Watford top away side in Championship and leading scorers on road in all four English divisions
11:45am Tuesday 15th January 2013 in Latest Sport By Anthony Matthews, Group Sports Editor
Matej Vydra moved on to 14 goals for the season following his latest brace on Saturday. Picture: Holly Cant
Watford’s seventh away victory of the season at Middlesbrough on Saturday ensured they became the leading travelling side in the Championship and the highest scoring team on the road in all four domestic divisions.
The 2-1 victory at the Riverside Stadium ensured the Hornets matched Hull City’s away record of won seven, drawn two and lost four from 13 matches played, but Gianfranco Zola’s men have a goal difference that is six better than the Tigers on their travels.
The seventh away win also means the Vicarage Road outfit have now recorded more victories on their travels than they amassed in six of the last ten seasons. One more win will increase that number to eight.
Watford were already the highest scorers on the road in the Championship prior to Saturday’s game but Matej Vydra’s brace saw them extend their advantage over leaders Cardiff City to six goals, with 29 from 13 matches compared to the 23 from 13 Malky Mackay’s side have netted on their travels.
The Hornets’ scoring tally though, now makes them the top scorers away from home in all four English divisions.
League Two side Rochdale are a goal behind, with 28 from 14 games, while Premier League leaders Manchester United and another fourth-tier club, Port Vale, currently sit joint third, with 26 goals from 11 and 14 matches respectively.
Zola’s side have netted nine more goals away than at Vicarage Road but their combined tally of 49 is the second highest of any Watford side after 26 league matches since the 1978/79 season – Mackay’s squad of 2010/11 scored 52 after the corresponding number of fixtures.
The Hornets’ current points tally of 43 also offers more reasons for optimism for the remainder of the season when compared to the three previous occasions the club has reached the play-offs.
Although Aidy Boothroyd’s side limped into the top six in the 2007/08 campaign, they had 47 points after 26 matches. Rewind two seasons though, and Boothroyd’s side which was ultimately victorious against Leeds United at the Millennium Stadium also had 43 points after 26 games.
Furthermore, Graham Taylor’s class of 1998/99 that went on to beat Bolton Wanderers at Wembley to secure Watford’s place in the Premier League for the first time had amassed 44 points after completing 26 games.
While the omens are encouraging though, Taylor’s team of 200/01 had reached the 49-point mark after playing 26 times but ultimately faded to ninth that season.
Comments(49)
Harrydownunder
says...
12:19pm Tue 15 Jan 13
endean2
says...
12:51pm Tue 15 Jan 13
some are somewhat pedantic about minor points. I suppose that we have to listen to all opinions!
stevyweavy
says...
1:11pm Tue 15 Jan 13
Harrydownunder wrote:lol
And a nice picture from vicarage road to showcase our fine away form....
watford1881
says...
1:28pm Tue 15 Jan 13
Bringe
says...
1:38pm Tue 15 Jan 13
watford1881 wrote:We have a tiddley-winks team too?
Counter play is easier away from home..
Smilingburkinshaw
says...
2:17pm Tue 15 Jan 13
Teams will sit back when we are at home and a bigger pitch will stretch them that bit more.
Hampshire hornet
says...
2:43pm Tue 15 Jan 13
Smilingburkinshaw wrote:Let's build the pitch into the East Stand...that will sort it...
I also think I know why we are better away than at home. It's the size of the Vicarage Road pitch. We need to make it bigger. It all seems a bit tight and crowded on the Vic pitch. When you look at how we now play we need a bigger pitch to help us get our touch and have that little bit extra time to pick our pass. Most away ground have larger pitches and it suits us.”
Teams will sit back when we are at home and a bigger pitch will stretch them that bit more.
Smilingburkinshaw
says...
2:52pm Tue 15 Jan 13
Hampshire hornet wrote:Why not?
Smilingburkinshaw wrote: I also think I know why we are better away than at home. It's the size of the Vicarage Road pitch. We need to make it bigger. It all seems a bit tight and crowded on the Vic pitch. When you look at how we now play we need a bigger pitch to help us get our touch and have that little bit extra time to pick our pass. Most away ground have larger pitches and it suits us.” Teams will sit back when we are at home and a bigger pitch will stretch them that bit more.Let's build the pitch into the East Stand...that will sort it...
mk6 hornet
says...
3:48pm Tue 15 Jan 13
stevyweavy
says...
4:03pm Tue 15 Jan 13
Smilingburkinshaw wrote:I think you should get your facts right. Our pitch is actually the same size as Old Trafford (the maximum size it can be) and has been for a long time. The same size as Man City etc etc etc. It is always advisable to check that what you are saying has the vaguest resemblance of actual knowledge before you get found out that you don't know what you are talking about. We have always had the largest allowable pitch size since we first laid down the first woven pitch so as to play to our physical strengths. So sorry but back to the drawing board as to why we are getting better results away from home.
