King re-throned...

"Have you ever seen the sun?!" I half-hoarsely taunted the nearest Scunthorpe fans as Watford rattled in their third goal - the answer was yes as the sun came out for a few brief minutes as Watford began to run riot. Perhaps this is the beginning of brighter times at Vicarage Road, but for now, Glandford Park.

With no Mart Poom in goal, Richard Lee deputised and as the large, and coach-lagged [if there is such a thing], Watford contingent arrived, the general consensus was that 'Coco` [The clown] was just the start of bad things. Well, those who had little faith in Watford`s chances after a poor midweek showing were proven wrong as the Hornets flew out the traps. With their first attack Watford won a corner which saw Shittu head wide before Smith forced Murphy into a fine save from the next corner.

With just ten minutes gone, Watford took the lead through Adam Johnson. The on-loan Middlesbrough winger celebrated his England U21 call-up with his 3rd goal in four as he crashed a header in off the bar. Credit where credit`s due, [Dr Watford!] - Lloyd Doyley`s cross for the literally flying winger was a class above. Watford had been all over the Iron and had won a succession of 'so close, yet so far` corners and throw-on`s so the goal came as little surprise.

The equaliser came as little surprise too as Watford began to take their feet off the gas. And, much like Tuesday`s game, they were pegged back, also this time the goal was the leveller. After Paterson got past Stewart with far too much ease the former Potter picked out Forte with a low cross and the former Blade nipped in to equalise.

Just minutes before, Darius Henderson avoided red, or so the locals would have you believe as they screamed for blood as Henderson was clattered by their own Jim Goodwin!

Chances of real quality were at a premium after the equaliser although the Marlon King of old made a rare appearance as he jinked round his marker and dipped one inches wide of Joe Murphy`s left-hand post.

Half-time: 1-1

After a half-time hairdryer from a understandably infuriated Aidy Boothroyd the Hornets returned early and were quick to start as Darius Henderson crashed a header into the reaches of the home terrace from another superb Doyley cross. "Doyley for England" somehow escaped my mouth, the gentleman in front of me mocking "England women!" - I sniggered.

The Iron`s reply came twelve minutes later when Jonathan Forte headed a foot wide from a perfectly-aimed cross that landed square on his forehead.

In almost the next meaningful attack, some five minutes later, Watford were ahead again, the peroxide goal machine Darius Henderson with a close range thunderbolt on his left foot after two good saves from Murphy.

Just two minutes later and the game was won as a fella called Marlon King burst past a lethargic Andy Butler to smash the ball past Joe Murphy at the near-post. A huge goal for the Jamaican and for the Hornets who consequently killed off all Scunny hopes. On the subject of killing, Lee Williamson was sent off for a superb two-footed crunching tackle. Although it looked like he won the ball, it was a red card for the sheer danger his 'tackle` posed to the opposition.

Full time: 1-3

In review, I would like to congratulate the club with a physio for manager, on a budget a tenth the size of ours, with fans as passionate about their club as you could hope for, in the sort of ground I do honestly relish visiting for making what could have been a terrible day, so THREE POINT FILLED!

Scunthorpe United: Murphy; Byrne, Butler, Crosby (c), Yougap; Taylor, Goodwin, Sparrow, Hurst; Forte and Paterson.

Referee: Mr E Ilderton

Marlon King-8
Worked his socks off for 90 minutes, scored, from open play and nearly had another couple.
A couple of unconvincing moments. But not reall tested. Set up the first, not too troubled by the tricky Kevan Hurst. Bish, bash, bosh. Dealt with everything and everything - as per. Sound at the back, even got forward to have a shot. Improved from midweek, but still not good enough. A lot quiter, and misplaced some passes. MUCH more like it. Scarcely wasted the ball and played some neat stuff. Quiet afternoon capped by dissmissal. 3 in 4 says it all about this boy. 'The King' is back quite frankly. First half he was as good as he's been all campaign. Second, slightly subdued, but still effective.

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