good save from Bachmann to keep it out, Meite’s follow-up cleared the bar.  It all kicked off in time added on.  A foul from João Pedro infuriated the Reading players and an all-out brawl started.  Someone must have said something to Choudhury, as he was furious and could not be pacified.  When it finally calmed down, the referee booked the two Watford men, but nobody from the opposition, which seemed like a ridiculous decision.      

Martins prepares to take a corner

The final whistle went on two points lost from a winning position.  It felt like a defeat.  On the way out, everyone was complaining about the referee but, following the penalty, the Watford team had collapsed rather worryingly.  We had enough quality on the pitch to easily beat Reading but week after week, we are not playing to our potential.  One positive was the performance from Porteous who looked solid at the back, took the goal really well and had two different songs by the end of the game.  Sarr also put in an excellent shift and Martins looked great going forward.  But we need to become harder to beat. While we were drowning our sorrows, a couple of guys at the table next to us asked about the game.  It turned out that they were Reading fans who decided to spend the day trainspotting rather than go to the game.  They were a lot happier than we were and there is a lesson in that for us all.

A Grim Afternoon in Middlesbrough

Delighted to hold the Great Wall of China Cup

Friday night I was at Vicarage Road to join the East and South East Asian Hornets for their Lunar New Year Celebration.  It was a lovely evening with good food and entertainment including a fascinating talk by Geoff Wicken about the Watford connections in that area of the world.  We even got to have our pictures taken with the Great Wall of China cup.  I was buzzing.

Saturday morning and I was up at the crack of dawn (by my standards) for the trip to Middlesbrough.  The journey was relatively painless although I wasn’t impressed that the refreshments on offer on the 9am departure from Kings Cross were from the lunch menu.  I had been really looking forward to my bacon sarnie.  There was rather a long wait at York for the connection, but it all ran to time, and I was in the wasteland that is Middlesbrough on schedule.  I had been assured that the designated pub was on the same road as the pub that we have frequented in the past, so I headed there, passing a crowd of Watford ne’er do wells, with a couple of police officers in attendance, outside another pub on the road.  When I reached Doctor Brown’s, I found that it was closed down and there was no sign of the other pub.  Checking the map, I found that it was 10 minutes’ walk away in a different part of town.  When I finally arrived to meet the Happy Valleys I found that the guys who I had followed part way from the station were all there, as was Jerry from the East Anglian Hornets.  His presence is normally the sign of a decent alehouse and so it proved to be.

At the nominated time, we headed for the ground, passing the Arts Centre and the courthouse which is fronted by a Scales of Justice statue, which apparently depicts two urchins being held by the scruffs of their necks by Lady Justice.  It is quite a bizarre piece but gave us some amusement.  Having not eaten at the pub, there was a visit to the concession stands on arrival at the ground.  On previous visits, some of our party have had a parmo in town, which I have to say looks like a heart attack in a takeaway box.  The offering of a parmo in a bun at the ground is basically a chicken breast and cheese in a bun and is very tasty, although Ashley seemed to have more cheese than chicken in his.

Team news was that there were two changes from the Rotherham game with Kamara and Davis in for Morris and Bayo.  So, the starting line-up was Bachmann; Cathcart, Sierralta, Choudhury; Kamara, Koné, Gaspar, Ferreira; Sarr, Davis, Martins.

On arrival at our (very good) seats, my eyes were immediately drawn to one of the stewards who had a hi vis jacket with the legend “Pitch Incursion Team” on the back.  I did wonder how many incursions they have that a team is needed.

Ferreira on the ball

The players took the knee before kick-off which was met by loud boos from the Boro fans to our left, how very sad.  The home side had the first chance of the game as a shot from Archer was blocked and the ball fell to Akpom whose effort was blocked and deflected for a corner.  The home fans were already making their presence felt, loudly supporting their team.  The home side threatened again following a corner which was played to Giles on the right wing, he put in a dangerous cross that was headed wide by Cathcart.  Then Akpom played a lovely through ball to Forss in the box, his initial shot was blocked by Bachmann, his follow-up hit the side-netting.  The next attack from the home side was a rapid break that finished with a shot from Archer that was cleared off the line by Choudhury.  There were 18 minutes on the clock before the Hornets launched an attack worthy of the name, Davis played a ball over the top to Sarr whose shot from distance was well over the bar.  The Hornets then had a great chance to take the lead with a great counter as Gaspar found Davis who played the ball back to Martins, he broke into the box and hit a shot that flew over when he really should have tested the keeper.  The Hornets were having a good spell and the Boro keeper, Steffen, was nearly punished for dwelling too long on the ball, Sarr challenged and got a touch on the ball, but could not direct it goalwards.  The home side then had a great chance to open the scoring when Archer beat Sierralta and took a shot that was stopped by a decent save from Bachmann, the loose ball dropped to Choudhury who made the clearance. 

