A fairly ugly game Saturday from the Hornets with an own goal by Powell off a Michael Tonge strike in the closing minutes of the first half providing the only score of the match. Watford picked up 4 yellows including Danny Shittu getting booked by mistake for what would have been Clark Carlisle's second (and an invitation to leave the pitch). Mahon picked his up in the first 5 minutes and Henderson bookended the match with a yellow at minute 80.
The last Premiership away for at least a season is this Saturday, May 5 at Reading. Kickoff is 9:00 an St. Louis time.
Monday, April 30, 2007
Saturday, April 21, 2007
It's Official
With today's draw against Manchester City, Watford is officially relegated to the Championship League for the 07-08 season.
The only bright spot is we lasted one day longer than L*t*n Town who were relegated to League One after Friday's loss to Derby.
The only bright spot is we lasted one day longer than L*t*n Town who were relegated to League One after Friday's loss to Derby.
Manchester City (1-1) 4-12-19 24 pts.
Tamas Priskin right-footed a shot into the lower left corner off an assist by Rinaldi in the 75th minute to earn Watford the 1 for the draw. Not just the score, but the entire match was dead even: Time of Possession 49-51, Shots on 1-1, Shots off 3-3, corners (slight lead to Watford here) 5-3. A hard won point as the season winds down.
Next match is Saturday, April 28 at Sheffield United.
Next match is Saturday, April 28 at Sheffield United.
Nil - Nil at the Half
A fairly even match overall so far. Watford controlled the pitch for the first part of the half, but Man City's brought the game back to parity at the half. Damien Francis had to leave the pitch in minute 24 with an injury and was replaced by Kabba.
If the Hornets can manage to play a full half, our chances look pretty good.
If the Hornets can manage to play a full half, our chances look pretty good.
Game Day - Manchester City
Manchester City comes to town for the penultimate match at Vicarage Road this season. Marlon King makes his first start since recovering from his prolonged injury and defenders Doyley & Powell find their way back into the line-up as well. On City's side, goalkeeper Andreas Isaksson returns from injury list as well for what promises to be a close match - odd-makers have the Hornets as slight underdogs.
This will probably be the day we are officially relegated, but keep your chins up and Go 'Orns!
Starters:
Foster
Doyley
Powell
Carlisle
DeMerit
Francis
Mahon
Bouazza
Bangura
Rinaldi
King
This will probably be the day we are officially relegated, but keep your chins up and Go 'Orns!
Starters:
Foster
Doyley
Powell
Carlisle
DeMerit
Francis
Mahon
Bouazza
Bangura
Rinaldi
King
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Blackburn Rovers (1-3) 4-11-19 23 pts.
Although King spent the game suited up on the sidelines, it was lack of defense, not offense, that told the tale yesterday. With two goals in the first ten minutes from Samba off a corner kick then Roberts into the lower left corner (both assisted by Bentley), the Rovers took an early lead. Loaner Douglas Rinaldi headed in The Hornet's only goal at minute 21 (asst. Bouazza), but McCarthy got that back with a 32nd minute header (asst. Bentley) and that was the end of the scoring. No statistic was more telling of Watford's defensive troubles than having to fend off 21 shots from the Rovers.
The next match is at Vicarage Road this Saturday as Manchester City comes to Watford for the next-to-last home match of the season. Kick-off is 9:00 am St. Louis time.
The next match is at Vicarage Road this Saturday as Manchester City comes to Watford for the next-to-last home match of the season. Kick-off is 9:00 am St. Louis time.
Sunday, April 15, 2007
Nice Jay DeMerit Article in the Independent
Jay on Green Bay, Lombardi, Beckham, and his early years in European football.
Saturday, April 14, 2007
FA Cup: Manchester United (1-4)
Thus ends the run.
On one side: Manchester United with England's captain Wayne Rooney, and international stars Ronaldo and Rio Ferdinand. On the other: scrappy, plucky Watford - without the services of their starting goalkeeper.
For a brief moment, I thought we'd see a miracle. With 30 minutes left and down by 1, I thought the heavens would open, Van der Sar would be blinded, and we would go on to win on penalty kicks. No such luck.
Rooney sat the tone with a goal (asst. Carrick) in minute 7, but Bouazza managed the equalizer (asst. Tommy Smith) in the 26th minute. Two minutes later Manchester United had the lead again, this time Rooney earned the assist on a goal by Ronaldo. And there it stood for 30 minutes as the prayers of the Watford fans ascended to heaven.
To fall on deaf ears as it turns out.
Rooney picked up his second goal in minute 66 (asst. Alan Smith) and Richardson plunked in the obligatory end-of-match goal against Watford (asst. Alan Smith) to advance to the finals. They'll take on the winner of tomorrow's match between the Blackburn Rovers and Chelsea.
If this were a handicap match, Watford exceeded all expectations drawing nearly even on possession and, until the end, shots on goal, and kept the match close for an hour. Hell, we gave up 3 less goals than Roma. Jay DeMerit earned a yellow card with Rooney and Carrick picked up one each for United.