I also think I know why we are better away than at home. It's the size of the Vicarage Road pitch. We need to make it bigger. It all seems a bit tight and crowded on the Vic pitch. When you look at how we now play we need a bigger pitch to help us get our touch and have that little bit extra time to pick our pass. Most away ground have larger pitches and it suits us.”
Teams will sit back when we are at home and a bigger pitch will stretch them that bit more.
stevyweavy
says...
4:09pm Tue 15 Jan 13
stevyweavy wrote:And Wembley for that matter!
Smilingburkinshaw wrote:I think you should get your facts right. Our pitch is actually the same size as Old Trafford (the maximum size it can be) and has been for a long time. The same size as Man City etc etc etc. It is always advisable to check that what you are saying has the vaguest resemblance of actual knowledge before you get found out that you don't know what you are talking about. We have always had the largest allowable pitch size since we first laid down the first woven pitch so as to play to our physical strengths. So sorry but back to the drawing board as to why we are getting better results away from home.
I also think I know why we are better away than at home. It's the size of the Vicarage Road pitch. We need to make it bigger. It all seems a bit tight and crowded on the Vic pitch. When you look at how we now play we need a bigger pitch to help us get our touch and have that little bit extra time to pick our pass. Most away ground have larger pitches and it suits us.”
Teams will sit back when we are at home and a bigger pitch will stretch them that bit more.
stevyweavy
says...
4:13pm Tue 15 Jan 13
stevyweavy wrote:And same size as Middlesborough's ground - shall I go on?
stevyweavy wrote:And Wembley for that matter!
Smilingburkinshaw wrote:I think you should get your facts right. Our pitch is actually the same size as Old Trafford (the maximum size it can be) and has been for a long time. The same size as Man City etc etc etc. It is always advisable to check that what you are saying has the vaguest resemblance of actual knowledge before you get found out that you don't know what you are talking about. We have always had the largest allowable pitch size since we first laid down the first woven pitch so as to play to our physical strengths. So sorry but back to the drawing board as to why we are getting better results away from home.
I also think I know why we are better away than at home. It's the size of the Vicarage Road pitch. We need to make it bigger. It all seems a bit tight and crowded on the Vic pitch. When you look at how we now play we need a bigger pitch to help us get our touch and have that little bit extra time to pick our pass. Most away ground have larger pitches and it suits us.”
Teams will sit back when we are at home and a bigger pitch will stretch them that bit more.
Mickey Quinn, not so thin
says...
4:49pm Tue 15 Jan 13
As a passing team its far easier to play on the break and generate 2 on 2 situations where we can use MVs pace. Much harder faced with trying to pass our way through a brick wall at the vic. Hull was a classic example.
Really important if possible that we finish in the top 4. We will really benefit by playing the first leg away from home and picking off our opponents, then being able to play on the break at the Vic. We don't want to have to force the issue at the Vic in the first leg and be picked off ourselves.
mk6 hornet
says...
4:51pm Tue 15 Jan 13
mellow yellow
says...
4:53pm Tue 15 Jan 13
gloryhornet4
says...
4:55pm Tue 15 Jan 13
Smilingburkinshaw
says...
5:04pm Tue 15 Jan 13
stevyweavy wrote:Fair play, you are right and I'm wrong, I have no problem admitting that. Does look smaller though, so it must be how teams set up against us at home. Important to get the first goal at home which means they have to come at us and we can then hit them on the break.
stevyweavy wrote:And same size as Middlesborough's ground - shall I go on?stevyweavy wrote:And Wembley for that matter!Smilingburkinshaw wrote: I also think I know why we are better away than at home. It's the size of the Vicarage Road pitch. We need to make it bigger. It all seems a bit tight and crowded on the Vic pitch. When you look at how we now play we need a bigger pitch to help us get our touch and have that little bit extra time to pick our pass. Most away ground have larger pitches and it suits us.” Teams will sit back when we are at home and a bigger pitch will stretch them that bit more.I think you should get your facts right. Our pitch is actually the same size as Old Trafford (the maximum size it can be) and has been for a long time. The same size as Man City etc etc etc. It is always advisable to check that what you are saying has the vaguest resemblance of actual knowledge before you get found out that you don't know what you are talking about. We have always had the largest allowable pitch size since we first laid down the first woven pitch so as to play to our physical strengths. So sorry but back to the drawing board as to why we are getting better results away from home.
Mickey Quinn, not so thin
says...