Adeyemo and Araújo in the Boro box

At the other end a dangerous cross into the Boro box was caught by Steffen before it reached Davis.  The home side took the lead after 35 minutes.  It started with a Watford free kick that was cleared to Archer who beat Kamara before bearing down on the Watford goal.  Bachmann came out to make the save, but Akpom flicked the ball up and headed home as Kamara stretched to try to keep it out.  The home side threatened again with a break from Archer that was stopped by a great tackle from Cathcart.  Into time added on and a Watford attack prompted someone behind me to make a comment about sneaking a cheeky goal before half time.  Sadly, it was the home side who managed to do that.  Howson played a lovely ball to Forss, Ferreira and Kamara stood off him and he beat Bachmann to send the home side into the break with a two goal lead.

The half time whistle went to boos from the travelling fans.  I didn’t think that the half had been that bad, but the Hornets had given away too many balls and, when Boro attacked, they always looked dangerous. 

Waiting to attack a ball in the box

Bilić made three changes at the break with Bacuna, Adeyemo and new boy Araújo coming on for Sierralta, Koné and Davis.  It was a slightly baffling (and worrying) change that put Choudhury in the centre of defence.  The first sight of the new boy was thrilling as he broke into the box and Steffen had to come out to block, the ball dropped to Adeyemo who was unable to capitalise.  There was then some good work from Martins who battled into the box, his cross was blocked but came back to him, he fed Adeyemo whose shot from the edge of the area was well over the bar.  Martins threatened again, but this time his shot was deflected wide.  The young Brazilian then made another forward break that resulted in a shot from Adeyemo that was deflected wide.  Giles then had a chance to increase the lead for the home side, but his shot was straight at Bachmann.  The Hornets then lost yet another player to injury and it looked to be another hamstring pull as Ferreira overstretched and pulled up and was replaced by Asprilla.  The Hornets threatened again as Kamara went on a threatening run and crossed for Adeyemo, but the cross was too high for him and Steffan made the catch.  Boro had a great chance to score a third when a deep cross from Smith was headed back by McGree for Archer who scooped his shot over the target.  Then Hackney broke into the box and hit a powerful shot, but Bachmann was behind it.  The home side had another decent chance when a deep cross reached McNair who shot wide of the near post.  The Hornets then made another change bringing Pollock on for Martins, which allowed Choudhury to go back into the midfield.  Boro also made a change, bringing Watmore on for goalscorer Forss.  The Hornets had a decent chance to pull a goal back when Sarr played a ball to Adeyemo who switched feet before shooting, but his effort was saved.  Then Sarr tried a shot from the edge of the area, but it was well over the target.  At the other end, McGree tried a shot from distance, but it was straight at Bachmann.  There was one last chance for the Hornets to reduce the deficit when Sarr played a ball to Araújo in the box, but Steffan was out to save at his feet and the game finished with a two goal defeat for the Hornets.

The Scales of Justice

The travelling fans who were still in the stand at the end of the game offered sympathetic support to the players when they came over to applaud us, but that didn’t mask the fact that it had been a poor performance.  There had been a promising spell midway through the first half and a very good start to the second, but Middlesbrough were on top for most of the game, were incredibly dangerous when they attacked and, once they scored the second goal, the Hornets never looked like getting back in the game.  The reality was that, given the changes in personnel due to injuries and new arrivals, this looked like a group of strangers playing together while Middlesbrough played as a team, albeit one whose defence could have been breached by a more coherent opposition.  One positive from the game was the debut of Araújo who will definitely trouble defences in this division.

As we left the stadium, we were directed away from the ground on a road that took us away from the town centre.  I started to panic that I would miss my train, but we righted ourselves and were back at the station in good time.  Only to find that the train to Eaglescliffe had been cancelled.  This gave me no chance of making the connection for my booked train to London.  So, I got busy on my phone cancelling that journey and rebooking via York.  The prices quoted for the through journey were brutal, but booking the two legs separately was reasonable (or what passes for reasonable in train pricing nowadays). On the platform, I bumped into Ross from Ayrshire and his daughter who were also going to miss their connection as their train to Newcastle was severely delayed.  He told me that, on the way to the station, they had encountered some Boro kids who decided to give them grief with a chant about travelling 4 hours to lose 2-0.  Ross pointed out that they had travelled for 6 hours, so the kids gleefully amended their chant.  Fair play to him, he is flying down for the Reading game and said that he would see us at our usual table at the cricket club in Burnley.  I went back into the station and spotted the rest of my party in the coffee shop, so was able to sit with them for the journey to York before they headed on to West Yorkshire.  Those encounters sum up why we go.  The football may be rubbish, or it may be magical, but there are some really lovely people that follow the Hornets and spending time with them makes it all worthwhile.

Lacklustre Draw with the Millers

Sarr on the ball as Koné looks on

I stayed overnight at my sister’s house on Friday night.  She was on puppy duty on Saturday morning, so told me that she would be leaving late for the game.  I decided to take the bus into Watford as there is a stop outside their house and the bus drops off opposite Park Avenue, so perfect for the West Herts. It was a lovely journey through the Hertfordshire countryside and I was soon at the West Herts with friends and a pint in front of me.

