Watford WIN at HOME!

Well, well, well, several turn-ups for the proverbial book. Those who decided to stay away missed a good game, a good display, three goals, a clean sheet and, STEVE KABBA hitting the back of the net a year after signing - see Nathan, could`ve been you mate. On top of all that, Watford played the ball on the deck for ninety minutes - other of course than the occasions when hoofing it aimlessly is the only option. And for those of you Motty-esque stattos out there, the last time Watford lost 4-1 to Wolves in the F.A Cup, they turned it around in the next league meeting to win 3-1…history does repeat itself. That, for reference was 1993.

A lot has changed since then and after Watford`s Winter of discontent, Steve Kabba was the man to lift the gloom hanging over Vicarage Road - of all people eh? Make no bones about it, Steve has gone from Flabba to Kabba to God and the owner of the 'Kabba is God` shirt can now collect it from the Rookery Store please. An improved showing in the last week against Wolves [in the cup, need I say more?] followed by Sheffield United on Tuesday has seen the striker finally nab his first. The goal wasn`t well made, but then in recent weeks, nothing has been constructed vaguely so we had to start somewhere. A long throw in from long throw specialist Leigh Bromby, on debut, was not cleared allowing the self-confessed 'legend` [see his Myspace] to head home at the far post; one-nil to the Golden Boys and just a few seconds gone - exciting stuff.

Unfortunately Watford`s exhilarating football [only kidding], didn`t last and Wolves were allowed back into the contest after all of a minute. Andy Keogh came closest for the visitors early on as he flicked a cross of the outside of his right boot and into cap`n Lee`s grateful arms. Darren Ward also came close on his second homecoming in a fortnight but couldn`t capitalise on a flick from a Michael Gray corner. Where we complaining? Yes, some still found fault with our lead.

If you are wondering why I am distancing myself from the abuse, then you will find comfort in the explanation that I`ve decided after 5 years of ranting, raving, cursing, and sometimes foaming at the mouth, my time is up, it is someone else`s turn to abuse the players - I`m going to remain on their side for once. [Other than Priskin or Stewart, God is now exempt from this list!].

Watford were not done there though with just the one attack under their belts and Jobi McAnuff grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck, running and running before skipping gleefully through two defenders and forcing Hennessey to save at his near-post. O`Toole nearly punished hesitant defending from the visitors as he somehow found time in the area to shoot just wide on his left foot following a deflection on Ellington`s free kick.

So far so good…

Half-time: 1-0

Wolves were hardly chomping at the bit to get a second-half leveller, in fact you`d be forgiven for thinking it was the Golden Boys who were a goal behind as they pretty much dictated the early second half exchanges. The ball was kept on the deck nicely and worked between small groups of players who were once afraid to attempt an audacious 12 yard pass but were now experts in this difficult skill.

Seventy-six minutes played and Watford will still in control when Mat Sadler swung in a corner for Nathan Ellington to volley home. Unfortunately for the Duke who is working on promotion to kingship, Tommy Smith got in the way to pinch a goal for himself though Ellington`s strike was goalbound without doubt. Two minutes later the flying winger scored his fourth of the campaign taking a pass with a good touch, racing past Rob Edwards and slipping through the legs of Wayne Hennessey.

Job done. Mission Impossible no longer…

Full time: 3-0

Wolves XI
Hennessey, Foley, Darren Ward, Rob Edwards, Gray, Elliott (Kyle 63), Henry, David Edwards, Jarvis, Ebanks-Blake, Keogh (Bothroyd 78).
Subs Not Used: Stack, Breen, Potter.

Referee Mr Lee Probert

Tommy Smith
Captain obscurely in Jay's absence and responded with perfect performance.
Completely out of sorts, Mariappa to right back next week? Long throw utilised well for opener, strong in the air and overall solid. Thrived alongside Bromby. Passing slightly suspect, but still battled hard and look good. Didn't always have the beating of Gray in second half, but did in the first and capped all round display with two goals. Broke up the play well but looked lost in Wolves half. A solid start, if unspectacular. Very poor passing, poor timing of challenges, not at the races. Fits and starts performance, but overall looked a threat. Nearly had a goal thanks to Tommy Smith, had a couple of snapshots well blocked to boot. The mother of all goal droughts is over. Thanks heavens for that. Kabba is GOD!

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