Controversial goal sees Watford limp to defeat (From This Is Local London)

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Controversial goal handed Middlesbrough victory but Watford limp to defeat

7:21pm Saturday 5th November 2011 in Watford FC - Match Reports Photograph of the Author By Frank Smith

Watford limped to another 1-0 defeat in front of the TV cameras as a controversial first-half strike from Scott McDonald handed Middlesbrough all three points.

The Hornets were a little fortunate to survive an early onslaught from the home side but grew into the half and arguably had the better chances in the opening period.

But Sean Dyche's men went into the break behind when McDonald was slid through, with the TV replays showing the Scot was a yard offside, and he scored his first goal in 12 games at the second attempt.

The second half was a dull affair and Watford could have few arguments that the score remained the same.

Both sides made one change apiece as Troy Deeney, Tuesday night's match winner, replaced Craig Forsyth and Merouane Zemmama came in for the injured Justin Hoyte for Middlesbrough.

It was a low attendance, as expected with the game being shown on TV, but the visitors gave the home crowd an immediate lift as they almost gifted Middlesbrough a goal inside 15 seconds. Prince Buaben's pass was easily intercepted by Barry Robson and the midfield turned Lee Hodson to fire a shot wide of the far post.

The Hornets played themselves into trouble again on three minutes when Scott Loach needed to parry Scott McDonald's volley away.

Buaben had a shot blocked for a corner, which was wasted, but Middlesbrough had their third decent chance in the opening seven minutes when Tony McMahon's corner was headed to Marvin Emnes at the far post and he cut inside Deeney to stab wide of the near post, just yards from goal.

Watford settled after their frantic start and Emnes wayward effort from distance was the the only time either side went close to the goal again in the opening 20 minutes.

Chris Iwelumo has been much improved in recent games and he did well to force Jason Steele into a save at his near post when there seemed like nothing was on 20 yards from goal.

Watford then went agonisingly close to taking the lead from the resulting corner as he headed goalwards from close range, only for Marvin Sordell to inadvertently block the effort.

It was the Hornets who again had a decent chance to score as some nice build-up play results in Sordell laying the ball off to Buaben on the edge of the area but he fires well over.

Watford were arguably on top at this point and Deeney caused the home crowd more concern when he played Yeates' deep free kick back into the six-yard box.

Buaben was finding himself in advanced positions but was failing to capitalise as he fired over another effort from 20 yards out.

Middlesbrough were rarely posing the visitors a problem but they took the lead in controversial circumstances four minutes before the break when McDonald was put through when he seemed to be offside. Loach saved his initial effort but the Scot made sure with the second attempt.

A mishit Zemmama cross had Loach scrambling soon after but the score was 1-0 at half time.

The beginning of the second half was a very scrappy affair as both sides were making the wrong decisions when in possession.

Watford almost equalised just before the hour mark as another Yeates corner was header goalwards, this time by Carl Dickinson, and again it was blocked yards from the line.

Middlesbrough improved slightly as the half went on, as McDonald forced Loach into another stop and then Watford needed several attempts to clear, and block, attempts by substitute Faris Haroun.

Iwelumo struggled to make the same impact as recent games and was replaced by debutant Craig Beattie on 65 minutes.

Watford were fortunate not to go behind when Rhys Williams' low drive was parried out by Loach and Haroun blazed over from eight yards, under pressure from Buaben and Nyron Nosworthy.

The Hornets then had a spell of pressure, and several corners, as Yeates' free kick and subsequent 20-yard drive were deflected behind. But it ended with Lee Hodson trying a 35-yard strike with his weaker foot which was over and wide.

Both sides were poor in possession and were failing to make the most of any chances, as Emnes struck his shot straight at Loach. Williams also had an effort deflected out for a corner with nine minutes remaining.

The game ended with a limp as the Hornets failed to continue their improved recent form.

Middlesbrough: Steele; McMahon, Bates, Williams, Bennett; Robson, Bailey, McManus, Zemmama (Haroun 59); Emnes, McDonald.

Subs: Martin, Ogbeche, Arca, Smallwood.

Watford: Loach; Hodson (Forsyth 90+1), Nosworthy, Mariappa, Dickinson; Yeates, Hogg, Buaben (Jenkins 83), Deeney; Iwelumo (Beattie 65), Sordell Subs: Gilmartin, Mirfin.

Referee: Jock Waugh.

Attendance: 14,366 (209).

Comments(95)

hogweed says...
7:31pm Sat 5 Nov 11

Even though we lost to an offside goal we were so poor it leaves me speechless.

Iwelumo is an utter woeful load of rubbish. Sordell did not want to know tonight. We showed no goal threat whatsoever.

The only point of some praise was Loach who I thought did allright.

If things don't improve soon especially our goal threat then........

Hog out