5:05pm Tue 15 Jan 13
mk6 hornet wrote:Hope you're right but i think our chances of top 2 are
@mickey quinn barring a points deduction we will get automatic promotion i firmly believe that
Mickey Quinn, not so thin
says...
5:09pm Tue 15 Jan 13
Mickey Quinn, not so thin wrote:???Wobbly cut off 75% of my posting !
mk6 hornet wrote:Hope you're right but i think our chances of top 2 are
@mickey quinn barring a points deduction we will get automatic promotion i firmly believe that
Think our chances of top 2 are
Mickey Quinn, not so thin
says...
5:11pm Tue 15 Jan 13
Mickey Quinn, not so thin wrote:...and again ! Website problem ??
Mickey Quinn, not so thin wrote:???Wobbly cut off 75% of my posting !
mk6 hornet wrote:Hope you're right but i think our chances of top 2 are
@mickey quinn barring a points deduction we will get automatic promotion i firmly believe that
Think our chances of top 2 are
???
Think our chances of top 2 are
Smilingburkinshaw
says...
5:12pm Tue 15 Jan 13
Our pitch is 115 yards x 75 yards.
So there you have it! You are right that we are the same size as Wembley and Boro but it's not the max size allowed.
I quote you ''It is always advisable to check that what you are saying has the vaguest resemblance of actual knowledge before you get found out that you don't know what you are talking about.
Mickey Quinn, not so thin
says...
5:12pm Tue 15 Jan 13
mk6 hornet
says...
5:15pm Tue 15 Jan 13
stevyweavy
says...
5:52pm Tue 15 Jan 13
Smilingburkinshaw wrote:Whereas previously clubs had discretion about the size of their pitch (within quite broad parameters), now they all have to comply with the UEFA standard of 105m by 68m (which, in old money, equates to more or less 115 yards by 74 yds).
The length of a pitch must be between 100 yards (90m) and 130 yards (120m) and the width not less than 50 yards (45m) and not more than 100 yards (90m).
Our pitch is 115 yards x 75 yards.
So there you have it! You are right that we are the same size as Wembley and Boro but it's not the max size allowed.
I quote you ''It is always advisable to check that what you are saying has the vaguest resemblance of actual knowledge before you get found out that you don't know what you are talking about.
Nice try but hopefully case now closed.
Smilingburkinshaw
says...
6:33pm Tue 15 Jan 13
stevyweavy wrote:I'll take you're word on the pitch sizes, as my original point has been proven to be wrong, I will accept defeat in this argument. Case awarded to Stevyweavy. They do look bigger to me though!
Smilingburkinshaw wrote:Whereas previously clubs had discretion about the size of their pitch (within quite broad parameters), now they all have to comply with the UEFA standard of 105m by 68m (which, in old money, equates to more or less 115 yards by 74 yds).
The length of a pitch must be between 100 yards (90m) and 130 yards (120m) and the width not less than 50 yards (45m) and not more than 100 yards (90m).
Our pitch is 115 yards x 75 yards.
So there you have it! You are right that we are the same size as Wembley and Boro but it's not the max size allowed.
I quote you ''It is always advisable to check that what you are saying has the vaguest resemblance of actual knowledge before you get found out that you don't know what you are talking about.
Nice try but hopefully case now closed.
Hampshire hornet
says...
9:12pm Tue 15 Jan 13
Smilingburkinshaw wrote:Expand the pitch into where the east stand should be... That'll sort it
stevyweavy wrote:I'll take you're word on the pitch sizes, as my original point has been proven to be wrong, I will accept defeat in this argument. Case awarded to Stevyweavy. They do look bigger to me though!
Smilingburkinshaw wrote:Whereas previously clubs had discretion about the size of their pitch (within quite broad parameters), now they all have to comply with the UEFA standard of 105m by 68m (which, in old money, equates to more or less 115 yards by 74 yds).
The length of a pitch must be between 100 yards (90m) and 130 yards (120m) and the width not less than 50 yards (45m) and not more than 100 yards (90m).
Our pitch is 115 yards x 75 yards.
So there you have it! You are right that we are the same size as Wembley and Boro but it's not the max size allowed.
I quote you ''It is always advisable to check that what you are saying has the vaguest resemblance of actual knowledge before you get found out that you don't know what you are talking about.
Nice try but hopefully case now closed.
What?
Oldhorn
says...
9:12pm Tue 15 Jan 13
However, as one of the 305 who were at Middlesborough (no plastics again I notice) the reason we are doing so well away from home is simply because teams have to come at us and we are sooooooo good counter attacking and will punish teams who give us that space. At home, we have to watch and see what the opposition are doing and react accordingly.
And guess what, we're 6th in the league, so we're perhaps not doing so bad at that either.
