Preston North End Rescheduled

Last Saturday's match with Preston North End, cancelled due to weather, has been rescheduled for Tuesday, February 15. Kickoff will be 1:45 pm St. Louis time.

Preston Match Called Off Due to Snow

Will have reschedule info when available.

It's Hartlepool United

Vicarage Road will host third round FA Cup action January 8, when the Hornets welcome League One side Hartlepool United, winners over Yeoville Town Tuesday night.

QPR 1-3 Watford 8-6-7 30 pts.

A marvelous upset for Watford in the first match that I've been able to watch in about two years. Why upset? Consider:

• QPR is top of the table
• The match was at Loftus Road
• QPR had only conceded five goals at Loftus Road this season
• QPR carried a 19-game unbeaten (league play) streak into this match
• QPR's Heidar Helguson & Tommy Smith together had more Watford goals than Watford's starting XI

And it looked as if QPR had control of the match for the first 20 minutes, running Watford ragged with long deliveries from keeper Paddy Kenny. But in the 26th minute, a perfect cross from Andrew Taylor found the onrushing foot of Danny Graham to surprise the Hoops.

Surprise gave way to shock when an abandoned cross from Jordan Mutch from 20 yards out was watched into the goal by Hornets and Hoops alike 3 1/2 minutes later.

A second goal from Graham (probably offside) three minutes into the first half (asst Stephen McGinn) brought out the worst in the Loftus Road fans with a bottle being tossed at the Watford squad.

Watford continued to dominate, but lost its clean sheet when Tommy Smith put QPR on the board with a minute left.

The win puts Watford in eighth place for today, just two points shy of the playoff zone, though both Leeds & Derby have a game in hand.

The next match is at Vicarage Road next Saturday, December 18, when Preston North End comes to town. Kickoff is 9:00 am St. Louis time.

QPR Today

Oops! Somebody updated the schedule (BBC?) and didn't tell me. The QPR match is today, not tomorrow, and kicks off at 1:45 St. Louis time. The link above purports to carries the free live stream as it will be broadcast (though not so broadly cast as to reach St. Louis). I'll make no claims as to the site being cootie-free or having the ability to bypass your company's firewall.

Watford 3-2 Leicester City 7-6-7 28 pts.

A semi-gutsy last-minute win netted the Hornets three points as Danny Graham broke the Rookery End curse (which has seen as much scoring as Wrigley Field's right field endzone at the Illinois-Northwestern game).

Semi- because they had to blow a two goal lead to build the drama.

A Jordon Mutch corner found its way to Jon Eustace to give Watford the lead in the 15th minute and Will Buckley, making his first start in two months, right-footed the second in (asst. Don Cowie) eight minutes later.

It went to the half 2-0, but Leicester took advantage of a hand-ball call (it wasn't) on Andrew Taylor, and got on the board with a Gallager penalty shot. Gallager scored his second in minute 70 to draw even, but Graham's header in the 85th minute (asst. Mutch) broke the deadlock.

The only down side to the day was the coming off of Martin Sordell with an injury (no news) late in the match.

Watford will play at QPR next Saturday, December 11. Kickoff is 9:00 an St. Louis time.

On the Block

Watford Leisure PLC, parent company of Watford FC has confirm that there is a as-of-yet unidentified buyer of interest in Lord Ashcroft's shares in the club.

Watford to Host FA Cup 3rd Round Match

We're not sure about the date yet (Jan. 8 or 9) or the opponent (Hartlepool United or Yeovil Town depending on the outcome of next Tuesday's match at Victoria Park), but Vicarage Road will be the site of this year's third round FA Cup match.

Barnsley Nil-Nil Watford 6-6-7 24 pts.

I've been travelling for family obligations and missed the last couple broadcasts (though I did get to see the Man U drubbing of Blackburn Saturday morning).

The link above will take you to the BBC summary.

The next match is Saturday, December 4 at Vicarage Road as the Hornets host Leicester City. Kickoff is 9:00 am.

Watford Keepers Everywhere!

After playing the first 45 minutes and conceeding a goal to Germany's U-21 squad last night, Scott Loach has been called up to the senior England squad for today's match with France.

Fabio Cappello summoned Loach to the national squad after Joe Hart withdrew with a back injury yesterday. Expected to start between the posts for England is Birmingham City and ex-Watford keeper Ben Foster.

Back to the Germany game, Jason Steele lasted just 13 minutes as Loach's sub before he was sent off for fouling Boris Vukcivek. Ex-Hornet midfielder Henri Lansbury donned the gloves for England, but could not stop Cenk Tosun's penalty shot. England lost 2-0.

Whither Loach?

A good deal of the back-and-forth, spurred in large part by listener texts, on Saturday's Three Counties Radio broadcast dealt with Scott Loach and whether he should be kept/played at Watford.

Obviously Loach is not the Premiership-quality keeper (yet) that some of the more delusional listeners might be hoping for, but he is a good, solid keeper for the position he is in: mid-table Championship. The England U-21 coach Stuart Pearce must agree as Loach has been named to the squad for tonight's match against Germany.

What the naysayers are missing is that we are not in a position to acquire a top-flight keeper. Our choice is not Loach or Ben Foster. Or even Loach or Richard Lee. What we have waiting in the wings is Rene Gilmartin (no offense).

Loach will do for now because he has to do for now.

Xavier Wins A10 Championship - Earns College Cup Berth

#6 seed Xavier upset #3 Temple, #1 Charlotte, and #2 LaSalle in succession to capture the 2010 Atlantic 10 title.

Defending champs SLU fell to LaSalle Friday night in the semi-finals.

Burnley 3-2 Watford 6-4-7 22 pts.

My apologies for the delay but I'm getting tired of reporting on blown leads.

Saturday was another, this time with a little help from referee Chris Sarginson, but the Hornets had plenty of missed opportunities of their own.

The Clarets opened the scoring with a header from Chris Iwelumo in the 25th, but this was countered by two scoring rushes from the recently returned Don Cowie. The first failed to convert, but he managed to score on the second try (assist Jordon Mutch) in minute 30.

A Martin Taylor header nearly 30 minutes into the second half gave the Hornets the lead which they held for twenty minutes until Ross Wallace tricked the defence long enough to even the match.

With less than 15 minutes remaining, Martin Taylor and Jay Rodriguez scrambled over a header, initially looking like Rodriguez committed a hand ball. Referee Sarginson thought otherwise, claiming Taylor came over the back, pushing Rodriguez into the ball and awarding a penalty. Film shows the two side-by-side.

Graham Alexander, one of the league's best penalty-takers, put the ball in the net to give Barnet three points on the day.

The next match is at home, Saturday, November 20, against Reading. Kickoff is 9:00 am.

SLU Advances to Second Round of A10 Playoffs

Alex Johnston scored what proved to be the winning goal in the 38th minute on the way to SLU's defeat of St. Bonaventure in the first round of the A-10 Championship.

The win finds SLU battling #2 seed LaSalle this afternoon in Charlotte, NC. The match will be webcast at www.atlantic10.com. Kickoff is 4:30 St. Louis time.

Crystal Palace 3-2 Watford 6-4-6 22 pts

A flurry of goals by Palace hot on the heels of Watford's own tipped the scales in favor of the Eagles and brought them their third straight win over Watford.

Darren Ambrose started things off for Crystal Palace in minute 18 with a shot into the upper right of the net. There the score stood until half.

Three minutes into the second half, Danny Graham found a Stephen McGinn cross to tie it up, followed four minute later by a Jordon Mutch goal (asst. Troy Deeney) to take the lead.

Alas, the scoring continued but for Palace; specifically Owen Garvan who netted a pair of goals in minutes 56 & 59 to send the Hornets packing from a game they arguably dominated, at least in terms of shots and corners.

The next match is Saturday, November 13 at Burnley. Kickoff is 9:00 am St. Louis time.

Watford Posted £4 Million Loss for 2009 - 2010

Despite a cut of £4 million in player wages, the loss of parachute payments last year drove Watford further in the red. Click above for the Chairman's Report.

Derby County 4-1 Watford 6-3-5 21 pts.

I was off at a Toastmasters contest (and got beat as bad as the Hornets), so click on the BBC link above for the skinny. The loss drops Watford to 9th in a very crowded mid-table.

The next match is Saturday, November 6 when Vicarage Road plays host to Nottingham Forest. Kickoff is at 8:00 am St. Louis time.

Latest 'From the Rookery End' Podcast Available

Featuring an interview with Scott Loach, the latest podcast is available on iTunes today.

Watford 0 - 2 Scunthorpe United 6-3-4 21 pts.

Whoever dubbed soccer 'the beautiful game' wasn't watching this one.

