There were some very encouraging signs. We started quite well, certainly matched them before 1st goal. Then it was just a 16 minute period where we completely lost our way with some aimless balls forward, hesitant defending. All three were bad goals to concede really. Our goal helped us and we carried that into 2nd half. Yes, the game was won for Watford, but we had them rattled for a time. We possibly deserved a goal in that spell. In the end I think everyone wqas expecting us to be outclassed and for Watford to win but there are some positives: 4 great saves by Mildenhall O'Toole was excellent, MOTM Richards, 2 in 2 Play like we did except mins 19-35 on Saturday, we have a decent chance of winning.
I was happy with 3-1. I thought for a moment that we would lose by 5 or 6, but happily our team plucked up and deserved another goal or two. Mind you, Watford could still have scored 5 or 6 without Mildy in goal
It was a decent performance, except of course for that 20min period in the 1st half. That kind of thing needs to be cut out - as do the individual mistakes. Those included Lee Brown getting robbed of procession for the 1st goal and McChrystal losing his man for the 2nd. I had a look at some of the Watford squad when I got home last night to see what we were up against: Ekstrand: Swedish international defender, ex-Udinese (played in Serie A last season) and Helsinborgs Cassetti: Italy international - over 143 Serie A appearances for Roma. Battochio: ex-Udinese Pudil: Current Czech international Faraoni: Ex-Inter and Udinese, played over 20 times in Serie A Abdi: Swiss international striker. Played dozens of games in Serie A. Fabbrini: Italy international. Dozens of games in Serie A. Angella: Italy U-21 international. 20 games in Serie A. I hardly blame us for losing to that lot. In fact, over the first 20 mins and in the second half we comfortably matched them and gave them a few scares. It's essential that we replicate that performance on Saturday as we need points on the board before our main strikers return. If we don't we'll be playing too much catchup on the leading pack.
We gave away a couple of stupid goals, but apart from that the lads competed really well. I wouldn't be surprised if Watford are in the Premiership this time next year. They kept the ball very well and were clinical.
for me watford will be top 6. no shame a league 2 side losing to a top championship side. its the manner of the defeat that is the problem. but we didnt stop fighting right to the very end. we kept our chins up and in some ways i was proud of some of the players last night. the way we started i thought we would be ok and the game will be close. its typical that we concede straight after we have a great chance to take the lead. clarkson hitting the post then they go and score! cant stand that when that happens. conceding 3 quick goals i thought we were on for a hammering. but we kept going, richards got his goal and we had quite a few chances before half time to get another and some good chances in the 2nd half. we could have lost by more if it wasnt for mildenhall though. i saw a lot last night that made me fell more happier about the next 3 weeks with this current squad waiting for our injuries to return.
In the longer term all these injuries COULD be a blessing in disguise. We are seeing the emergence of a batch of committed and confident youngsters who COULD be the backbone and future of this club.