The trip to the ground was uneventful.  I had an overnight bag but, thankfully, no food or drink inside as it seems that the stewards have been clamping down on people taking flasks and hot food into the ground.  It seems a really unnecessary and unpleasant move, I hope that they revisit it.

Team news was that there were two changes from the win against Blackpool with Ferreira and Martins making their full debuts in place of Troost-Ekong and Ngakia.  So, the starting line-up was Bachmann; Morris, Cathcart, Sierralta, Ferreira; Choudhury, Gaspar; Sarr, Koné, Martins; Bayo.

Koné jokes with the ref as he and Martins prepare for a corner

The Hornets had the first chance of the game after 8 minutes when a chip from Sarr into the box was met by Gaspar who turned and hit a lovely volley that bounced off the outside of the post.  The first chance for the visitors came from a free kick that was headed out to Barlaser whose shot was stopped by a decent save from Bachmann.  On 18 minutes, the big screen showed a photo with the caption RIP Henry Evans, a young Rotherham fan who was killed in an accident last week.  The whole ground rose to applaud and pay tribute, which was very moving.  The visitors took the lead on 20 minutes, a shot from Fosu-Henry was well saved by Bachmann, but the ball dropped to Ferguson who found the far corner.  The Hornets had a great chance for an equaliser when a free kick into the box by Martins was met by Bayo whose volley hit the bar and landed on the roof of the net.  Then Martins broke forward and released Ferreira who crossed for Sarr who volleyed over the bar.  At the other end, Bachmann came to punch a Rotherham corner, the ball dropped to Rathbone whose shot was high and wide.  The first booking of the game went to Hjelde of Rotherham after half an hour for time-wasting.  There was a lovely moment as Adeyemo came out to warm-up down the touchline and was greeted with enthusiastic applause.  The Hornets threatened again when Martins played the ball out to Ferreira, but his shot was high and wide. 

Preparing for a free kick on the edge of the box

My attention was then drawn to the perimeter advertising which featured Lifebuoy soap.  No matter, it was soon replaced with Bet 365 and I no longer felt as though I had strayed into an alternative universe.  The Hornets had another good chance to draw level when Martins was fouled on the edge of the area earning a free kick in a great position.  Koné stepped up to take the free kick but, disappointingly, managed to hit the wall with both the initial delivery and the follow-up.  The first booking of the game for the Hornets went to Gaspar who was cautioned for a foul on Rathbone that stopped a break.  Morris then went on a great run before finding Sarr in the box, there were calls for a penalty when he went down under a challenge, but the referee waved play on.  There were 5 minutes of added time at the end of the half which would mostly have been for timewasting by the opposition.  In time added on, Sarr was again fouled in the box but, again, the referee saw no infringement.  It all got a bit tasty just before half time.  Fosu-Henry was prostrate on the grass while play continued.  A forward ball hit him and the flag went up for offside, much to our amusement.  Bachmann came out to help him up as he was wasting time.  One of his team mates then came in and squared up to Bachmann and it all got a bit unnecessary.  Bachmann and Ferguson were both booked.  The whistle went for half time and the referee was booed off the pitch.

At half time, Richard Johnson was talking about the week that the Academy players have had with the appearances in the FA Cup, the Youth Cup win against Everton and the league appearances including Adeyemo’s tremendous goal against Blackpool.  One thing that he didn’t mention was an event that the under 15s attended on Monday at which Eve Kugler, a child Holocaust survivor, spoke of her experiences during the rise of Nazi Germany.  I was lucky enough to be invited to join them.  Eve kindly spent her 92^nd birthday talking to the group.  Her story was both chilling and very moving.  It is wonderful that the club educate the youngsters in this history and encourage them to learn about different communities.

Celebrating Ferreira’s goal

Bilić made a change at the break bringing Kamara on in place of Morris.  The Hornets had a decent chance to draw level early in the second half as Sarr released Bayo who ran down the left before crossing for Gaspar who flicked the ball on to Martins whose powerful shot rebounded off the post, the ball broke to Choudhury whose shot from distance was caught by Johansson.  The Hornets drew level after 52 minutes.  The move started with a loose ball from Cathcart that reached Hjelde but his pass was picked up by Ferreira who went on a wonderful run before shooting across Johansson and finding the opposite corner.  It was a lovely goal scored at a great time for the Hornets.  I hoped that would set us up to chase the win.  But the next chance fell to the visitors when Peltier played a ball over the top to Ogbene in the box, his shot was blocked by Bachmann who gathered the ball at the second attempt.  On the hour mark the Hornets had a great chance to take the lead as a corner was punched and fell to Gaspar whose shot was pushed around the post by Johansson.  Each side then made a change as Bramall replaced Ferguson for the visitors and Koné made way for Asprilla for the Hornets.  The next chance fell to the visitors as Rathbone tried a shot from distance that cleared the bar.  Bilić then made another change bringing last week’s goal hero Adeyemo on for Bayo.  Last week, Bayo had left the pitch to boos as he sauntered off in a sulk when replaced.  He apologised in the week and showed that he meant it by sprinting to the dugout to allow the change to take place. 