A plodding match from both squads found Scunny on top at the half 2-0 at which point everyone should have just gone home and salvaged their Saturday.

A goal by Cliff Byrne at the 28th minute seemed to light a small fire under Watford, but it was thoroughly extinguished in added time at the end of the first half when Martyn Woolford scored the second Scunthorpe goal.

The second half was marred by frustration and the loss of both Watford strikers to injury; Danny Graham clutching his back and Marvin Sordell limping off after trying to play through the pain.

They will have a week to recover as the next match is October 30 at Darby County. Here's where I get confused as I believe the UK falls off Daylight Savings time tomorrow and we don't (thanks W). So kickoff is either 8, 9, or 10 St. Louis time. I'll clarify later in the week.

Watford 2-1 Ipswich Town 6-3-3 21 pts.

I was in seminars in NYC Tuesday, but caught most of the match on the BlackBerry.

The match saw the return of Tommy Smith & Tamas Priskin to Vicarage Road and Tommy felt right at home, busy on most plays in the first half.

But it was a pair of late first half goals for Watford that earned the Hornets their 3 points. The first, a right footer from six yards out by Stephen McGinn (Martin Taylor asst.) came in the 41st minute. The crowd barely had time to sit down when Marvin "Score-dell" doubled the lead two minutes later with a header from six yards out off an Andrew Taylor cross.

David Norris made a game of it in the 61st minute, but Watford held on to propel themselves into a clear third place in the standings.

The next match is Saturday, October 23 as Scunthorpe visits Vicarage Road. Kickoff is 9:00 am St. Louis time.

Portsmouth 3-2 Watford 5-3-3 18 pts

The Hornets stay in the playoff zone on goal difference despite losing their first league away match of the season.

I was traveling this morning and missed the match, so I've attached a link to the BBC's summary above.

The next match is Tuesday, October 19 against Ipswich Town in the first match at Vicarage Road since late September. Kickoff is at 1:45 PM St. Louis time OR 2:45 PM in NYC which is where I'll be, stealing glances at the updates as I get my continuing ed.

Saracens to Leave Vicarage Road

The Watford rugby club, the Saracens have reportedly not renewed their lease at Vicarage Road. Estimates of lost revenue are in the £150,000 - 400,000 range thought it remains to be seen if this will result in a net gain as Watford FC's pitch repair costs may be more than this amount.

Sheffield United 0-1 Watford 5-3-2 18 pts.

A solid defense allowed Watford to preserve an early 1-0 lead and capture 3 point at Bramall Lane today.

Marvin Sordell took a brilliant Danny Graham cross from 6 yards out and right-footed it into the net in the 16th minute for the match's only goal. Watford controlled the first half, Scott Loach only needing one save.

Troy Deeney came on for Sordell at the half and Malky Mackay opted to play to preserve the lead. The Blades did manage about ten minutes of playing deep into the Watford end, but the defense held and the Hornets hold their spot in the table.

After the international break, Watford resumes league play at Portsmouth Saturday, Oct. 16. Kickoff is 9:00 am St. Louis time.

Latest Episode of "From the Rookery End" Out

Featuring an interview with Lee Hodson. Available above or via iTunes.

Strikers Sign Extensions

Firming up the future of the front line, Watford signed contract extensions this week for Marvin Sordell & Danny Graham. Sordell has signed through the 2013 season and Graham has signed through 2012 with a one-year club option.

Watford 2-3 Swansea City 4-3-2 15 pts.

Brendan Rodgers' Swans took the Hornets down a notch today as Watford's streak of impressive performances came to an end.

Winger Scott Sinclair got Swansea on the scoreboard in the eleventh minute and a Steven Dobbie goal in minute 30 left the Hornets limping into the half.

If anything, Swansea turned up the heat in the second half, dominating possession and outshooting Watford on goal attempts. Frank Nouble came in for Dobbie in the 67th minute and promptly nabbed the Swans' third goal three minutes later, eroding the goal difference Watford had built up over the last two matches.

Watford mounted a comeback however, with Troy Deeney right-footing a Marvin Sordell-headed cross in from 12 yards out at minute 77. Martin Taylor added his contribution at the 86 minute mark, heading in a Lloyd Doyley cross from 6 yards out. Despite five minutes of added time, the Hornets ran out of road and failed to capture a point.

The result, coupled with a late Reading goal, left Watford in a clear 4th place in the league table.

The next match is Saturday at Sheffield United. Kickoff is 9:00 am St. Louis time.

Watford 3-1 Middlesbrough 4-3-1 15 pts.

I was tooling through Iowa with only score updates during this match so I've linked in the BBC report.

Watford sits in third place, just one point off the automatic promotion zone thanks to a pair of Danny Graham goals and solo shot by Jordon Mutch.

The young Hornets are playing over their heads but don't tell them. With this terrific start they should avoid relegation barring a deduction for administration.

Locally, a last-minute goal propelled SLU past Drake Saturday night before a large Homecoming crowd at Hermann Stadium.

Next match is tomorrow when Vicarage Road welcomes Swansea City. The kickoff is 1:45 pm St. Louis time.

Watford Named Championship Team of the Week by the Football League

Well deserved after their 6-1 romp over Millwall.

Millwall 1-6 Watford 3-3-1 12 pts.

That's right - 6. At The Den. By six different scorers. A terrific showing away that puts Watford in 5th place in the League.

Millwall, League One playoff winners last year, had not lost a home match since November of last year and sat in the playoff zone in the Championship going into today's match.

John Eustace started the scoring conga line in minute nine off a Dow Cowie corner (his first of three assists on corner kicks). Jordon Mutch followed four minutes later with his first goal for Watford - a left-footed shot into the bottom left from six yards out on a rebound of a suspected handball (Millwall's).

The match was held up for a bit due to a pitch invasion by a shirtless Millwall fan who squared off against Lloyd Doyley.

When the stewards had restored order, the Hornets picked up where they had left off, Marvin Sordell scored in the last moments of the half from another suspected handball, this time from eight yards out.

The carnage continued when Watford went up 4-0 as Adrian Mariappa headed another Cowie corner into the net in the 55th minute, but Liam Trotter retaliated less than a minute later to put Millwall on the board.

Danny Graham scored his sixth of the season in the 77th minute from 12 yards out and Martin Taylor scored his first in a replay of Mariappa's goal one minute into added time.

This is the funnest game I've listen to so far as a Watford fan and the result can't help but raise expectations.

The next match sees Middlesbrough at Vicarage Road as the Hornets look once again for their first home win of the season. Kickoff is 9:00 am St. Louis time.

Henderson Off To Colchester

Striker Liam Henderson has been sent out on loan to League One side Colchester until January.

Bristol City 0-2 Watford 2-3-1 9 pts.

Marvin Sordell continued his winning ways against Bristol City, right-footing a goal from 6 yards out just three minutes into the match (asst. Adrian Mariappa). Watford continued to dominate the half and the 0-1 score stood up at the half.

Proving that Watford's strong suit is the forceful start, Danny Graham scored the insurance goal two minutes into the second half from 12 yards out off a John Eustace cross.

The win moves the Hornets up the table, just one point off the playoff zone.

The next match is Saturday, September 18 at Millwall. Kickoff is 9:00 am St. Louis time.

Watford 2-1 Doncaster Rovers 1-3-1 6 pts.

A last-minute corner lead to an equalizing goal for Doncaster, denying the Hornets their first league home win of the season.

Watford found themselves in a hole going into the half as the result of Simon Gillett's 33 minute goal and plodded along in the second half until Marvin Sordell came on for Stephen McGinn at the 55 minute mark.

The result overshadowed the Sordell show in the second half as the Watford striker netted a pair of goals, the first a blistering header off a Don Cowie cross, the second an out-and-out beating of midfielder Gillett to right-foot the ball in from 20 yards down the channel.

George Friend's goal in added time marks the second time in three matches a Watford lead has fallen in the last minute at Vicarage Road.

The Hornets look for their second league win again on Tuesday, September 14 at Bristol City. Kickoff is 1:45 pm.

Severin Out - Taylor In

Scott Severin is on his way to Dundee United on a free transfer while Watford has picked up 24-year old left back Andrew Taylor on loan from Middlesbrough through early January.

Watford 0-1 Leeds United 1-2-1 5 pts.

An early goal from Leeds captain Richard Naylor and solid goal keeping from Kaspar Scmeichel dealt Watford their first league loss of the season.

The Hornets felt the absence of the injured Danny Graham as the front line of Troy Deeney & Marvin Sordel failed to connect. Not much in the way of excitement from either squad.

