- Mobile site
- E-Newsletters
-
- News feed
- Find us on Twitter
Twitter
Follow This is Local London on Twitter
Hornets' goalless Sky Blues stalemate (From This Is Local London)
Report news now! Text pictures & video to 80360, starting message with WITNESS then leave a space
Watford FC - Match Reports RSS Feed
Watford and Coventry City share second goalless draw of season
5:17pm Saturday 17th March 2012 in Watford FC - Match Reports By Anthony Matthews, Group Sports Editor
Watford suffered a frustrating afternoon at Vicarage Road as they were held to a first home goalless draw of the season by relegation-threatened Coventry City.
The Hornets were not at their best but upped their game after the break and had the chances to make it ten points from the last 12.
Troy Deeney was unlucky to see a shot tipped onto the post by Joe Murphy and have another effort well saved by the keeper, while what looked to be a certain goal for John Eustace was superbly blocked.
However, the Sky Blues were not without opportunities of their own though, as they sought a first away victory of the season.
The Hornets twice had to clear off their own line, while Tomasz Kuszczak also made a couple of impressive saves in a game in which the performance of referee Colin Webster was one of the main talking points following a series of baffling and inconsistent decisions.
But neither side was able to make the breakthrough as the game ended in the same scoreline as the reverse match between the teams in August.
Sean Dyche made one change to the side that triumphed at Derby County last time out but it was a particularly significant one as Britt Assombalonga became the 50th Academy graduate to make his first-team debut since it opened its doors in its current form in 1998.
The 19-year-old, who was recalled from his loan spell at Braintree Town earlier this week, replaced Joe Garner, who dropped to a bench that also featured Mark Yeates after a three-game absence. The two players to miss out as a result were Prince Buaben and Marcello Trotta.
Coventry came into the game trying to end an unwanted record of being the only team in all four English divisions without an away win. Furthermore, Andy Thorn’s side had taken just three points from a possible 51 on their travels and scored only seven goals away from the Ricoh Arena, six fewer than the Championship’s next lowest away scorers, Bristol City.
The opening minutes were scrappy, with the visitors edging the territorial exchanges, but it was Watford who created the first chance in the sixth minute when Eustace, making the 300th first-team start of his career, dug out a good cross from the left byline and Sean Murray got up well at the far post but was unable to keep his header down.
Following a stoppage in play while Deeney received treatment after a collision, the Hornets began to up the ante, with just the final ball letting them down on occasions.
However, the hosts’ next effort came in the 14th minute when Alex Kacaniklic swung in their second corner of the match from the right and Assombalonga leapt impressively but headed over the top.
Watford continued to be the more composed and confident side but it was Coventry who had the ball in the net in the 25th minute when Clive Platt headed home from a corner but the referee had already blown for an infringement.
The Sky Blues then enjoyed a reasonable spell of possession, without offering too much of a threat, although Nyron Nosworthy was forced to head clear a dangerous free-kick around the half-hour mark.
However, the Hornets were nearly undone in the 35th minute when Gary McSheffrey got round the back of the defence and stood up a cross beyond the far post from the byline and Platt headed back across goal, only for Jonathan Hogg to clear off the line.
Watford emerged through that awkward spell though, and created their next chance in the 41st minute when Assombalonga laid the ball off to the supporting Lloyd Doyley, who played in a good cross from the right and Eustace got across the near post but his attempted flick went over.
Kuszczak had not been called upon to make a save in the first half but that changed in the fifth minute of injury time when he did very well to get down sharply to his right to keep out Oliver Norwood’s shot from the edge of the area and the keeper then reacted quickly to push the loose ball behind for a corner.
The Coventry midfielder had the first effort of the second half as well, but dragged this one harmlessly wide. But five minutes after the restart Watford looked destined to take the lead when Nathan Cameron made a hash of clearing a cross and the ball broke ideally for Eustace, who smashed it goalwards, only to see his shot strike the centre-half and bounce away for a corner.
Despite putting in plenty of effort, little came off for Assombalonga and it wasn’t really a surprise when he was replaced in the 61st minute, with Chris Iwelumo entering the fray.
The big striker gave the Hornets more of an edge up front but it was his forward partner who came within inches of giving his team the lead when, after seeing his first effort blocked, Deeney advanced to the edge of the 18-yard box before hitting a right-footed effort that was heading inside Murphy’s near post until the keeper got down to tip it onto the base of his right-hand upright.
Moments later though, Kuszczak was again called into action to push away a dangerous Gary McSheffrey free-kick from right on the edge of the area after Nosworthy had been booked for a challenge from behind.