Last week’s goal hero, Tobi Adeyemo

The visitors had a great chance to regain the lead when Ogbene played a low cross to Fosu-Henry in the box, he had all the time in the world to pick his spot, but his shot was straight at Bachmann who smothered it.  The Hornets had a chance of their own immediately after as Sarr released Adeyemo who played the ball back to Gaspar, but the shot was well over the bar.  Gaspar had another great chance soon after and really should have done better when he got on the end of a cross from Kamara but, again, he couldn’t find the target and the chance went begging.  Bilić then made his final change bringing Adu-Poku on for his league debut in place of Martins.  The Hornets threatened again with a dangerous cross from Kamara that Johansson pushed around the post.  The Hornets really should have scored the winner when Sarr broke into the box, his shot was blocked by Johansson, the ball dropped to Asprilla who snatched at the shot and sent it straight into the arms of the Rotherham keeper.  The Hornets had one last chance to win the game in time added on as Ferreira put in a deep cross, but Johansson gathered, and the whistle went on a disappointing draw for the Hornets.

At the end of the game, as the players applauded the crowd, William Troost-Ekong visited each stand to wave goodbye and confirm the rumours that he was moving on.  Much as he has not always been the most reliable of players, he was a good leader in the dressing room and is a player who loves Watford.  He will be missed, and I wish him a lot of luck in his future career.

Back at the West Herts for the post-match analysis and the overriding feeling was of frustration and disappointment.  This was the second week running that we came up against a team that were determined to waste time and had a referee who just went along with it.  Some of the decisions were baffling.  One of the fouls on Sarr should have led to a penalty.  However, we were our own worst enemies by not making the most of the chances that we had.  There were a couple of shots that hit the post, Gaspar should have got one of his chances on target and Asprilla really should have scored at the end.  But the other results at the weekend mean that we remain third in the table.  With the new additions and the return of some of the injured players (the 90 minutes from Choudhury was much appreciated), we should have the personnel and the talent to secure a play-off place.  It would just be nice to see good performances more often than every other game. Saying that, the next few weeks will be very interesting.

Adeyemo Stars on the GT Matchday

The Rookery scarf display for GT prior to kick-off

Mike had been invited to the Community Trust hospitality table on Saturday and extended that invitation, so it was to be a day with the prawn sandwich brigade.  But we started the afternoon with a pint in the West Herts for the first time in over a month.  Happily, my family all appeared just before we left, so there were hugs all around.  On the way to the ground, we passed the Junior Hornets fan zone just under the mural of GT.  A lovely addition to matchday for the youngsters. 

On arrival at the ground, I dropped my coat in the Elton John Suite and then headed for a meeting with the Premier League Equality & Inclusion Assessor who was conducting a matchday visit.  The club currently has the highest level of accreditation on EDI from the Premier League.  On relegation, the club could have decided no longer to put resources into this as it is not a requirement in the Championship.  Pleasingly, they are continuing the good work and all of the fan groups in attendance at the meeting were full of praise for the efforts of the club to provide a safe and welcoming environment for all.

Waiting for a corner

Then it was back to the Elton John Suite for lunch.  The guests in the lounge were the Tommys Mooney and Smith who talked about Graham Taylor and Gianluca Vialli.  Mooney said that he had worn a suit that day in honour of the great man and spoke of his admiration for him.  He had been shown the door by Vialli, but had played against him and came to know him a bit through his friendship with Ray Wilkins when they were at Aston Villa together.  Tommy Smith spoke of the opportunities that Vialli had given him and the work that he had put in to improving the young striker’s game.  When they had finished their interview and were working the room, they both came over to say hello to us.  I had a hug from Mooney, who had to make a quick getaway, “I am on commentary in 8 minutes and, as you know, I was never fast.”  I spoke to Tommy Smith about the youth cup game on Monday, he had been impressed with the performance.  I also mentioned the interview that Olly Wicken had done with his family, some of which is on the From the Rookery End podcast.  He said that he was quite emotional as they told their story.  I was certainly emotional listening to it.  If you haven’t heard it yet, I would highly recommend a listen.  They are a lovely family. https://open.spotify.com/episode/1xsSlEflJEn771mrHGlVOB

New man, Martins, on the ball

Team news was that there were four changes from the last league game at Norwich with Troost-Ekong in for Kabasele, the welcome return of Choudhury in place of the injured Bacuna, Koné making his home debut in place of Kalu and Bayo in for Davis.  So, the starting line-up was Bachmann; Cathcart, Sierralta, Troost-Ekong; Morris, Choudhury, Gaspar, Koné, Ngakia; Sarr, Bayo.  New signings Martins and Ferreira were both on the bench as were Grieves and Adeyemo who had impressed at Reading last weekend and in the youth cup game on Monday.