The league is on international break. The next match is at Vicarage Road September 11 against the Doncaster Rovers. Kickoff is 9:00 St. Louis time.

LC: Watford 1-2 Notts County

The 2010 - 2011 unbeaten streak came to an end today as did Watford's League Cup run when League One side Notts County upset the Hornets.

Malkay Mackay fielded a young squad with Rene Gilmartin in goal for his second League Cup match, Adam Thompson making his debut and Troy Deeney making his first start.

The squads carried a nil-nil score into the half, but a booming free kick by Stephen Hunt shortly after the restart tipped the scales in favor of the Magpies. Eleven minutes later Kevin Smith headed in the insurance goal, needed it turns out, to stave off Troy Deeney's header, his first goal in a Watford jersey.

The match also saw Danny Graham go off with a groin injury late as well as the return of Jon Harley to Vicarage Road for the last eight minutes.

Next match is Saturday, August 28 when Watford hosts Leeds United. Kickoff is 9:00 am St. Louis time.

Hull City Nil - Nil Watford 1-2-0 5 pts.

Watford extended its unbeaten streak on the season with a dowdy match against relegated Hull City yesterday. Relatively uneventful, the Hornets picked up the pace slightly at the hour mark when newcomers Troy Deeney & Jordan Mutch subbed in, but Watford came away with a sole road point.

A little closer to home, the Billikins and AC St. Louis both drew 1-1 Friday night with Evansville & Puerto Rico respectively (the AC game called on account of lightning).

The next Watford match is Tuesday, August 24 when Notts County visits Vicarage Road for the second round of the League Cup. Kickoff is 1:45 pm St. Louis time.

Watford 2-2 Coventry City 1-1-0 4 pts.

I'd be tempted to say Watford snatched a draw from the jaws of victory but, in fact, Coventry City staged a scrappy comeback to salvage a point after being down two goals.

Will Buckley headed a Lee Hodson cross into the net three minutes into added time at the end of the first half, but it was John Eustace's overhead kick in the 56th minute that made the highlight reels.

The Hornets did not let up and held the Sky Blues scoreless until David Bell worked a goal in in the 88th minute. The Vicarage Road faithful still expected to walk away with three points, but a penalty in the 90th minute was converted by Lukas Jutkiewicz and Watford had to settle for a single point.

The next match is Saturday, August 21 at Hull City. Kickoff is 9:00 am St. Louis time.

Watfrod Draws Notts County for Second Round of League Cup

Watford will host the League One side the week of August 23.

LC: Aldershot Town 0-3 Watford

An easy win for the Hornets over League Two side Aldershot Town before a crowd of 3,292 as Watford fielded a line-up of mostly starters. Keeper Rene Gilmartin started in goal as Scott Loach has been called up to the England national team for tomorrow's friendly, but Eustace, Graham, Buckley, & Doyley all started for the Hornets.

Danny Graham managed two goals, a right-footer in the 15th minute and a scorcher from 20 yards out in the 48th minute.

In between, just before the half, Marvin Sordell picked up a Lloyd Doyley cross and the Hornets move on to the second round to be played the week of August 23.

The next League match is this Saturday as former manager Aidy Boothroyd's Coventry City comes to Vicarage Road for Watford's home opener. Kickoff is 9:00 am St. Louis time.

Norwich City 2 - 3 Watford 1-0-0 3 pts.

Watford tops the table!

OK, so it was the only match played on this first day of the season, but still . . .

It was a see-saw battle at a rainy Carrow Road. New captain John Eustace drew first blood as he left-footed a Don Cowie corner into the bottom left of the goal in minute 14.

Danny Graham scored ten minutes later (asst. Marvin Sordell) and the Canaries' fans feared a repeat of last season's 7-0 opening day drubbing as Watford took the 2-0 lead into the dressing room at the half.

Andrew Crofts narrowed the lead to a goal seven minutes into the second half, but Graham recaptured the two-goal margin in minute 83 (asst. Stephen McGinn) with his second goal of the match.

One minute into the four minutes of added time and Micheal Nelson fought back for Norwich City, but the Hornets held the lead and racked up three points.

The match saw the debut of striker Troy Deeny, just signed from Walsall today.

The next match is a League Cup affair next Tuesday, August 10 at Aldershot. Kickoff is 1:45 pm St. Louis time.

Editor's Note: I've caved in this year and will start listing scores the standard home-team first rather than Watford-first.

New Season, New Faces

Watford opens its 2010-2011 season today against Norwich City with a squad that has an average age of 21 years 6 months. Expectations are muted - avoiding relegation & administration would probably be a win for this season. That said though . . .

Go 'Orns!!!

Taylor Staying On

With three days to go until opening day, Graham Taylor, currently in the position of acting chairman, has decided to stay on a chairman.

Weekend Matches

Watford 1-0 Charlton Athletic Saturday

AC St. Louis 2-2 Minnesota Stars Sunday

Signings & Such

Watford has recently completed two academy signings, 16-year old midfielder Sean Murray and goalkeeper Jonathan Bond, both to 3-year contacts.

Moving off the squad on loan to Yeovil Town until the end of August is midfielder Rob Kiernan.

AC St. Louis 3-0 Portland

First, my apologies to Mike Ambersley whose play I denigrated in a previous post (the mobility of a traffic barrel was the phrase I believe). Mike pulled off the first hat trick in franchise history last night and managed some impressive counter-attacking moves as well. Congrats, Mike! Keep proving me wrong - I'll gladly eat my words.

I went out with Jim, Barb, & Jackson last night (thanks for the ride guys) and was met with a complete turn-around from the July 4th weekend. Players were hustling, the squad played like a team and attendance was way up, giving me hope that the franchise just might survive. I think good play will get fans in the seats and we've seen a lot of improvement since coach Schilly has taken the reins. AC finds itself in 4th place in the NASL conference of the D-2.

The only downside: full-price ticket for the four-year old. C'mon guys - don't be greedy.

A Pair of Losses

A pair of poor results for watchers of this spot yesterday. Watford fell to Barnet 1-0 and AC St. Louis lost to Montreal 2-0.

Catching Up on the Pre-Season

I've been doing a little traveling for business (more on that in a later post) and not posting the pre-season results so here we go:

A 5-0 trouncing of non-League Boreham Wood a week ago Saturday

A 2-0 win over St. Albans City last Saturday that saw Danny Graham leave after 10 minutes with a broken nose.

At Barnet today. I'll see if I can get the match on Player.

Players for Peace Postponed

AC St. Louis Fanatic Blog is reporting the Aug. 7 match is called off.

"Players for Peace" Game May Be Called Off

There's been little news on the South America v The Rest of the World all-star match scheduled for August 7 at the Edward Jones Dome since its announcement in February. A planned statement about ticket sales in late May came & went without a word and, as we come up on two weeks from the date, there has still been no announcement as to when tickets go on sale.

A call to the CVC (the folks that run the Dome) yielded an unofficial statement that as of yesterday, word was the match is probably called off though, as usual, there is no official announcement.

When I hear, I'll let you know.

Hornets Win First Pre-Season Friendly 5-0

While the rest of us were distracted by that World Cup thing, Watford managed its first win of the pre-season over Conference South squad Boreham Wood.

Now THAT'S football.

Weekend 4

Spain did what Spain does, the German blitzkrieg rolled over Argentina, The Netherlands upset Brazil, and Uruguay cheated its way to the semis over Ghana (click the headline for Yahoo!s most famous handballs).

Semis start today.

Also over the weekend, Mary Anne & I went to see AC St. Louis get thumped by the (Cary, North) Carolina Railbirds. Our front line, especially Ambersley, has all the mobility of a traffic barrel.

Two New Signees Join Watford As Training Starts Today

Keeper Rene Gilmartin and defender Tom Aldred join the squad from Walsall & Carlisle United respectively.

Gilmartin is 6'5" and has earned a cup for the Republic of Ireland U21 squad.

Aldred is 19-years old and spent most of 2009 on loan at Workington.

AC St. Louis Stopped By Galaxy 2-0

Goals from former DeSmet High player Chris Klein & Juninho end the U.S. Open Cup run for AC St. Louis.

Weekend 3

Out of miracles.

Landon Donovan's last minute (well, after the last minute, really) goal in the Algeria match, staved off elimination and made the US group winners, but the habit of giving up the early goal finally caught up with the US squad Saturday against Ghana.

Jay DeMerit was the man beat on both goals, but had a good World Cup otherwise - surely raising his price & profile as he leaves Watford.

The Swiss failed to move on and England & Mexico fell to Germany & Argentina respectively.

Most importantly, yours truly languishes at the bottom of the World Cup pool.

