I’m not sure I’ve ever been to a Watford match on a Friday night. This one will remain in my memory for a number of years because it was my first match since returning from Europe in late September, my first match since Blackpool in August. Having broken my arm just 7 days before the Reading match I knew it would be foolhardy to attend, especially as the extent of the injury meant I couldn’t move my right hand (due to a radial nerve palsy) and I had a Velcro box attached to a sling which meant I had to wear an xxl t-shirt over the device. I was easily convinced not to attend by my dad (who wanted my ticket). Instead, as at Uni, I sat listening to Watford World and had the pleasure of listening to Price and Co. A point away from home wasn’t bad and at least ensured a home victory still evaded Rodgers. Next up was Coventry at home again I opted out. With a number of key players out it was always going to be tough and things didn’t bode well when we went a goal down. Our young team fought back and eventually deservedly took the lead, but we can’t defend and failed to capitalise on good attacking play. The second half dragged on and eventually the killer goal(s) came. I was signed off work and therefore it took longer than usual to recover from the defeat and with matches against Cardiff, Middlesbrough and West Brom ahead I’d written October off for personal and footballing reasons. We were thrashed by Cardiff and I was glad for the international break. When we returned we were still without Helguson and Demerit but the youngsters seemed unaffected by two disappointing results. I didn’t listen to Middlesbrough but was pleasantly surprised when we scored and ecstatically surprised when I discovered we’d hung on to keep a clean sheet. Then Ipswich away, a team still without a win but a few decent draws which suggested they were on the verge of turning the corner…the day had started off fairly positively my sling was finally removed, a glimmer of life was detected in the nerve and I was declared fit to return to work on light duties. I felt optimistic of a draw and when Ipswich went1.0 up quite early I remained confident. As time dragged on my confidence waned and eventually after more than 90 minutes I phoned my mum to moan about my lack of progress and Watford. Once I’d finished I saw I had two messages – 1.1, Ellington the scorer (saviour?). And so to Friday. After two good away results we were once more at home, We had to capitalise on those and put the two poor home defeats behind us – we needed a win (though that always seems to be the case…) We started off with the clear intention of attacking and superb link up play eventually saw Cowie cross for Graham who unfortunately couldn’t connect. I ignored the fact I was meant to be recovering and jumped up like everyone else around me. When Ross Jenkins went off fairly early I initially feared it was Cleverly who I knew was battling for fitness. Eustace came on, a player who has never performed quite as hoped considering their high regard Stoke fans had for him. Sometimes it can be unsettling to be forced in to an early change but maybe on this occasion it worked to our advantage, maybe we needed an old header head in the centre. Either way we took the lead from a corner, when Mariappa fired in from close range and it felt good to be punching the air even if it was with my left arm. Minutes later we went 2.0 up when Lansbury picked up the ball from Cleverly and after a lovely bit of skill fired in a shot. Clapping still doesn’t feel comfortable or produce any noise but I was giving it a go nonetheless. That should have been game over but we lack height at the back and when we aren’t attacking we look vulnerable. It was also telling about how young the side was that Mariappa was the captain and with Tudgay upfront he would have to organise the defence, making sure they didn’t switch off. As the half came to an end Wednesday had founded energy and we’d lost ours but it looked like we’d held on. The nerves were at breaking point (mine already were!!) when it appeared the ball had gone out for a goal kick, it wasn’t given and the ball was cleared for a throw in. The ball came over, Tudgay was unmarked and Wednesday had a goal back. Right on half time, the happy mood which had been ebbing away evaporated but we were still leading. I sent a text to Chris suggesting it might be a blessing – Dyche and Malky could now lay in to them for conceding such a sloppy goal and for sitting back (if we’d been winning it might have created a false sense of security). It was an interesting thought, who in their right mind would want to face those two in a bad mood? The next goal would be crucial and the tension was mounting. Fortunately we rebuilt the two goal cushion when the impressive Lansbury rather than hitting a pointless cross into the box neatly found Harley. Harley hit a beautiful curling shot into the far corner and the Rookery erupted into a cheer and possibly breathed a sigh of relief. Some felt the next goal was crucial but I finally felt relaxed. The icing on the cake was the 4th goal, Cleverly skipped past a number of challenges and (I guess the only word I can use to describe it is…) cleverly picked out Lansbury who slotted home from close range. whilst Lansbury and Cleverly were celebrating I commented that whilst they appear to be enjoying being in the same side at present how will they feel when they return to their parent clubs and face each other in the F.A cup final… Danny Graham had again worked tirelessly and for a lone striker his movement is exceptional. He’s always looking to receive the ball and basically does the work of two players. Had he scored he’d have been my man of the match but unfortunately his goal drought continues. It was a fantastic result and a superb refreshing performance and I was buzzing at the end. For the past two years we’d seen mercenaries who were meant to be capable of promotion strut around the pitch without an ounce of real effort. What the current side lacks in experience they more than make up for with countless energy. I read a quote after the ‘Boro game from Danny Graham in which he said “We're just a young team who enjoy playing football together." I dismissed it as the usual sound bite but after Friday I believe it, they really did. Not only that I believe the enthusiasm of the youngsters can’t help but have slightly infected the older heads and rejuvenated both Harley and Eustace (Ellington as well?) who being senior players have to set an example and show leadership, also perhaps crucially their joint weakness a lack of pace, is now less exposed with the likes of Cleverly and Lansbury. They will come unstuck again as they did against Coventry (naivety/lack of squad depth) and Cardiff (different class on the day), we are bound to with such an inexperienced side and we may well be in an inflated league position but I wont criticise any of them if they show the effort and guts they did on Friday. I felt proud, and it didn’t seem to matter I hadn’t been able to ‘take it easy’ as I’d stupidly planned.
"I’m not sure I’ve ever been to a Watford match on a Friday night. This one will remain in my memory for a number of years because i dont go to many at allit was my first match since returning from Europe in late September, my first match since Blackpool in August." :forehead: John Harley, John Harley, John Harley - 13/1 any time socrer - John Harley!:sign15: good read.