It was the Graham Taylor matchday, with the 6^th anniversary of his passing falling this week.  As we took our seats in the Upper GT stand, his favourite song, Buddy Holly’s “Raining in my Heart” was playing over the tannoy.  As the players came out, scarves were raised throughout the stadium in honour of the great man.  It was a magnificent sight.  Tribute was also paid to Gianluca Vialli with a minute’s applause that was impeccably observed in all corners of the ground.

Adeyemo and Grieves celebrate in disbelief

 The Hornets had the first chance of the game when Sarr found Ngakia just outside the box, but his effort was deflected over the bar.  Gaspar took the resultant corner, Maxwell got a hand to his delivery and the ball dropped to Sarr whose shot came back off the crossbar.  At the other end, Blackpool won a corner and Bowler’s delivery was on target, but Bachmann was behind it and made the save.  There was then a very quiet spell with no attacks of note.  The next incident that made my notebook was Sarr sulking on the turf when he didn’t get a free kick (you think he would know how the Championship works by now).  The visiting Blackpool fans serenaded him with a chorus of “soft Southern b*st*rd” and it was hard to disagree with the sentiment.  Once he had recovered from his sulk, he was back in action.  Cathcart put a ball over the top into the box, Bayo headed it down for Sarr who appeared to be held back as he tried to reach it, but nothing was given.  The next chance fell to the new man as Bayo flicked the ball on to Koné, who hit a first time shot, but it was a weak effort that was easily gathered by the keeper.  If he had taken an extra touch, he would have had a better chance to score.  The Hornets then launched a lovely move as Koné released Sarr, whose cross for Bayo was cut out by a defender.  The Hornets threatened again as Koné played the ball out to Morris who crossed for Sarr, but the header was weak and easily dealt with by Maxwell.  The first booking of the game went to Gaspar for a foul on Rogers, which was harsh given some of the fouls that the Blackpool players were getting away with.  The whistle went for half time and the referee was booed off the pitch.  We retired to the Elton John Suite for a welcome coffee.

Adeyemo, Martins and Koné celebrate Sarr’s penalty

Bilić made two substitutions at half time bringing new boys Martins and Ferreira on for Ngakia and Troost-Ekong.  There was a great early chance for the Hornets, Morris found Sarr in the box, he pulled the ball back for Bayo whose shot was blocked by the keeper’s leg.  At the other end Hamilton broke into the Watford box but was stopped by a terrific tackle from Ferreira.  The Hornets had another chance to open the scoring when Sarr played the ball out to Martins who advanced before playing a square ball to Bayo in the box, he touched it back to Koné whose shot was saved by Maxwell.  There was a rare attack for the visitors on the hour as Bowler beat a couple of defenders before playing the ball back to Rogers, but he mis-controlled and the ball just bounced off him and out for a goal kick.  The Hornets earned another booking as Ferreira was cautioned for a trip on Hamilton.  Again, it did not appear to be a foul worthy of a yellow card.  With just over 20 minutes remaining, Bilić made two more changes bringing Asprilla and Adeyemo on for Choudhury and Bayo.  Adeyemo made an immediate impact.  Asprilla played the ball out to Martins on the wing, he hit a shot that was parried by Maxwell, it dropped to Adeyemo who got himself into position and finished past Maxwell to send the whole of Vicarage Road wild with celebration.  As if a goal from a 17 year-old making his league debut wasn’t pleasing enough, he scored it in the 72^nd minute on the GT matchday.  I am sure that the great man was celebrating with the rest of us. 

The Rookery in the 72nd minute paying tribute to GT after witnessing a goal

The visitors then made a couple of substitutions as Yates and Williams replaced Rogers and Ekpiteta.  Blackpool looked to hit back as Hamilton broke forward before playing the ball back to Yates whose shot was blocked by Cathcart.  Then Martins found Sarr in the box, he appeared to be tripped, but the referee was unmoved.  At the other end, Bowler crossed for Yates whose flick header was easily caught by Bachmann.  The Hornets looked to increase their lead as a corner from Martins was cleared as far as Asprilla but the shot flew well over the bar.  The visitors then made another change bringing Lyons on for Connolly.  The Hornets then won a penalty.  Koné played a ball over the top to Martins, the keeper came out and clattered into him and the referee pointed to the spot.  Sarr stepped up to take the spot kick.  He did a stuttering run up and then sent the keeper the wrong way to guarantee the three points for the Hornets.  There was six minutes of added time, during which the visitors made one final change bringing Lavery on for Bowler.  The substitute had a chance to pull one back for the visitors as Lyons pulled the ball back to him, but he shot over the target.  There was just time for the FA Youth Cup goal hero, Jack Grieves, to come on to make his league debut as he replaced Sarr before the final whistle went on a very pleasing win for the Hornets.