Another Anelka Sent Home

Dale Schilly has been named head coach of AC St. Louis, replacing Claude Anelka who ended his stint at AC St. Louis with a 2-1-7 league record and two US Open Cup wins.

Anelka's departure finds AC St. Louis in last place and, with his stint at Raith Rovers, brings his coaching record to 2-2-14.

I Like Java . . . (A Cup, A Cup, A Cup, A Cup, A Cup)

OK. You saw the USA-Algeria game. It could not have been more dramatic and Team USA, winning their group for the first time since 1930, will match up with Ghana on Saturday.

But in the OTHER cup last night, with the OTHER Anelka at the helm, AC St. Louis made it past NSC Minnesota Stars to earn the right to travel to the Home Depot Center next Tuesday to take on a (hopefully) Donovan- and Buddle-less LA Galaxy in the third round of the US Open (Lamar Hunt) Cup. GO AC!

Second Weekend Update

Brazil & the Netherlands have cinched spots in the knock-out stage, but a handful of the big boys are sweating it, not the least of which are the finalists from WC2006.

France has disintegrated, falling apart after their draw with Uruguay, kicking Anelka off the squad and refusing to train yesterday for the final match against hosts South Africa. France will need at least a 4 goal difference over Mexico to advance.

Italy sits on two points after a draw with New Zealand(?!). Their all-star keeper Gianluigi Buffon is out indefinitely after leaving at the half of the first match. They will advance with a win over Slovakia.

Germany can still claim a spot if they defeat group leader Ghana, but they are without the services of striker Miroslav Klose who received a red card in the Serbia match, otherwise they will be at the mercy of the result of the Serbia-Australia match.

The Swiss astounded everyone by downing favorites Spain 1-0 in the first match of group H.

And of course there's the USA situation which plays out like this:

If England wins, USA must win

If England loses, USA must at least draw

If England draws, USA must at draw and not be outscored by more than 2 points by England in the final round or win.

US can still be group winner with a win & an England win with a lower goal difference.

Fixtures Announced

The Hornets will start the season at promotee Norwich City August 7, hop to Aldershot Town for the first round of the League Cup, then play their first match of the season at Vicarage Road against former gaffer Aidy Bothroyd and his Coventry City squad.

Click above for the full list of league fixtures.

The Other Cup

AC St. Louis netted a 70th minute goal and a victory in the U.S. Open (Lamar Hunt) Cup last night to advance to the second round.

AC will meet the NSC Minnesota North Stars in the Twin Cities next Tuesday. Kickoff is 8:00 pm.

Weekend 1

A great start to the World Cup! A gift goal kept the US even with England, I had Japan as my upset pick in the pool, and the intern at work showed me how to get the streaming video at work. Lots of draws so far, but lots of great matches to come. Go Jay! Go USA!

Michael Bryan Signs

The Northern Ireland international has signed through the 2011 season with a one-year option at the club's discretion.

AC St. Louis to Face Des Moines Menace in Cup Action

AC St. Louis will travel to Des Moines June 15 for the first round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, the US equivalent of the FA cup. MLS squads will join play in the third round, rounds coming about once a week until the finals. For this year's bracket, click the link above.

Bennett, Henderson Sign

Defender Dale Bennett and striker Liam Henderson have each signed a one-year contract extension through the 2010-2011 season with a club option for another year.

In other news, recently re-signed midfielder John Eustace has been named captain.

6 Leave - Eustace Stays

The financial reshaping continues as Watford offically bids goodbye to its Captain and Green Bay native, Jay DeMerit. Joining Jay on the bus out of town is defender Jon Harley, striker Will Hoskins and three youngsters, Billy Gibson, Jonathan North & Lewis Young.

On a positive note, midfielder John Eustace has signed a two-year contract extension, hopefully keeping him at Vicarage Road through the end of the 2011-2012 season.

From the Rookery End

Another Watford blog (can't get enoug of them can you?)!

This one has a podcast available at the site or via iTunes. Enjoy!

Rumor Has It: Richard Lee to Brentford

The Watford Observer is reporting that goalkeeper Richard Lee will sign with League One side Brentford FC pending a physical exam today.

This follows on the heels of Scott Loach's rumored departure to Tottenham and the release of Jonathan North, leaving 16-yar old Jonathan Bond as the Hornet's only keeper.

I predict either summer transfer window dealings or very high scoring games.

One Down - One to Go?

The St. Louis Athletica will be ceasing operations according to a statement from the club today. The move puts the entire league in jeopardy as they need eight teams to remain FIFA sanctioned.

AC St. Louis has not yet announced their demise, but the death watch is on.

I got to see the Athletica play last year at Hermann Field - my first professional soccer match. The level of play exceeded anything AC St. Louis has put on the field yet. They will be missed.

USA 23-Man Squad Named for World Cup

DeMerit is in and, despite an unimpressive return from injury last night against the Czech Republic, so is Oguchi Onyewu. The forwards look a little scary: take away Jozy Altidore and the remaining three have just 9 caps and 1 goal between them.

To see the entire line-up, click on the link above.

World Cup - Matches to Watch - Group Stage

Here are my picks for the matches to watch in the group stage plus a few of the local pubs that will carry the action. If you are a total die-hard, click on the link above for a complete schedule.

All times are local St. Louis time - except as noted, all fixtures can be seen on ESPN.

Friday, June 11

Uruguay v France - 1:30 pm

Saturday, June 12

Argentina v Nigeria - 9:00 am
USA v England - 1:30 pm - ABC


Monday, June 14

Italy v Paraguay - 1:30 pm

Wednesday, June 16

Spain v Switzerland - 9:00 am

Thursday, June 17

France v Mexico - 1:30 pm

Friday, June 18

Slovenia v USA - 9:00 am
England v Algeria - 1:30 pm ESPN2

Monday, June 21

Chile v Switzerland - 9:00 am

Wednesday, June 23

USA v Algeria - 9:00 am
Slovenia v England - 9:00 am ESPN2

Friday, June 25

Brazil v Portugal - 9:00 am
Switzerland v Honduras - 1:30 pm ESPN2
Chile v Spain - 1:30 pm

VENUES

A quick call to the pubs yielded the following info (be sure to call them yourselves):

TIGIN

333 Washington Ave. (in the Hampton Inn)
241-8666

Open for all the matches - serving food for all the matches

DUBLINERS

1025 Washington Ave.
421-4300

Open for all the 9:00 matches and "the good 6:30 matches - not Algeria v whoever" - serving food by halftime

AMSTERDAM

3175 Morganford Rd.
772-8224

Open for all matches. No food service anytime (can carry in food).

Barristers

15 N. Meramec
726-5007

Open for all 9:00 am matches. Serving food.

Rumor Has It: Cleverley to Newcastle United - Rodgers to Man City

A pair of articles in the Watford Observer have linked loanee and driving force last year, Tom Cleverely, to Newcastle United and former gaffer Brendan Rodgers to Manchester City.

The interest by the Toon is nothing new as they have been scouting Cleverley heavily (say that ten times fast) since he came to Watford.

The Rodgers move, if true, would come just a week after another former Watford manager, Aidy Boothroyd, signed on to Coventry City. Rodgers would be taking a coaching role at Premiership squad Man City after two stints as manager in the Championship League.

Rumor Has It: AC St. Louis & Athletica In Trouble

According to the article above by Brian Quarstad at Inside Minnesota Soccer (thanks Don for passing this on to me), St. Louis's professional soccer teams may not last the season.

The Athletica lost money last year and were expected to do so this year as well and, as you may well expect, the inaugural year of any club will probably show a loss. But the problem seems to be a distancing of Jeff Cooper from the club according to Quarstad's sources.

It will be a sad, sad day for soccer in St. Louis if these rumors prove to be true. After waiting for 30 years for soccer's return, to not last a year will leave a black mark on the city.

Aidy Off to Coventry City

Former Watford gaffer Aidy Boothroyd has been named Coventry City manager, replacing Chris Coleman who was sacked after leading the club to a disappointing 19th place finish in the Championship this season.

Foster Signs With Birmingham

Goalie Ben Foster, key to Watford's Premiership season as a loanee from Manchester United, has been transferred to Birmingham for an undisclosed amount.

Rumor Has It: Loach May Be Off to Tottenham

£2 million may be too steep a price to keep Scott Loach on the roster. Hotspur has shown interest.

In other news, the £10+ million bond issue gained approval and Watford stands to get £2.2 million from the Premier League as part of their new payment restructuring plan.

Last Minute Goal Gives AC St. Louis a Point

Literally.

A Mike Ambersley goal in the 90th minute salvages a point for AC St. Louis, bringing them to 1-1-5 for 4 points on the season.