Undoubtedly the highlight of the match had to be the return of Marlon King, out with injury for the bulk of the season. Despite the official website and my reporting 3 hours earlier, Marlon suited up and came on for Tamas Priskin late in the second half.
There are five games left in the season, the next is at Ewood Park against the Blackburn Rovers this Wednesday the 18th. Kickoff is 4:00 pm St. Louis time.
On one side: Manchester United with England's captain Wayne Rooney, and international stars Ronaldo and Rio Ferdinand. On the other: scrappy, plucky Watford - without the services of their starting goalkeeper.
For a brief moment, I thought we'd see a miracle. With 30 minutes left and down by 1, I thought the heavens would open, Van der Sar would be blinded, and we would go on to win on penalty kicks. No such luck.
Rooney sat the tone with a goal (asst. Carrick) in minute 7, but Bouazza managed the equalizer (asst. Tommy Smith) in the 26th minute. Two minutes later Manchester United had the lead again, this time Rooney earned the assist on a goal by Ronaldo. And there it stood for 30 minutes as the prayers of the Watford fans ascended to heaven.
To fall on deaf ears as it turns out.
Rooney picked up his second goal in minute 66 (asst. Alan Smith) and Richardson plunked in the obligatory end-of-match goal against Watford (asst. Alan Smith) to advance to the finals. They'll take on the winner of tomorrow's match between the Blackburn Rovers and Chelsea.
If this were a handicap match, Watford exceeded all expectations drawing nearly even on possession and, until the end, shots on goal, and kept the match close for an hour. Hell, we gave up 3 less goals than Roma. Jay DeMerit earned a yellow card with Rooney and Carrick picked up one each for United.
Undoubtedly the highlight of the match had to be the return of Marlon King, out with injury for the bulk of the season. Despite the official website and my reporting 3 hours earlier, Marlon suited up and came on for Tamas Priskin late in the second half.
There are five games left in the season, the next is at Ewood Park against the Blackburn Rovers this Wednesday the 18th. Kickoff is 4:00 pm St. Louis time.
Game Day - Manchester United
The Hornets travel to Villa Park today for the semi-finals of the FA Cup. Mr. Mojo & I were having lunch the other day when he asked: How does a cellar-dweller team like Watford end up in the semi-finals? Well it has literally been the luck of the draw but that luck will probably run out today as we face the steamroller which is Manchester United (the bookies agree - Watford is a 9-1 dog).
Coming off a 7(!) - 1 win over Roma, United is on a roll both at home and in the Champions League. Add to the mix that Ben Foster will not be in goal (he's on loan from Man. U.) and King is not yet ready to take the pitch and Watford gives new meaning to the word underdog. On the plus side, Mahon is back in after his dead leg against Portsmouth.
Still, IF they can pull it off, we'll be telling our grandkids (and random passers-by for that matter) the tale for years. So enjoy and . . .
Coming off a 7(!) - 1 win over Roma, United is on a roll both at home and in the Champions League. Add to the mix that Ben Foster will not be in goal (he's on loan from Man. U.) and King is not yet ready to take the pitch and Watford gives new meaning to the word underdog. On the plus side, Mahon is back in after his dead leg against Portsmouth.
Still, IF they can pull it off, we'll be telling our grandkids (and random passers-by for that matter) the tale for years. So enjoy and . . .
Go 'Orns!!!!
Monday, April 09, 2007
Looks Like I Wasn't the Only Yank Looking for a Football Team after the World Cup
The man's thought process was a little more thorough than mine - but then again he ended up with the wrong choice.
Portsmouth (4-1) 4-11-18 23 pts.
Note to Management:
Effective immediately, all Watford games to be rescheduled for noon on weekdays.
If that's what it takes, so be it. A delightful game as the Hornets, fresh from a disaster against Middlesbrough and its attendant butt-chewing from Boothroyd, rallied from a deficit to score a season-high (Premiership anyhow) 4 goals and pick up 3 points in the standings.
Kabba picked up two assists in the second half with Tamas Priskin's goal at minute 51 and Bouazza's coffin-nail at minute 73. Mvuemba retaliated for Portsmouth in the 81st minute, but Watford hung on, aided by fresh legs in the persons of Chambers and Lloyd Doyley to win the match.
Gavin Mahon took a hit in the second half and left the pitch. Also it turns out Henderson did break his hand in Saturday's match.
Next match is the FA Cup semis against Manchester United at Villa Park Saturday. Kickoff is 11:30 St. Louis time.
Effective immediately, all Watford games to be rescheduled for noon on weekdays.
If that's what it takes, so be it. A delightful game as the Hornets, fresh from a disaster against Middlesbrough and its attendant butt-chewing from Boothroyd, rallied from a deficit to score a season-high (Premiership anyhow) 4 goals and pick up 3 points in the standings.
Kabba picked up two assists in the second half with Tamas Priskin's goal at minute 51 and Bouazza's coffin-nail at minute 73. Mvuemba retaliated for Portsmouth in the 81st minute, but Watford hung on, aided by fresh legs in the persons of Chambers and Lloyd Doyley to win the match.