Following on from the trip to Norwich, this was another enjoyable game.  The first half had been a bit short on goal chances, but the introduction of Martins changed that.  He was a constant menace and appears to be a very good addition.  Sarr was man of the match, which I didn’t think was deserved, but he did have his best game for some time.  The defence were solid.  I turned to Jacque at one point and said, “I love Cathcart.”  He rarely garners praise probably because he is so reliable.  Calm and effective, he was brilliant.  Ferreira also had a good game, I am looking forward to seeing more of him.  Morris continued his good work and impresses more with each match.  But the star of the afternoon was young Tobi Adeyemo.  It was only when we got back into the lounge and saw his celebration that we realised quite how overwhelmed he was when he realised what he had done.  His celebration with Jack Grieves, who was warming up, brought a tear to my eye.

That was the most enjoyable day we have had at Vicarage Road for some time and the three points have taken us up to 3^rd in the table.  With the new additions and the encouraging performances from the youngsters, maybe it is time to start thinking seriously about promotion.

But as we left the ground, it was time to pay tribute to GT.  It was lovely to see that someone had given his statue yellow and red roses to hold.  He is greatly missed.  So it was gratifying that his matchday produced a performance that he would have loved.  Thank you, GT.

The Youngsters Progress in the Cup

Aguilar prepares to take a free kick

My attendance at youth and under-21 team games has been very limited of late due to them being played during the day, so I was delighted when the FA Youth Cup tie against Everton was scheduled for 7pm on a Monday evening.  I was in Watford bright and early as I wanted to do a bit of shopping.  Coming out of M&S I discovered that the Watford shop was next door so went in and bought a desk calendar in the sale.

On arrival at Vicarage Road, there were a good number of people queuing to get in, including former youth star, Tommy Smith, which was nice to see.  I found a decent seat in the SEJ stand.  Much as I love the Rookery on matchdays, the view from the SEJ really is excellent.

Team news was that the starting XI was Ortelli, Balogun, Amass, Davis, Abbott, Mullins, Benn, Grieves, Adeyemo, Aguilar, Blake.  I was surprised to see three of the players who had featured on Saturday on the team sheet and hoped that their exertions two days earlier would not hamper their performance.

Happy Hornets having opened the scoring

The teams walked out to Z-cars, which would have made both teams feel at home.  I was supposed to be meeting Don Fraser, but he had a wheelchair malfunction.  I had good company, though, as I was joined by Dave Messenger for the first half. 

The first real action of the game came when a lovely ball from Davis sent Benn bearing down on the Everton goal, but the referee blew up for offside, which seemed rather marginal.  The first chance for the visitors came when Okoronkwo went on a battling run down the left before playing the ball into the box, Djankpata touched it on to Sherif who turned and shot just wide.  The young Hornets took the lead in the 12^th minute, and it was a tremendous strike as Grieves met Benn’s cross with a gorgeous volley that he blasted into the top corner.  They could have had a second on 22 minutes when Adeyemo won a free kick on the edge of the box.  Aguilar’s delivery flew over the wall and was heading in until Jensen managed to punch it clear.  From the resultant corner, Everton launched a counterattack as Okoronkwo sped upfield before playing a through ball to Sherif whose shot was wide of the far post, much to my relief.  The visitors threatened again as Dixon beat a couple of players to get into the Watford box, his shot was blocked, and the follow-up was hit over the bar by Okoronkwo. 

Harry Amass prepares to take a corner

At the other end, Aguilar, who was impressing, intercepted a pass from the keeper and ran into the box, but waited too long before shooting so his effort was blocked and flew over the bar.  The resultant corner was headed well wide.  At the other end Okoronkwo, who had looked dangerous throughout, tried a shot from distance which was high and wide.  Then Djankpata found Sherif in the box, but he was stopped by a great tackle from Mullins.  The resultant corner was headed over by Djankpata.  In time added on at the end of the half, 15 year-old Harry Amass, who had been on the bench on Saturday, broke forward and tried a shot from distance which just missed the target.  The first booking of the game went to Patterson for a foul on Adeyemo.  The resultant free kick was taken by Davis and met by the head of Adeyemo, but Jensen made the catch.  So, the whistle went on an entertaining first half with the Hornets a goal to the good.

At half time, the contenders for December goal of the season (which were very scarce) were shown on the big screen and Rich Walker commented that the Grieves strike could be in the reckoning for January.  He was not wrong.

Celebration of the third goal interrupted by a touch of cramp

The visitors made a change at the break bringing Bates on for Djankpata.  There was an early booking for the young Hornets as Grieves was penalised for a foul on Barker.  Then there was a lovely exchange of passes between Adeyemo and Benn, but nobody was in the box to meet the cross.  The visitors threatened when Barker nicked the ball and broke into the box where he was stopped by a brilliant tackle by Mullins who took the ball off his feet.  The visitors equalised on 63 minutes when a corner was headed down by Okoronkwo and turned in by Sherif.  The two Everton men had been combining very well throughout the game, so it was no surprise that they got the goal.  At this point Grieves left the field with cramp and was replaced by Taylor.  My heart sank when the goal went in as the visitors were having a good spell and I feared that they would take control.  Oh, me of little faith.  The young Hornets regained the lead after 3 minutes.  They won a free kick and Aguilar’s delivery was headed home by the captain, Abbott.  The visitors looked to hit back as Apter broke forward and hit a shot from the edge of the area that was caught by the Watford keeper, Ortelli.  The Hornets increased their lead with 20 minutes to go, Blake went on a great run and hit a shot that took a deflection that wrongfooted Jensen and found the net.  Daniels made a second substitution at this point bringing Adu-Poku, who started against Reading, on for the impressive Aguilar.  The visitors also made a change bringing Beaumont-Clark on for Barker. 