AC St. Louis at Portland - Live Video Stream

Kudos to AC St. Louis! Live video stream at the AC St. Louis site. Click on the link above.

DeMerit, Harley, Hoskins To Be Released

The Watford Observer is reporting that three of the squad's highest salary players, including World Cup-bound Green Bay native Jay DeMerit, are to be released.

This follows disappointing season-ticket sales which have fallen 20% over last year and an announcement that the club must 're-evaluate' their plans.

KC Wizards Host Man. United Sunday July 25

It's a 5:00 pm kickoff at Arrowhead. For ticket info and discounts through US Soccer, click the link above.

South America vs Rest of the World Ticket Info Coming Later This Month

I spoke with the St. Louis Convention & Visitors Commission yesterday and they indicated there would be a press conference later this month to announce when the tickets would go on sale for the August 7 match pitting All-Stars from around the world against each other.

DeMerit Named to 30-Man World Cup Roster

Watford captain Jay DeMerit has landed a spot on the 30-man U.S. Men's National Team roster released today.

Missing from the roster was Carlie Davies, recovering from a career-threatening car crash last October.

Coach Bob Bradley must trim the squad down to 23 before the FIFA deadline of June 1.

US World Cup Squad Named Today

The 30-man roster for the Men's National Team will be named today. Live coverage on ESPN will be at 1:00 pm St. Louis time.

AC St. Louis Drops Another

A loss to the Rochester Rhinos drops the record to 1-0-5.

Season Recap

A relegation scare and a brush with administration were the 'highlights' of the season.

But for the grace of a lot of things, Watford could easily have been on their way to League One next year. Had an 11th hour rescue failed after the chairman Jimmy Russo bailed on the club and called his loans due, it would have been Watford and not Sheffield Wednesday in the final relegation spot after a ten point deduction.

As it was, they nearly did it on their own, plagued by injury (Jay Demerit nearly losing his vision and Heidar Helguson troubled by injury all season) and waiting until the penultimate match to find safety.

What success they did have was built mostly on the backs of loanees, most notably their top scorers, Tom Cleverley, Henri Lansbury, & Helguson. The ability to retain these players for next season is in question, as is the fate of both Captain DeMerit and Jon Eustace, both out of contract.

Questionable too are the finances as the club has already admitted they will be selling players in the transfer window and, in fact, are looking for a buyer of the club itself.

Finally, there has been a great clamor to let Malky Mackay go as the gaffer. I, for one, would like to see him stay as I think his ability to troll the loan market last year saved us, but however this saga turns out, it will be an interesting season (and off-season) coming up.

Coventry City (4-0) 14-12-20 54 pts.

In the last match of the season, with nothing on the line for either club, two goal-scoring flurries, each lead by Danny Graham, gave the Hornets a 4-0 win at Ricoh Stadium today.

A foul by Martin Cranie gave Graham a penalty opportunity seventeen minutes into the match. The penalty converted, Watford turned around and scored again a minute later as Henri Lansbury dropped a shot in from 30 yards away.

Graham got his second with twelve minutes left in the match, plunking in a Jon Harley cross from 6 yards out. Marvin Sordell saw his first Watford goal two minutes later, an unassisted right-footer from 12 yards to cap the scoring for the day.

With a spot in the Championship secured, Malky Mackay took the opportunity to start 20-year old midfielder Michael Bryan in his first match.

The win leaves Watford in 16th place in the Championship. Elsewhere, despite fighting back to even the score 2-2, Sheffield Wednesday could not get the winning goal they needed over Crystal Palace and were relegated to League One.

Last Game Tomorrow

OK. I don't know if I just put it down wrong on my calendar last fall or if it moved & I didn't catch it, but the Coventry City match is tomorrow, May 2. Kickoff is 7:00 am St. Louis time.

Mariappa Contract Extended

With one year left on his current contract, Adrian Mariappa will extend his stay at Watford through the end of the 2012 season.

Reorganization

With another season in the Championship secured, the long-anticipated financial reorganization of the club has been proposed. In a nutshell:

£8.632 million in existing debt will be replaced by £10.142 million, raising £1.51 million in operating cash. The increased amount will come from Fordwat, Lord Ashcroft's ownership vehicle.

The debt matures in 364 days and is secured by Vicarage Road Stadium. Currently only the £5.99 million Fordwat debt is secured. Additionally, each £1 face value of the bonds comes with 20 detachable warrants that can be exercised at a nearly 50% discount to the current stock price of the holding company. Exercise of the warrants will dilute the current ownership by 84% and are good for five years.

Additionally, the notice of the restructuring states that the club will need to sell player contracts as well to maintain viability, so expect action during the summer transfer window.

Reading (3-0) 13-12-20 51 pts.

Three IS the magic number!

Three goals for the Hornets and three points keep Watford in the Championship for another year!

In a match that was all Hornets, Danny Graham & Heidar Helguson drove the goal production for the day. Thirty minutes in, a Helguson header was headed into the net by Graham from 6 yards out to give Watford the lead they carried into the half.

Coming out of the break, Helguson left-footed a goal of his own into the Reading net from 12 yards out, followed by yet another Graham goal (also unassisted) eight minutes later.

After more than a few matches where Watford out-played their opponent and lost, it was a treat to see them get their due today.

On losing at Cardiff City, Shefield Wednesday needs a win to stay up and send next week's opponent, Crystal Palace, to League One.

Watford, of course, has one more match next week as well at Coventry City. That match kicks off at 9:00am St. Louis time May 1.

The Penultimate

Two matches left and I'll go through the scenarios below - but first:

Jay Demerit will be out tomorrow with an abdominal injury but expected to be back at Coventry City. Don Cowie is iffy for Reading.

Watford still need three points to clinch survival but:

If Watford Lose Both Matches

Sheffield Wednesday must win at least one match * and Crystal Place must draw at least one.

If Watford Draws One Match

Sheffield Wednesday must win at least one match * and Crystal Palace must draw both or win one.

If Watford Draws Both Matches

Both teams must win tomorrow and draw against each other next week.

* Assumes Watford does not blow the five goal difference advantage they have on Sheffield Wednesday.

QPR (0-1) 12-12-20 48 pts.

Needing just three points to stay in the Championship for another year, Watford failed to produce even one, falling victim to a penalty shot at Loftus Road.

An injured Jay DeMerit & Don Cowie saw Martin Taylor in defense and Stephen McGinn in midfield.

A fairly even match for the first 38 minutes broke open with a Adrian Mariappa foul on Dusko Tusic. Taking the penalty shot, Akos Buzasky put QPR ahead.

Malky Mackay, recognizing the need for a point, made two offensive substitutions at the half, Dale Bennett for Lloyd Doyley and young Martin Sordell for McGinn. The fresh legs saw more aggressive play from the Hornets, moving the action about 10 yards down the pitch.

Eventually the push ran out of steam and the Rangers held off the visiting squad.

The loss leaves the Hornets a scant two points ahead of Sheffield Wednesday with two games left - this Saturday at Vicarage Road against Reading and May Day at Coventry City. Saturday's kickoff is 9:00 am St. Louis time.

Cleverley Named Player of the Year

Manchester United loanee Tom Cleverley was named Player of the Season. Cleverley is sitting out the rest of season with a knee injury.

AC St. Louis Home Debut

Men's Pro Soccer is Back in St. Louis!

Mr. & Mrs. Mojo picked me up last night and off we went to Soccer Park to join the sold-out crowd for the inaugural home match of AC St. Louis

The home squad was downed 2-1, but I think the night would have to be called a success.

AC spent the first 20 or so minutes in their own end, the midfield - definitely the weak spot in this squad - unable to transition play to the forwards. It was only a matter of time before the Austin Aztex scored and the inevitable came in the 37th minute as Eddie Johnson redirected a loping Jamie Watson shot into the net.

AC regrouped and linked together about three plays on goal, finally equalizing on an Anthony O'Garro strike from about 12 yards out.

The match went into the half 1-1 and I managed to miss the decisive goal from Leonard Griffin eleven minutes in as I was coming back from concessions (more on that later).

The stars of the match may have been the supporters (ultras? hooligans?), United Knights, keeping up a constant chant and supplying the firecrackers and smoke bombs to celebrate the goal.

The entire atmosphere was terrific despite Soccer United's shortcomings. For those who have not been there (and that included me) the stadium is built up on the west side with concession & restroom facilities. A kid's area with activities is on the north end. The east stands (the cheap seats) partially wrap around and abbreviated concessions, Johnnys-on-the-spot, and a smoking area is available if you don't want to make the short trip to the other side.