For reasons seemingly only he was aware of, the referee decided to get both managers together for an impromptu conversation on the touchline before Coventry made their first change, with Cody McDonald replacing Alex Nimely.
But Watford were close to taking the lead again in the 75th minute when Deeney worked a give-and-go with Iwelumo before advancing on goal from the left side of the area and attempting to dink it past Murphy, only for the keeper to get a touch and divert the ball narrowly wide of the far post.
Murphy was at it again moments later to keep out a firmly struck right-footed effort from Eustace before Murray was booked for a foul.
Kacaniklic’s afternoon was ended by injury with ten minutes remaining and he was replaced by Yeates but the hosts survived another scare in the 82nd minute when Kuszczak raced from his line to try and deal with a through ball, only for McDonald to nick it past him and put it just wide of the far post.
The Vicarage Road faithful were given added heart by the fourth official signalling for six minutes of additional time but it was the visitors who again went close to taking the points when Nosworthy’s lapse let in McDonald, who was eased slightly wide by the central defender but still managed to lift the ball beyond Kuszczak. However, the keeper managed to get the slightest of touches on the ball and Adrian Mariappa superbly read the situation to get back behind his keeper and clear off the line.
There was still time for the Hornets to have one last effort when Yeates cut in on his right foot from the left side of the area but Murphy dropped to his knees to save and keep hold of the ball.
Watford: Kuszczak; Doyley, Nosworthy, Mariappa, Dickinson; Murray, Eustace, Hogg, Kacaniklic (Yeates 80); Assombalonga (Iwelumo 61), Deeney. Not used: Loach, Taylor and Garner.
Coventry City: Murphy; Clarke (Christie 86), Keogh, Cameron, Cranie; Deegan, Clingan, Norwood, McSheffrey; Platt, Nimely (McDonald 72). Not used: Hussey, Dunn and Thomas.
Bookings: Nosworthy for a foul (66); Murray for a foul (76); Deeney for a foul (90).
Attendance: 12,563.
Comments(41)
stewbyhorn
says...
6:14pm Sat 17 Mar 12
WFC4ever
says...
6:43pm Sat 17 Mar 12
Least we managed to turn up in the 2nd half but Mariappa saved us in injury time.
TBH It looked like Coventry wanted it more at times but we should have won really.
Officials were very poor.
Point is better than nothing.
rousman 2
says...
7:11pm Sat 17 Mar 12
Stoney77 wrote:Maybe one for the future but did look a bit out of his depth, big step up from Braintree.
So how did Assombalonga get on? Did he show a few good touches/awareness etc? Or Did he look a bit out of his depth? or was it that bad a game that it was impossible to come to Any conclusion?!
True watford fan
says...
7:22pm Sat 17 Mar 12
lutondown
says...
7:49pm Sat 17 Mar 12
Ah well England beat Ireland in the rugby so at least one excuse to crack a Beer or two
Johnny Ryden
says...
7:56pm Sat 17 Mar 12
buckler
says...
8:00pm Sat 17 Mar 12
sweet su
says...
9:09pm Sat 17 Mar 12
sweet su
says...
9:12pm Sat 17 Mar 12
Casterbridge
says...
9:18pm Sat 17 Mar 12
lutondown wrote:Sorry, lutondown, but we gave as good as we got in the Hoofing department.
Typical nothing to play for display for me, Coventry still look like they are a team recovering from Hoofers horrible style of football. Nice it's us calling the Oppo's Hoofers for a change.
Ah well England beat Ireland in the rugby so at least one excuse to crack a Beer or two
Watford are their own worst enemy when the so-called wingers drift inside and allow the opposition to choke the midfield. So even with goal line action at both ends, it was a really dreadful game.
It's easy with hindsight, but I would have started with Garner, to get Coventry chasing shadows, given Assombalonga a chance to see how we play, and then given him a run out if the situation allowed. Dyche's pre-match concern not to bring the youngsters on too quickly was obviously kidology, but his reasoning proved to be correct.
Keith Eddy
says...
10:11pm Sat 17 Mar 12
We got sucked into playing hoofball with Coventry, when we kept the ball on the ground we caused them problems. The pitch clearly doesn't help but we should be able to impose our passing game at home against a team in the bottom 3.
I have seen some poor refs in the last two seasons but this guy today was a disgrace. I don't think he is fit to referee my grandson's Sat morning football, let alone Championship standard. There were several decisions he made today that nobody in the ground could understand. I just hope that the official reports on his performance prompt the FA to take some action. (I won't be holding my breath)
Frankie Frazer
says...