Goalscorer Grieves

The visitors had a half chance to pull one back when Apter shot from outside the box, but his effort was deflected wide.  The Hornets had a wonderful chance for a fourth after Adu-Poku beat a couple of challenges before finding Blake whose shot was heading in until Jensen managed to tip it onto the crossbar.  Each side made a late change with Heath replacing Apter for the visitors, and Amass making way for Batzelis for the Hornets.  There was five minutes of added time.  The visitors had a chance to pull one back as Patterson found Sherif in the Watford box, but he was unable to capitalise.  Then Taylor was booked for stopping Everton taking a free kick.  The Hornets created one more chance to extend their lead when Adeyemo stole the ball on the edge of the Everton area, he broke forward but unselfishly passed to Adu-Poku who was crowded off the ball.  At the other end Patterson tried a shot-cum-cross that was an easy catch for Ortelli and the final whistle went on an impressive win for the young Hornets.  

This was a thoroughly enjoyable evening at the football.  The young Hornets showed both skill and commitment in beating their Category One opponents.  They played the ball around well, were organised and solid in defence.  There were some impressive showings.  Aguilar really caught the eye, a skillful player who created a number of chances.  Mullins was solid in defence and made some crucial tackles.  Amass showed why he is playing at this level despite only being 15.  Grieves followed up a decent showing on Saturday with another impressive performance and a wonderful goal.  Abbott played a captain’s innings including the goal that regained the lead.  I look forward to seeing more of these lads.  I hope that they get a decent draw in the next round and would highly recommend getting along to see them if you can.     

A Royal Defeat in the FA Cup

Youngsters Ryan Andrews and Michael Adu-Poku

Despite having moved to London from Berkshire, Reading remains a very easy trip.  But it was still an earlyish start on Saturday due to a 12:30 kick-off apparently necessitated by a TV broadcast in some foreign land.  I know that some had decided against taking the club coach as it was leaving Watford at 8:30, which seemed ridiculously early given that the turnstiles didn’t open until 11.  Despite the rail strikes, my tube/train journey was trouble-free so Mike and I had time for a swift pint in the rather good pub at Reading station before taking the bus to the Select Car Leasing Stadium (what a comedown from the Mad Stad).  

We had a decent take-up for the Women of Watford allocation, so it was extremely irritating to find on arrival that Reading had decided to make this a game with unreserved seating and that some of our group had been turned away from our allocated seats as they were being reserved for the Junior Hornets instead.  I saw Chris, our SLO, who took me to meet up with a steward who said that we could sit in another section of the stand.  But the seating that he suggested was distant from the bulk of our fans and in an area that looked as though it would get soaked in the downpour that appeared to be coming.  We also had no way of telling the others in our group where we were sitting, so decided to go to our allocated seats to meet up.  When we arrived, the steward on that section checked that we had tickets in that area and allowed us to sit there.  The threatened influx of Junior Hornets didn’t happen, so we were able to stay in the seats, which were really rather good and sheltered from the rain when it came.  While Watford had taken over 2000 fans, the Reading stands were sparsely populated with the stand behind the goal having been left completely empty.

New boy Koné launches a free kick

Team news was, unsurprisingly, that Bilić had made wholesale changes that included debuts for Ismaël Koné and Michael Adu-Poku, a striker from the Under-18s and a new name to me.  Adrian Blake was also making his first start.  So, the starting XI was Okoye; Sierralta, Troost-Ekong, Pollock; Morris, Koné, Asprilla, Gaspar; Blake, Adu-Poku, Hungbo.

Before kick-off there was a minute’s applause in memory of Gianluca Vialli, whose tragically early death was announced this week.  The players also wore black armbands as a mark of respect for a man that was admired and loved throughout English (and Italian) football.

The game kicked off and we settled down to see what the youngsters could do.  The home side had the first chance of the game as Azeez hit a shot from outside the area that flew well over the bar.  Okoye then caused some concern in the away end as he lingered on the ball while João bore down on him, thankfully he made the clearance in the nick of time.  The first caution of the game went to Hutchinson for stopping an attack by Adu-Poku by taking him down.  The first chance for the Hornets came as Gaspar won a tackle and fed Blake whose shot from distance was deflected wide.  The delivery of the resultant corner was absolutely woeful, flying far to the other side of the goal and going out for a goal kick. 

