Hornets go down in Yorkshire

For the 4th consequtive league game Watford were unable to muster a win as the Autumn of discontent continues with yet more bad news on, and off, the field.

With what seems likes 65 players already bunked up in the treatment room, Aidy Boothroyd will now be without (back up) 1st choice stopper Scott Loach who was brought off after just 17 minutes at Bramall Lane.

On-loan Sam Sodje made his Hornets debut, unimpressively, and was slightly at fault for the winner as Captain American Jay DeMerit sat out as predicted.

With few players to pick from, Liam Henderson, Jobi McAnuff and, somewhat surprisingly, Mat Sadler - all recent injury victims - were called upon for bench duties.

It was business as usual for the Hornets who went one down with just 47 seconds on the clock. Utility man Greg Halford saw his long throw flicked across goal by Billy Sharp allowing wily old fox Gary Speed to pop up and net at the far post.

Watford may have huffed and puffed but at half time, the Blades were certainly in the ascendancy.

Scott Loach was replaced by Watford's 3rd best keeper Richard Lee but whether Lee is truly fit for action remains to be seen having not featured since last season and suffering pre-season injury.

Half Time 1-0

So, as usual, the performance perked up after the break with John-Joe O`Toole notching his 5th goal of an increasingly impressive season and, indeed, young career. The energetic Irishman powerfully nodded Watford level after wing-wizard Tommy Smith clipped a perfect ball across the area.

However, the equaliser was short-lived as United claimed all three points through James Beattie. The powerful striker found too much room to head home the winner after Sam Sodje failed to get clear Stephen Quinn`s pinpoint cross.

Full Time 2-1

It`s Burnley next, and our last chance to make sure we end September with at least something to show for our efforts other than a 4th-Round Cup tie.

Watford
Loach; Mariappa, Bromby, Sodje, Harley; Williamson, Eustace, O`Toole; Smith, Ainsworth; Hoskins.

Sheffield United
Kenny, McNaughton, Morgan (c), Kilgallon, Naysmith; Halford, Quinn, Speed, Webber; Sharp and Beattie.

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