From http://thewatfordnest.blog.com/ So an uninspiring win against Ipswich Town. What way to look at it? I'll tell you the way I look at it, another vital win, it may have been ugly, and I don't like the fact we were arguably outplayed but we won. We are in the last 8 of the F.A Cup and that is all that matters. The amount of games this season that we have played well, shown determination and still lost, I'm glad to see we have finally returned the favour to an opposition team. However I firmly believe if our players had shown the passion and determination the Ipswich players showed, I have no doubt we could have won by more and in a more comfortable fashion. Last season we won with fine displays, and we won ugly with last minute goals in games we deserved nothing. Have we finally been able to re-discover what Aidy has dubbed the winning habit? I'd also like to place this game into some context. Re-wind a couple of seasons, the 2002-2003 season to be precise, a mid table championship side played a team struggling in the Premiership (Away!) and won, reaching the quarter finals of the F.A Cup in the process – that team would beat Burnley, but ultimately lose to Southampton in the Semi-Finals. Like a certain Watford team that day, Ipswich would have fancied their chances against us on Saturday. There may be a huge gulf between the upper tier of the Premiership and the Championship, but between those in the bottom half of the Premiership and the Championship – Not in my opinion. A bit more context, to an extent for the past 3 seasons the cups are what we have relied upon to stay afloat, now the Cup-run has effectively paid for Kabba! More reasons why I think things are finally starting to look up for the future and in the short-term this long, emotionally draining season. From the radio commentary, Watford certainly sounded like they started the brighter of the two sides. But as would be expected of a team desperate to reach the next round of the Cup in order to play one of the 'big-boys' Ipswich began to create their own chances. Their confidence grew as they realised the chances of a mini 'Cup-Upset' could become a reality as Watford took their feet of the gas (or maybe had just not bothered putting any in the tank in the first place). If we'd been playing a Premiership side the lack of effort etc would have been punished (see Sheffield United home and Bolton home). But luck was on our side as Legwinski hit the bar, and Haynes put a shot just wide. As half time approached the temperament of Ipswich became suspect when Hardling needlessly fouled Tommy Smith with a poor tackle. The lack of discipline became more evident when Steve Bennet (who received heavy criticism from me after he sent Priskin off against Fulham) sent off O'Callaghan for retaliation on Dan Shittu. Why he'd do anything to anger Big Dan is beyond me, but maybe that's because I'm small! Ipswich manager Jim Magilton has moaned that his side had a perfectly legitimate goal disallowed for offside in the 55th minute, what he seems to be forgetting is that Hendo had a perfectly legitimate goal disallowed before this. Replays have shown that Hendo's header had indeed crossed the line. Instead the 2nd half was like the first, despite being down to 10 men, Ipswich continued to dominate and create the greater chances. However, ultimately it was Watford who created and took the best chance when they finally showed a glimpse of what they can achieve when they pass the ball. Damien Francis followed up his good performance against West Ham with the winning goal in the 88th minute, hopefully he can now show some form, get us some goals, and put in performances that explain why we paid so much for him. The conclusion, we won that's all that matters, but no one can be under any illusions that we need to play better if we are to A) Stay up and B) Progress into the Semi Finals (anyone fancy a bet on a repeat of the 1984 Semi Finals between Watford vs Plymouth?!) Thanks for the comments, Aber (ps MoTD were a great deal of hope at analysing the controversies )
I didn't go to the game i decided to spend my £20 in various pubs around the town instead. I headed up The Red Lion with about 10 minutes to go, the people in there said it was a sh*t game so i made a wise move. That will be all.....