11:08pm Sat 17 Mar 12
Thought the first half was woeful with no fight from either team and as i have aired my concerns before it had a typical end of season 'we are safe' feel to it .. I want to see us attack teams and play good passing football, but there was far too much hoofball for my liking with Coventry being worse culprits than us! .. Not bad second half tho and thought TK looked solid in this game. We did not get the ball out wide enough and AK & SM seemed out of it today (prob not there fault tho) .. That is also the best big Chris has played today, I am really not a fan of his but certainly made us look more of a threat when he came on ...
The worse thing about this game was the Ref! He looked a good couple of stone overweight and struggled to keep up with the play, another ref who wants to be the centre of attention is not what we need! I wish they would just let the game flow properly, a good ref is seen but rarely heard IMO ... .
I just hope we play better next week, I really don't like games when we have nothing to play for !!
Bush Hornet
says...
12:27am Sun 18 Mar 12
Casterbridge wrote:Totally agree Casterbridge. Too much hoofing and head tennis.
lutondown wrote:Sorry, lutondown, but we gave as good as we got in the Hoofing department.
Typical nothing to play for display for me, Coventry still look like they are a team recovering from Hoofers horrible style of football. Nice it's us calling the Oppo's Hoofers for a change.
Ah well England beat Ireland in the rugby so at least one excuse to crack a Beer or two
Watford are their own worst enemy when the so-called wingers drift inside and allow the opposition to choke the midfield. So even with goal line action at both ends, it was a really dreadful game.
It's easy with hindsight, but I would have started with Garner, to get Coventry chasing shadows, given Assombalonga a chance to see how we play, and then given him a run out if the situation allowed. Dyche's pre-match concern not to bring the youngsters on too quickly was obviously kidology, but his reasoning proved to be correct.
In a game where we have not much to play for then why not take the opportunity to practice keeping the ball and giving us something to shout about. I'd have rather seen us lose pretty than grind out a meaningless 0-0
SAHornet
says...
6:23am Sun 18 Mar 12
Frankie Frazer
says...
8:20am Sun 18 Mar 12
Bush Hornet
says...
9:14am Sun 18 Mar 12
But worth remembering that BR inherited a footballing side at Swansea, while at Watford he inherited a Boothroyd side and a terrible pitch. He tried to get us playing decent football but it was taking a while.
With the new pitch we will have no excuse. Please Sean, I like what you've done this season in terms of team spirit and so on. But for the sake of a paying crowd please let's get the ball down.
Oxhey Village Hornet
says...
9:55am Sun 18 Mar 12
Frankie Frazer
says...
10:04am Sun 18 Mar 12
garston edl
says...
11:06am Sun 18 Mar 12
Frankie Frazer wrote:Spot on frankie. Was thinking that this morning ad MOTD waxed lyrical about them.
Completely off subject but worth a comment! Brendan Rodgers ... As much as we all feel let down by him with the Reading debacle, is there any Watford fan that watches Swansea now and thinks "that could have been us" ? I don't like the way he left but the football he gets his team playing is by far the best too watch! I have to say i feel a little jealous, especially when i have to endure that game & style of football yesterday... As much as he is my favourite WFC player there must be something in the fact that Johny Eustace was shipped out on loan by Rodgers! He cannot keep the ball well enough to play that style (don't get me wrong I love Eustace & he is my player of the season so far, but he doesn't suit a true passing style of football). Finally I love seeingDG playing well each week, even when he doesn't score he works his socks off.... Quality ..
Zalore
says...
11:34am Sun 18 Mar 12
Johnny Ryden
says...
12:10pm Sun 18 Mar 12
Feff
says...
12:21pm Sun 18 Mar 12
Frankie Frazer
says...
1:17pm Sun 18 Mar 12
Andrew1963
says...
3:00pm Sun 18 Mar 12
lutondown
says...
5:20pm Sun 18 Mar 12
Agree with Mad Frank about BR, he left because he was lied to, and he plays the game as it should be, so yes I often wonder!
Chris the Vic
says...
9:10pm Sun 18 Mar 12
As for yesterdays game thank goodness for our goalie.Otherwise a 1-2-3 game.
ONE lousy pitch
TWO poor teams
THREE of the worst officials known to mankind
Otherwise a game to forget for both spectators and the poor ball which broke through the ozone layer on more than one occasion.
cliff46
says...
11:04pm Sun 18 Mar 12
I wish Chris would be a little selfish and try for goal himself. When he gets the ball in a dangerous position his instant reaction is to look to pass it ( and responsibilty) to someone else.
Unlike many I dont dislike him but until he is prepared to try for a goal himself I would stick with Garner. He is never going to gain confidence he needs if he keeps being in and out of the team.
