Watford 1 Barnsley 0 12.09.09
Watford vs. Barnsley had been touted as an early relegation 6 pointer by some in the press, with little hope given to the Hornets of avoiding the drop following the sale of Mike Williamson, Tommy Smith and Tamas Priskin. Given Barnsley’s perilous position coming into the game, they may well have been right.
Watford fielded a young line up which included a back four comprimised of four players who have come through the youth academy. Before kick off, nerves were jangling slightly more than usual as I pondered how Dale Bennett and Aidy Mariappa would cope with the size of the Tykes’ front line.
As the two teams strolled out into the Vicarage Road sunshine, side by side you could see quite clearly the physical threat the northerers would pose. What you wouldn’t have guessed would be the dirtiness of tackle and dissent they would go to show later on in the game.
Watford were passing neatly, with some great one-twos and in the first half deserved to be one or two nil up by the break, the young side showing confidence and an eagerness to get on the ball, pass it quickly and yet close down the Barnsley midfield quickly, giving them no space or time on the ball which on more than one occassion resulted in a lapse of concentration and panic.
Watford’s goal came eight minutes after half time with Danny Graham bagging yet another simple tap in after being in the right place at the right time – it appears he has a knack for this, an asset that could prove invaluable as we roll into the winter months. Dale Bennett and Lee Hodson looked good at the back with the former winning the majority of the high balls the Barnsley defence pumped up to Odejayi, and Hodson looking composed and a real contender to make the right back slot his own over the next few years.
Watford – A great result against another horrid team. The Hornets worked tirelessly and looked knackered in the last 20 minutes, allowing Barnsely to put us under real pressure. Despite this we were good value and on another day could have had a win sown up before half time. A cracking performance from the youngsters, if we can keep them fit and hungry, they could go onto to grow into a formidable team.
We must of course not get carried away.
Barnsley – Barnsely are bottom of the pile for a reason. No real attacking threat other than hitting up to their big men up front and no midfield, two problems we ourselves have faced over the last 12 months. The difference here is that Barnsley seem to have litle discipline. Mark Robins is going to have a big task on his hands making Barnsley a threat going forward. I forsee a lot of draw for the Tykes this season.