The seating is all bleacher, including the premium ($65) dollar seats. The east stand is $15 and, aside from closer proximity to the loo, the only difference is the blinding sunset facing the east stand. Bring a jacket (and, I suspect, bug spray as the summer wears on) as the facility is on the Meramec River and it gets chilly when the sun goes down.

Parking at the facility is very limited, but some industrial lots are available nearby. For how long is another matter. We (Mr. Mojo - thanks again for driving) parked at Champion but were disappointed to see fellow fans leaving their beer bottles in the lot. No long before that gets old for the neighbors. The parking was not presented well on the website, something I brought up on the AC St. Louis Facebook page.

Which brings me to the management:

They seriously need to hire someone who can run a pro sports team if they want a shot at expansion into MLS. Despite anticipating a sell-out, the souvenir stand was woefully understaffed and after waiting in line, sold out of the popular items. Did you think no one was coming? The concessions - also lengthy and sold out of items. C'mon guys - you're turning away money here. This is how I missed the winning goal. In all, the feel was more of a high-school football game than a professional sporting match charging $65 a seat. Not that I didn't have fun & I WILL be back - I just want to see these guys succeed. And then there's Facebook.

In a message I would guess made in part to drum up pre-game revenue, the club cited the lack of parking as a reason to come early. Not having been to Soccer Park, I wrote a post stressing that haphazard parking arrangements and a stressful experience - towing was mentioned - was not the way to get people coming back or to stay in business (I admit I am scarred by my first trip to Riverport - we parked in a muddy cornfield and it took three hours to leave the concert. I did not go back for five years).

I was wrong. We came fairly close to kick-off and parking was not a problem in the aforementioned lot. I would like to apologize to the club for my incorrect assessment of the situation.

I would like to, but I can't.

You see, my original post and another post I made were removed from the club's 'wall'. In addition, I've been barred from making any more posts. There was no profanity, just thin skins on someone's part.

Despite all that, Go! Enjoy yourselves and let's show MLS what St. Louis can do.

Leicester City (1-4) 12-12-19 48 pts.

Ahh - where to start on this beat down?

I put off the report until the Sheffield Derby was decided (or not, as was the case - it ending in a 1-1 draw) and Watford's spot on the table was determined. We are still out of the relegation zone with three matches left, but not by much. Three meager points separate us from Sheffield Wednesday and one from Crystal Palace (but with an additional match in both cases).

The schedule certainly favors Watford as Wednesday & Palace face each other on the last day and Plymouth would need to beat either the No. 1 or No. 3 team at the very least.

But back to Saturday's debacle.

Poor officiating marred the entire match but no more so when a sliding Jay DeMerit challange was called a penalty and Martyn Waghorn sent Scott Loach the wrong way with nine minutes left in the half.

The other three goals were all the Hornet's fault however.

Unable to regroup, the Hornets let Paul Gallagher plunk one into the bottom left of the net to put the lead at 2-0. Steve Howard walked up Ross Jenkins' back minutes later and kept walking with a red card in tow leaving Leicester down a man for the second half.

Despite the advantage, Loach let in two more goals before Martin Taylor was able to salvage some Watford pride in the 78th minute.

The next match is Tuesday, April 20 at QPR in what is being touted as a relegation battle. QPR is not in immediate danger and the battle will be to salvage some points out of this match. Kickoff is 2:00 pm St. Louis time.

Injury/Suspension News

Henri Lansbury & Jon Harley return from suspension for the match tomorrow while Heidar Hulguson is doubtful. Tom Cleverley is out for the season.

Plymouth Argyle (1-0) 12-12-18 48 pts.

A Heidar Helguson goal five minutes into the second half and losses from Scunthorpe United, Crystal Palace, and Sheffield Wednesday have boosted the Hornets three points clear of the relegation zone and into 19th place.

With a rash of injuries and a suspension, Malky Mackay shook things up, fielding Dale Bennett in defense, Ross Jenkins & Steve McGinn in midfield & Danny Graham joining Helguson up front.

The squads played tentative, uninspired football for the first half, neither squad taking much risk. In the 50th minute however, Helguson found a rebound of a Don Cowie shot to score from six yards out. Unlike recent matches, Watford gave nothing up in the final minutes and extended its season-long record of not losing when they score first.

The next match is next Saturday away at Leicester City. Kickoff is 9:00 am St. Louis time.

Cleverley Out for the Season

Massively vital midfield loanee Tom Cleverley will miss the remainder of the 2009-2010 season with a knee ligament injury.

West Bromwich Albion (1-1) 11-12-18 45 pts

With Martin Taylor, & Heidar Helguson injured & Henri Lansbury suspended for two matches, Watford invited top-of-the-table challengers West Bromwich Albion to Vicarage Road.

Lee Hodson was the new face in defense with Don Cowie in midfield and Danny Graham up front.

A fairly even match, well-played by both squads with few scoring opportunities, left the score nil-nil at the half.

Even play continued well past the hour mark with the only flurry of activity coming off a Jon Harley free kick & subsequent rebounds.

The flavor of the whole match changed with eleven minutes left as Harley was dismissed for a second yellow card, leaving the Hornets a man down and no substitutions left. In spite of the disability, Graham volleyed a Cowie header into the lower left of the WBA goal and the Hornets fans erupted. Unfortunately with all the injuries, six minutes were added on to regular play and in the sixth, Chris Brunt headed in the equalizer in from six yards out (asst. Andwele Slory).

The draw, coupled with a Sheffield Wednesday loss, kept Watford out of relegation territory on goal difference as Crystal Palace downed Preston North End 2-1.

Perhaps the worst news of the day came in the 67th minute with Tom Cleverley being stretchered off with a serious, possibly season-ending, leg injury.

The Hornets host Plymouth Argyle Saturday, April 10. Expect more line-up changes for the ailing Watford side. Kickoff is 9:00 am St. Louis time.

Preston North End (1-1) 11-11-18 44 pts

The Hornets tread water in the standings with a draw against the Lilywhites today.

A weary Jay DeMerit was given a rest with Dale Bennett filling in. The Hornets controlled the first half, notching the first goal of the day as a long pass from Heidar Helguson found Will Buckley who right-footed it in from 6 yards out.

Unfortunately, Preston had the magic end of the pitch after the half and took control in the second half, Callum Davidson equalizing after eight minutes with a header into the top of the goal (Keith Treacy asst.).

Watford's poor luck continued as Henri Lansbury picked up his tenth yellow, costing him a suspension against WBA on Monday and Plymouth Argyle next Saturday. Adding injury to insult, Lansbury limped off with ten minutes left, the extent of injuries unknown.

Draws by Sheffield Wednesday and Crystal Palace leave us a point above relegation.

A battered Hornets will face West Bromwich Albion on Monday, April 5. Kickoff is 9:00 am St. Louis time.

Watford Awarded 10 Points for 'Sound Fiscal Management'

In a surprise move, Andy Williamson, Chief Operating Office of the Football League, announced that Watford would be granted ten points in the League standings for "sound fiscal management".

"We feel the club has exhibited prudence in selling off all its talented players," said Williamson, "and refusing to spend a single farthing on any sort of talent whatsoever. We think it only fitting Watford be given the ten points Crystal Palace were docked for entering administration."

The points put the Hornets in eleventh place behind Sheffield United, eight points shy of playoff territory.

Crystal Palace (1-3) 11-10-18 43 pts.

A six point swing leaves Watford a mere point from relegation.

The match opened to the roar of visiting Eagles fans and the knowledge that neither side has lost this year when they were first to score. Watford rose to the challenge pressuring Palace in the first half, especially after Paul Hart’s squad moved to a 4-3-3 following Shaun Derry’s injury in the 20th minute.

The Hornets hammered the Eagles for the next ten minutes – a Tom Cleverley shot hit the underside of the post, an attack off a corner kick nearly netted Watford a goal, but an Adrian Marriappa error opened the door for Stern John to head in the first goal (assist Johannes Ertl).

A different Crystal Palace left the dressing room after the half and proceeded to dominate the remainder of the match. Neil Danns caught two rebounds and converted them into goals in the 52nd & 65th minutes. By contrast, both Jay DeMerit & Tom Cleverley knocked shots off the post, but the rebounds went clear of any Hornet players.

A late (some felt too late) substitution after the third goal brought Danny Graham into the match and Graham salvaged a little bit of pride for Watford, right-footing a Will Buckley pass into the upper right corner of the goal for Watford’s only score.

As has been our form of late, defensive errors and poor luck on the other end of the pitch have left us without points.

The next match is Saturday, April 3rd at Preston North End. The Brits have sprung ahead as well so we are back on a six hour difference. Kickoff is 9:00 am St. Louis time.