Gavin Mahon took a hit in the second half and left the pitch. Also it turns out Henderson did break his hand in Saturday's match.
Next match is the FA Cup semis against Manchester United at Villa Park Saturday. Kickoff is 11:30 St. Louis time.
2-1 at the Half
Gavin Mahon, back after being pulled at the half against Middlesborough for lackluster performance, dropped in the go-ahead goal as the half wound down. Taylor put Portsmouth on the board in the 16th minute (assist O'Neil), but Hameur Bouazza equalized in the 27th minute off Tamas Priskin's penalty shot - Priskin earning the assist. On to the second half - Go 'Orns!
Game Day - Portsmouth
I can't believe I'm up following this match at 6:30 in the morning!
A couple of notes from the injury front: Clark Carlisle makes his first start this season - welcome back. And contrary to the BBC's initial report, Henderson was pulled for performance - not injury; he is not suited up today.
Starting Line-Up:
Foster
Mariappa
DeMerit
Carlisle
Stewart
Smith
Francis
Mahon
Bouazza
Priskin
Kabba
A couple of notes from the injury front: Clark Carlisle makes his first start this season - welcome back. And contrary to the BBC's initial report, Henderson was pulled for performance - not injury; he is not suited up today.
Starting Line-Up:
Foster
Mariappa
DeMerit
Carlisle
Stewart
Smith
Francis
Mahon
Bouazza
Priskin
Kabba
Saturday, April 07, 2007
Middlesborough (1-4) 3-11-18 20 Pts.
Not our best showing.
Right off the bat (minute 5) Viduka (asst. Downing) dropped in the first goal putting the Hornets down one. Damien Francis scored the equalizer with an assist from Shittu in the 22nd minute, Boateng (asst. Johnson) put M'Boro back on top 3 minutes later. There it stood until the half.
Aidy pulled Mahon for Priskin to juice up the second half, but Viduka scored his second goal of the match in minute 75 (unassisted). He didn't get the hat trick but contributed an assist to Rochemback's goal in the 79th minute.
M'Boro dominated the match, controlling the pitch 2 minutes for every 1 Watford was in charge. The Hornets only managed 3 shots on goal to Boro's 15 and trailed on corner 3-9 as well.
The most worrisome aspect of the match came halfway through the first half when Darius Henderson left the pitch (injured according to the BBC) - replaced by Bouazza. The Watford site makes this sound as if it were a tactical change.
The next match is Monday at 6:45 am St. Louis time as Portsmouth visits Vicarage Road. The game will be on FSC but I doubt Barrister's will be open.
Right off the bat (minute 5) Viduka (asst. Downing) dropped in the first goal putting the Hornets down one. Damien Francis scored the equalizer with an assist from Shittu in the 22nd minute, Boateng (asst. Johnson) put M'Boro back on top 3 minutes later. There it stood until the half.
Aidy pulled Mahon for Priskin to juice up the second half, but Viduka scored his second goal of the match in minute 75 (unassisted). He didn't get the hat trick but contributed an assist to Rochemback's goal in the 79th minute.
M'Boro dominated the match, controlling the pitch 2 minutes for every 1 Watford was in charge. The Hornets only managed 3 shots on goal to Boro's 15 and trailed on corner 3-9 as well.
The most worrisome aspect of the match came halfway through the first half when Darius Henderson left the pitch (injured according to the BBC) - replaced by Bouazza. The Watford site makes this sound as if it were a tactical change.
The next match is Monday at 6:45 am St. Louis time as Portsmouth visits Vicarage Road. The game will be on FSC but I doubt Barrister's will be open.
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
Chelsea (0-1) 3-11-17 20 pts.
Oh so close!
I'll admit - I was AWOL on this one. Something came up and I thought - "Well I can go to this event or I can watch the Hornets get thumped on by Chelsea." Sadly, that may have cost me the most exciting game of the season.
Ben Foster's 5 saves held Chelsea in abeyance for the entirety of regulation time, only to have Kalou (asst. Shevchenko) head one in two minutes into injury time. Francis sported two shots on goal (and a yellow card) while Henderson & Kabba managed one apiece.
Jay DeMerit was back in the starting line-up after starting on Wednesday for Team USA.
No more comments as I did not follow the game. Next match is Saturday against Middlesborough. Kick-off is 9:00 am St. Louis time.
I'll admit - I was AWOL on this one. Something came up and I thought - "Well I can go to this event or I can watch the Hornets get thumped on by Chelsea." Sadly, that may have cost me the most exciting game of the season.
Ben Foster's 5 saves held Chelsea in abeyance for the entirety of regulation time, only to have Kalou (asst. Shevchenko) head one in two minutes into injury time. Francis sported two shots on goal (and a yellow card) while Henderson & Kabba managed one apiece.
Jay DeMerit was back in the starting line-up after starting on Wednesday for Team USA.
No more comments as I did not follow the game. Next match is Saturday against Middlesborough. Kick-off is 9:00 am St. Louis time.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)