Okoye prepares to take a free kick

The home side threatened again with a curling shot that Okoye was down to save.  The home side had their best chance so far when Rahman found Azeez on the edge of the box, his shot was pushed around the post by Okoye.  The resultant corner was headed back across goal by Dann and flew wide of the target.  At the other end, there was a rare attack from the Hornets as Adu-Poku broke into the box, but Reading keeper, Bouzanis, was out to clear.  Then Troost-Ekong intercepted a loose ball and released Adu-Poku but the youngster was bullied off the ball.  The home side should have taken the lead when Azeez broke forward, his cross was parried by Okoye, the ball fell to João in the box, but he poked it well wide when it looked easier to score.  In time added on at the end of the half, Reading had the ball in the net when a cross from Abrefa found Azeez in an acre of space, but the flag went up for offside.  Sadly the home side still managed to score before the break as a cross from Abrefa flew over Okoye and in off the post.  It looked to be a complete fluke, but the home side deserved the lead on the balance of play.  The Hornets had not managed a shot on target.

Hungbo on the ball

Each side made changes at the interval.  The Hornets brought Andrews (son of Wayne) and Bacuna on for Gaspar and Blake.  The Royals brought Loum on for Hutchinson.  Hungbo was frustrated in a couple of attacks at the start of the second half.  First, he was pulled over outside the box, the referee waved play on.  There were then shouts for a penalty when he went down under a challenge in the box but, again, the referee was not impressed.  Less than 10 minutes after he came on, Bacuna put a cross into the box and immediately went down clutching his hamstring.  He had to go off and was replaced by Jack Grieves (nephew of Daniel and great-great-grandson of Skilly Williams).  The first booking for the Hornets went to Morris for a clumsy tackle on Abrefa.  An hour had passed before Bouzanis had to make a save and Koné’s free-kick did not really test him. At the other end Loum broke into the box but his shot was deflected over.  The next booking of the game went to Mbengue after a tangle with Hungbo.  With 20 minutes remaining, Carroll came on for Azeez, a somewhat more experienced substitute than we had seen from the Hornets.  The Hornets then had their best move of the game so far, Koné intercepted a pass, broke forward and passed to Asprilla who got himself into position for the shot, but Bouzanis was able to make the block.  Andrews then broke forward and hit a shot that was also saved by Bouzanis.  With 15 minutes remaining, Bilić made a further change bringing Adeyemo on for Hungbo, who had had a poor game.  The youngster was involved immediately going on a battling run down the left that ended with him winning a corner.  The delivery came out to Asprilla who played it back to Koné whose shot was well over the target. 

Jack Grieves on the ball

The home side then made another change bringing Craig on for João.  The Hornets were having a good spell and continued to threaten as a shot from Asprilla was blocked, it fell to Morris whose cross was just missed by Adeyemo.  The second booking for the Hornets went to Adu-Poku for a tackle on Mbengue, the caution the result of some dramatic rolling around by the Reading man.  The last change for the home side was the introduction of the alcoholically named Guinness-Walker who came on for Rahman.  The Hornets were pushing for an equaliser and Asprilla found Adeyemo in the box, but the keeper came out to make the tackle.  The Hornets nearly grabbed an equaliser in time added on as an effort from Morris was deflected and looped to the keeper, who made a hash of the save dropping the ball.  Adeyemo challenged for the loose ball but was adjudged to have fouled the keeper as he attempted to turn it in.  It was not to be our day as the home side increased their lead against the run of play.  Long latched on to a ball over the top of the defence and beat Okoye to make the game safe for the home side.  Long always seems to score against us.  The final whistle went immediately after the restart.

James Morris takes a throw-in

Pleasingly, the travelling Hornets gave the youngsters a lengthy and very warm ovation as they came over to applaud us at the end of the game.  But the positive mood quickly changed when we saw yellow smoke in the section in front of us where a flare had landed.  As the stewards looked to the back of the stand to see where it had come from, another flare was launched and nearly hit a father and son who were coming up from that section of the stand.  He and another man who was with his son in the firing line let the idiots at the back know exactly what they thought of them.

We got out of the there with no further incident and were soon back on the bus to the town centre.

The post-match consensus was that it had been a decent showing from the youngsters in the second half.  They had shown some fight and could have won a replay (although I don’t think any of us really wanted that).  Koné was very impressive on his debut and looks to be a good addition.  I thought Grieves did really well too, snapping into some decent tackles in the midfield.  Adeyemo was very lively when he came on and caught the eye with some of his attacking play.  Sadly, Okoye, who was lauded when he arrived, looked very poor.  His ball handling was sloppy and he had no command of his area.  I wouldn’t blame him for the first goal, but he did not inspire any confidence. Given the threadbare state of our squad, I don’t think any of us were too disappointed to go out of the cup, particularly as the reward would have been a trip to Old Trafford, my least favourite ground to visit.  The loss of Bacuna was yet another blow, so we can only hope that there are some players who are close to a return or the rest of the season could be painful.