Oops - Crystal Palace @ Vicarage Road Today

Sorry. I did not get the rescheduled match on my calender. The Hornets play host to Crystal Palace today in a battle for survival. Maybe not 'must win' but certainly 'must draw' at the very least.

Kickoff is 1:45 pm St. Louis time.

Middlesbrough (1-1) 11-10-17 43 pts

Two points evaporated in the second half as Middlesbrough sub Leroy Lita beat Lloyd Doyley to equalize an otherwise Hornet-dominated match.

John Eustace scored at 24 yard volley out of the blue in the 22nd minute to put Watford up 1-0, a score they maintained through the half, but Lita's equalizer let the air out of the home squad nine minutes into the second half.

Save for a Tom Cleverley shot about ten minutes later, there were really no opportunities to regain the lead.

The draw did gain a point on struggling Crystal Palace, leaving the Hornets four clear of the relegation zone with one match in hand.

The next match is at Deepdale against mid-table loungers Preston North End on Saturday, April 3. Kickoff is 10:00 am.

A Reminder: The KC Wizards friendly against AC St. Louis is also on the 3rd at Soccer Park.

Sheffield Wednesday (1-2) 11-9-17 42 pts.

Sweet Jesus! We blow a 6 pt swing in the last minute of play?!?

Watford held the Owls scoreless until the 56th minute when Eddie Nolan blasted a shot past Scott Loach from 12 yards out. The equalizer came a mere 10 minutes later when a Tom Cleverley free kick found the back of the net.

All hopes of at least one point came crashing down when a Luke Varney goal gave Wednesday the lead for good in the 89th minute of play.

Lucky for us Nottingham Forest downed Crystal Palace yesterday to leave us hovering just above relegation by three points.

The next stab at survival is Saturday, March 27 when Middlesbrough comes to Vicarage Road. Kickoff is 10:00 am St. Louis time.

Cardiff City (1-3) 11-9-16 42 pts.

I had prior commitments, thus the BBC match report above, but no surprise at the result. Watford were without the services of Henri Lansbury & Jay DeMerit, John Eustace wearing the captain's armband in place of the latter.

The loss leaves the Hornets three points above the relegation zone, but the top spot there belongs to the docked Crystal Palace so I'd call it more like two points.

The next match is Wednesday, March 24 at Vicarage Road when Sheffield Wednesday & the 'Orns vie to see who can hold the other guy on the bottom of the pool. Kickoff is 2:45 pm St. Louis time.

Coca-Cola Football League Podcast feat. Football League Awards

Including Watford's Community Club award. Again, good job!

DeMerit Interview in March FourFourTwo

Jay discusses his recent eye injury in a brief interveiw in this month's issue of FourFourTwo. World News carries it.

Watford Co-Winners of Football League Community Club of the Year

If only I could have stopped the headline after the word 'League'. Watford FC shared the award with Southend United at last weekend's award ceremony.

Ipswich Town (2-1) 11-9-15 42 pts.

For some reason Three Counties Radio was not working today, but Suffolk Radio gave me the visiting broadcasters’ view of the match.

A series of free kicks for the Hornets early on paid off in the eighth minute as Henri Lansbury converted the opportunity from 30 yards out to put Roy Keane’s side down a goal early in the match.

The Hornets came close to a second goal 25 minutes later when an excellent Lloyd Doyley cross lead to a Heidar Hulguson header off the crossbar.

A chastened Ipswich came out firing in the second half, enticing a foul & yellow card from John Eustace.

Watford continued to control the match until just past the hour mark when a rebound off a Scott Loach save was left-footed into the net by Jack Colback from six yards out to even the match.

Fresh legs in the form of Danny Graham contributed an assist to Will Hoskins who found the net to put the Hornets back in the lead with twelve minutes left. Hoskins gamely carried on after injuring himself on the goal, but was replaced a few minutes later by Ross Jenkins.

Keane swapped out his strikers for fresh legs and Malkey Mackay did the same to bolster his defense as Ipswich hurled themselves at the Hornets in an effort to equalize, but Watford came away with a much-needed three points.

Baffled by Daylight Savings Time once again, I joined the match an hour early, but now that I have it sussed, I can say the next match is at Cardiff City next Sunday, March 21, kickoff is at 10 am St. Louis time.

Peterborough United (0-1) 10-9-15 39 pts.

This is getting ridiculous! Cellar-dweller Peterborough claims their only away victory of the season leaving Watford one point (one point!) off of the relegation zone, slightly ahead of the docked Crystal Palace and Sheffield Wednesday.

I didn't follow this as close as I'd like (but I was screaming at the Blackberry as I hurtled down I-70 by the time it was over), so I've attached the BBC analysis.

Looking ahead we have Ipswich Town tomorrow (kickoff 1:45 St. Louis time) at home (best odds - 1.5 points), Cardiff City away (0 pts), Sheffield Wednesday away (1 pt), Preston away (0.5 pt), WBA at home (0.5 pts), Plymouth at home (1.5 pts), Leicester away (0.25 pt), QPR away (.5 pt), Reading home (1.25), Coventry City away (0.5 pts) for a total of 7.5 points or 46 - 47 on the season.

Last season's drop zone started at 46 points - the year before, 52. It could easily be League One next year for the Hornets.

McGinty Named Billikens Coach

Mike McGinty, former assistant coach at Virginia, was named Men's Soccer head coach for the Billikens yesterday, replacing Dan Donigan who resigned in January to join Rutgers.

Also in January (and I missed it), Tim Ream was drafted in the second round (eighteenth overall) of the MLS draft by the New York Red Bulls. Good luck Ream!

Swansea City (0-1) 10-9-14 39 pts.

Not so much a ‘must-win’ as a ‘damn-well-better-win’ given their winless streak on the road.

They didn’t.

Watford started the match back on their heels – Swansea City applying the most pressure in the first eighteen minutes. The pressure paid off when a Craig Beattie cross found the head of Shefki Kuqi (Kuqi! Kuqi! Lend me your comb! Or Coochie depending on the announcer) who delivered the ball into the net off of Scott Loach.

Watford stepped up the pace in the remaining time in the half, but ran out of steam in the second half. The Swans maintained control of the match and shut down the Hornets at Vicarage Road.

The loss puts Watford two points off the relegation zone (albeit with two games in hand). The next match is Saturday, March 13 as Peterborough visits Vicarage Road for the second of three home matches in a row. Kickoff is 9:00 am St. Louis time

Derby County (0-2) 10-9-13 39 pts.

It is a small world after all.

Tuning into the live audio stream on Three Counties Radio a bit early for today’s Derby Co. match, I caught the tail-end of local heroes Head East doing “Since You’ve Been Gone”.

On to the match:

A Michael Tonge shot from 30 yards out connected with the underside of the crossbar – no chance for Scott Loach as it bounced off him en route to the net – giving the Rams an early lead 12 minutes into the match.

A fairly staid first half with only one real chance for each side left the score at 1 – nil as the teams retired to the dressing rooms.

Watford played a strong second half until Chris Porter beat Jay DeMerit one-on-one in minute 78 to nail down the match and send the Hornets packing empty-handed from Pride Park.

The next match is Tuesday as play-off contenders Swansea City visits Vicarage Road. Kickoff is 1:45 pm St. Louis time.

Loach Signed to 3-Year Contract

The Watford keeper signs through 2013.

Newcastle United (1-2) 10-9-12 39 pts.

The Hornets played host to league leaders Newcastle United in the rain today in a match that saw Mike Williamson (aka Whiney-Ass) make his first visit to Vicarage Road since his skulking off in August.

Watford found themselves playing catch-up straight out of the box as a free kick in the 4th minute lead to a Fabricio Coloccini header (asst. Andrew Carroll) from six yards out to put the Geordies up a goal.

Watford held on through the half, but found themselves with an insurmountable deficit after Carroll scored his own header from another set piece in the 51st, this time a Danny Guthrie corner kick, giving Newcastle a 2-0 lead in the driving rain.

Will Hoskins raised a glimmer of hope in the first minute of added time, right-footing a goal in to draw within one, but it was not enough.

The next match is Saturday, March 6 at Barnsley. Tom Cleverly will be back from his suspension. Kickoff is 9:00 am St. Louis time.

AC St. Louis Schedule

Click above for the inaugural season schedule of A.C. St. Louis.

Season tickets run $155 - $840 for 15 games. Single game tickets are $12 - $65.

Also, the Athletica's April 11th opening day tickets are on sale now. The full 2010 schedule can be found here:

http://www.womensprosoccer.com/Home/stlouis/schedule/2010-schedule

Tickets run $12 - $60.

Players for Peace Goodwill Game Comes to St. Louis

St. Louis will host the Players for Peace Goodwill Gane August 7 at the Edward Jones Dome.