It wasnt a great game but in fairness I think Coventry were probably better than we gave them credit for, they do have a few decent players.
PurpleRalph
says...
1:07am Mon 19 Mar 12
lutondown
says...
5:55am Mon 19 Mar 12
And seen decent football played.
Watch some of our games aka seventies and eighties on ESPN classic.
Hope it's not like this until end of season.
I think I agree with Cliff, blood the youngsters but with caution.
SAHornet
says...
7:53am Mon 19 Mar 12
lutondown wrote:I agree too. I was very surprised that BA was played from the get-go. Give him experience on the bench and bring him on with 20 minutes left should we need either an impact player or if we are in a strong, winning position. Still, I applaud SD for bringing him back from Braintree when he did. Maybe he needs a step-up to league 1 before playing Champ footie ?
I've seen pitches far worse than Saturdays ( every autumn onwards it used to be a sand pit)
And seen decent football played.
Watch some of our games aka seventies and eighties on ESPN classic.
Hope it's not like this until end of season.
I think I agree with Cliff, blood the youngsters but with caution.
jimbuctu
says...
9:38am Mon 19 Mar 12
Bush Hornet wrote:I really believe we had to hit the ball longer. Every time either team tried to play the ball on the ground it bobbled around so much it hardly rolled. Being a sunday league player myself I know some games are just ruined by the pitch. I reckon half the pitches we play on are actually better than Watfords.
Yes Frankie I agree with all that. John Eustace is a great player for us - but you may be right about why he went on loan.
But worth remembering that BR inherited a footballing side at Swansea, while at Watford he inherited a Boothroyd side and a terrible pitch. He tried to get us playing decent football but it was taking a while.
With the new pitch we will have no excuse. Please Sean, I like what you've done this season in terms of team spirit and so on. But for the sake of a paying crowd please let's get the ball down.
It made it impossible on Saturday. It doesn't completely excuse some of the embarrasingly poor touches from both teams but overall it was the main contributory factor in the style of game we ended up paying £27 to watch.
For some strange reason Coventry seemed to be time wasting even in the first half. surely they needed the points and would have seen this as a chance to take all three? They are absolutely doomed if you ask me.
On the plus side Deeney is looking better and better and Iwelumo did more in the 30 minutes of this game than his entire Watford career. If, IF he can play like that regularly then he becomes a useful impact sub for games like this one.
female hornet
says...
10:28am Mon 19 Mar 12
babyhornet
says...
12:07pm Mon 19 Mar 12
Hornet Cornet
says...
1:10pm Mon 19 Mar 12
As for Harry the Hornet, he ate my grandmother
lutondown
says...
2:05pm Mon 19 Mar 12
Hornet Cornet wrote:Well Cornet, if she was an ice cream like you, you can't blame the old stinger especially if she went by the name of Hornetessa Cornet 99!!
I was at the game and thought we could have beaten CCFC by 3-4 goals IF we had been bothered. SD needs to continue his good work by ensuring we dont try and tootle our way through easy games. Winning games against the likes of Coventry are vital as each place up the table means more money for us AND gives us a better springboard for next season.
As for Harry the Hornet, he ate my grandmother
Hornet Cornet
says...
3:02pm Mon 19 Mar 12
WFC4ever
says...
6:57pm Mon 19 Mar 12
gjn
says...
11:15pm Mon 19 Mar 12
SAHornet wrote:they are only just behind us!!!
Listened all afternoon on Watford Player. Commentators were VERY critical of officials. Whether this was a game with not much to play for or not, we should be taking all the points from very weak teams like CCFC. No question !
Alex Hillcroft
says...
9:23am Tue 20 Mar 12
female hornet wrote:Thanks for that, love. Now be a good girl and put the kettle on
This was one of our poorest games this season. We need more points and if this is hw we are going to play going forward it won't happen. We had so many chances - not taken, seems to be that t home we are less able to win than away. This booting the ball up front and hten it coems straight back- been there, done that, it DOES NOT work. Start playing football.
lutondown
says...
1:24pm Tue 20 Mar 12
Alex Hillcroft wrote:You've really gone and upset the pc crowd now Alex!
female hornet wrote:Thanks for that, love. Now be a good girl and put the kettle on
This was one of our poorest games this season. We need more points and if this is hw we are going to play going forward it won't happen. We had so many chances - not taken, seems to be that t home we are less able to win than away. This booting the ball up front and hten it coems straight back- been there, done that, it DOES NOT work. Start playing football.
Stoney77 says...
6:04pm Sat 17 Mar 12