The format will be South America vs The Rest of the World. Eric Wynalda will coach the ROTW side.

Proceeds will benefit sports programs in St. Louis & Haiti.

No ticket information yet.

Ashcroft Wants Out

Lord Ashcroft, Watford FC's largest sharehold is seeking to sell his share in the club. Any takers?

QPR Rescheduled

The February 16th match, postponed due to a soggy pitch, has been rescheduled for Tuesday, April 20.

Scunthorpe United (2-2) 10-9-11 39 pts.

Looks like I picked a bad one to miss, but I was on the road between St. Louis & Columbia at game time.

A goal by Gary Hooper (super-duper!) in the 42nd minute put Scunny ahead at the half, buy Danny Graham equalized the match at the 64 minute mark.

John Eustace headed in what seemed like the winner three seconds into added time (assist Jon Harley), but a hand-ball was called on Jay DeMerit after getting smacked in the face with a shot on goal and Hooper's penalty shot found the net and cost the Hornets two points in the standings. The next match is Saturday, February 27 with Newcastle United visiting Vicarage Road. Kickoff is 9:00 am St. Louis time.

Another Match Called Off

A sodden pitch at Loftus Road and the Hornets are left to reschedule today's match with QPR.

Bristol City (2-0) 10-8-11 38 pts.

Watford managed their second home win in a row with a 2-0 result over Bristol City in an otherwise even match. Unlike the Barnsley match last Saturday, the breaks went Watford’s way today, the score making it seems less close than it was.

Heidar Helguson started the ball rolling for Watford fifteen minutes into the match, finding a cross from Adrian Mariappa and heading it in from six yards out.

Martin Taylor snagged his first goal as a Hornet. Left-footing an Henri Lansbury cross into the lower left of the goal from twelve yards out in the 34th minute and there the score stayed for the rest of this hard-fought match.

Thanks to the cancellation of the Crystal Palace match, the next match will be at QPR next (Fat) Tuesday, February 16. Kickoff is 2:00 pm St. Louis time.

Barnsley (0-1) 9-8-11 35 pts.

An uncalled foul on Henri Lansbury & a momentary lapse of defense cost the Hornets a win in an otherwise well-played match.

The foul on Lansbury in the box, minutes before the half, was waved off and the match was nil-nil at the half. Emil Hallfredsson left-footed one in from twelve yards out eleven minutes into the second half for the only score of the match.

Despite Barnsley being a man down for the last fifteen minutes or so after Ryan Shotton was sent off, Watford could not manage the equalizer.

The next match is Tuesday, February 9 when Bristol City travels to Vicarage Road. Kickoff is 1:45 pm St. Louis time.

Crystal Palace Fixture Postponed

Bankrupt, docked, but not down, Crystal Palace managed to upset Premiership side Wolverhampton Wanderers 3-1 in FA Cup action setting them up for a February 14 tie. Which means . . .

Watford's February 13 fixture with Palace will be rescheduled, the second such match in two weeks.

Sheffield United (3-0) 9-8-10 35 pts

A trio of unaswered goals blasted the Hornets past Sheffield United for their first win since December 7.

Watford dominated the first half but Mark Bunn held the Hornets scoreless until minute 39 when Tom Cleverely headed the ball into the goal from 6 yards out with an assist from Martin Taylor in his first Watford appearance.

Heidar Helguson made it 2-0 ten minutes into the second half, finding the top of the goal from 18 yards out and Dow Cowie, on a free kick, pluncked the final goal in from 35 yards away.

Hopefully the momentum will carry to Oakwell where Barnsley hosts the Hornets this Saturday, February 6. Kickoff is 9:00 am.

Three Out on Loan

Midfielders Scott Severin & Rob Kiernan are on their way to Scottish Premier League side Kilmarnock while striker Marvin Sordell is on his way to League One's Tranmere Rovers.

Severin was signed on a free transfer at the start of the season, but has made only nine appearances.

Swansea City Match Called Off

A frozen, unplayable pitch has scrapped today's match. It will be rescheduled.

It Could Have Been Us!

Crystal Palace has been hit with a ten point deduction for entering administration (bankruptcy for us Yanks). Palace, who had been hovering near the play-off zone, now sit three points from relegation and face the prospect of player sales to meet operating expenses.

Defenders Coming & Going

The Hornets have signed Martin 'Tiny' Taylor from Birmingham City on a free transfer and have sent Mat Sadler to League One side Stockport County.

Taylor, 30, a former U21 national squad member, signed for 2 1/2 years.

Sadler has not played since December 2008. Stockport County currently sits at the bottom of League One with 14 points.

Will Buckley Signs

Rochdale winger Will Buckley signed with Watford Tuesday as the transfer window slowly closes. Buckley, who scored 13 goals in one full & two partial seasons with the League Two side, can play striker as well as winger.

Mike Williamson Off to Newcastle

The BBC is reporting former Watford defender Mike Williamson is on his way to Newcastle United.

Let's recap.

Williamson spends nine months with the Hornets, costing the club £150,000 then declares himself unfit (despite no injuries) and pouts until we deal him to Portsmouth for £2-3 million.

Pompey sits on him for five months and never plays him. Not one appearance! Not exactly getting your money's worth is it? Serves ya right!

At least Watford gets a sell-on fee for this latest move.

Good luck Newcastle.

Blackpool (2-3) 8-8-10 32 pts.

The Live Player was not working on the Blackberry Saturday (I was in Iowa) so I got this second-hand through the BBC.

Up a goal with a minute of regulation time thanks to Henri Lansbury & Tom Cleverley, the Hornets dropped all three points in the span of three minutes.

The next match finds Swansea City at Vicarage Road January 30. Kickoff is 9:00 am St. Louis time.

Sheffield United Match Rescheduled for Groundhog Day

The Jan. 9 Sheffield United match, canceled due to inclement weather, has been rescheduled for February 2, provided United does not have a replay of their FA Cup tie with Bolton. Kickoff is 1:45 pm St. Louis time.

Doncaster Rovers (1-2) 8-8-9 32 pts

The eighth away match without a win was held to a nil-nil draw at the half but a Dean Shiels goal five minutes into the second half gave the Rovers the lead.

Despite defensive play by Doncaster, the Hornets failed to capitalize and found themselves down 2-0 with seven minutes left in regulation play after a right-footed volley by Gareth Roberts.

Heidar Helguson put Watford on the scoreboard with a penalty kick two minutes into injury time, but the clock ran out on the Hornets.

The next match is Saturday, January 23 at Blackpool. Kickoff is 9:30 St. Louis time.

Stephen McGinn Signs with Hornets

Watford has added to their midfield in the transfer window, picking up 21-year old Stephen McGinn from the SPL side St. Mirren.

McGinn, who can also work as a striker, has two caps with the Scottish under-21 national squad.

St. Louis Not On U.S. Host Bid Cities List

St. Louis has been slighted once again by the U.S. soccer world.

The list of the 18 host cities submitted to FIFA as part of the 2018/2022 bid for the World Cup does not include St. Louis.

For a map of those cities chosen, click the link above.

Helguson Back for the Season (and Beyond . . . ?)

Heidar Helguson, on loan from QPR through the first half of the season, is reported to be back with the Hornets after a single game last week with the parent club.

Furthermore, the option exists for a permanent transfer at the end of the season. Good news indeed for Watford.

Sheffield United Fixture Canceled

Just in case you were planning a trip to GB this weekend fr the match. Apparently their weather sucks too.

Taylor Staying on as Chairman Until End of Season

Graham Taylor, in a statement invoking the glory days of Elton John's chairmanship, announced he would be continuing as Chairman until the end of the fiscal year, June 30, 2010.

Taylor stepped in as interim chair when Jimmy Russo resigned in December at the Annual Meeting.

FA Cup: Chelsea (0-5)

Brutal. Expected - but brutal.

I looked at the live stats at one point and Chelsea had 10 corners to none for the Hornets as well as 70% possession.

Two goals from Daniel Sturridge and one each from Florent Malouda & Frankie Lampard.

John Eustace was the lone Watford name on the score sheet with an own goal 15 minutes in.

The Hornets will lick their wounds this week and be back at Vicarage Road Saturday, January 9, to host Sheffield United. Kickoff is 9:00 am St. Louis time.

O'Toole Loan to Colchester United Made Permanent

Happy New Year!!

In the first move of the mid-season transfer window, John-Joe O'Toole's loan spell to Aidy Boothroyd's League One Colchester United squad is made permanent.

Loaned out on Sept. 1, O'Toole's departure will probably be the first of many as Watford struggles to generate cash to boost their dodgy finances.