D.unstable
says...
12:04am Wed 16 Jan 13
Oldhorn wrote:Amazing what can be picked up using the powers of the Internet these days!!
What a load of tosh. Some of you have obviously read your LOAF (Laws Of Association Football for those who don't know) and can spout the dimensions of a football field of play ( NOT a pitch.....see what I did there?).
However, as one of the 305 who were at Middlesborough (no plastics again I notice) the reason we are doing so well away from home is simply because teams have to come at us and we are sooooooo good counter attacking and will punish teams who give us that space. At home, we have to watch and see what the opposition are doing and react accordingly.
And guess what, we're 6th in the league, so we're perhaps not doing so bad at that either.
A little disappointing that you felt the need to have a dig at the 'plastics' as you refer. Assume you mean the missing 5695 that didn't make this trip although chose to go to The Etiad the week before.
Not sure if you have noticed but the country is in the middle of a financial meltdown and many may have had to choose carefully which if any they could go to. Far to much judging others on here and does not make you any greater than those who only attend as often as their circumstances allow. I know which one I would have chosen, and did.
Great that you were able to make it along though!!!
jasonwatford
says...
9:01am Wed 16 Jan 13
corbindallas
says...
9:15am Wed 16 Jan 13
Smilingburkinshaw wrote:Yep they do look different but it is also the surround and stands that make it appear bigger or smaller, whenever I watch QPR play on tv I always think their pitch looks tight and small and does not allow free flowing football, but when you are actually there it does not, guess the camera angles also give this impression when some are closer to the pitch than others.
stevyweavy wrote:I'll take you're word on the pitch sizes, as my original point has been proven to be wrong, I will accept defeat in this argument. Case awarded to Stevyweavy. They do look bigger to me though!
Smilingburkinshaw wrote:Whereas previously clubs had discretion about the size of their pitch (within quite broad parameters), now they all have to comply with the UEFA standard of 105m by 68m (which, in old money, equates to more or less 115 yards by 74 yds).
The length of a pitch must be between 100 yards (90m) and 130 yards (120m) and the width not less than 50 yards (45m) and not more than 100 yards (90m).
Our pitch is 115 yards x 75 yards.
So there you have it! You are right that we are the same size as Wembley and Boro but it's not the max size allowed.
I quote you ''It is always advisable to check that what you are saying has the vaguest resemblance of actual knowledge before you get found out that you don't know what you are talking about.
Nice try but hopefully case now closed.
corbindallas
says...
9:15am Wed 16 Jan 13
Smilingburkinshaw wrote:Yep they do look different but it is also the surround and stands that make it appear bigger or smaller, whenever I watch QPR play on tv I always think their pitch looks tight and small and does not allow free flowing football, but when you are actually there it does not, guess the camera angles also give this impression when some are closer to the pitch than others.
stevyweavy wrote:I'll take you're word on the pitch sizes, as my original point has been proven to be wrong, I will accept defeat in this argument. Case awarded to Stevyweavy. They do look bigger to me though!
Smilingburkinshaw wrote:Whereas previously clubs had discretion about the size of their pitch (within quite broad parameters), now they all have to comply with the UEFA standard of 105m by 68m (which, in old money, equates to more or less 115 yards by 74 yds).
The length of a pitch must be between 100 yards (90m) and 130 yards (120m) and the width not less than 50 yards (45m) and not more than 100 yards (90m).
Our pitch is 115 yards x 75 yards.
So there you have it! You are right that we are the same size as Wembley and Boro but it's not the max size allowed.
I quote you ''It is always advisable to check that what you are saying has the vaguest resemblance of actual knowledge before you get found out that you don't know what you are talking about.
Nice try but hopefully case now closed.
Smilingburkinshaw
says...
9:20am Wed 16 Jan 13
northofwatfordpete
says...
9:22am Wed 16 Jan 13
Here is a link for those interested:http://ww
w.footballgroundguid
e.com/
MUSTOITALIA
says...
9:27am Wed 16 Jan 13
jasonwatford wrote:This seems a reliable source lets hope he comes he is a fantastic player and would allow us to play a 3-4-1-1 formation him behind vydra fessi or Geijo would be very dangerous.
Diego Fabbrini, We'll sign who we want, we'll sign who we want, from udinese we'll sign who we want
http://hereisthecity
.com/2013/01/15/mn-c
ould-this-italian-in
ternational-be-on-hi
s-way-to-newcastle-u
/
Smilingburkinshaw
says...
9:33am Wed 16 Jan 13
northofwatfordpete wrote:Stevyweavy won't be happy he says they all have to be the same now. Points deduction for Millwall for not complying? :)
The pitch sizes in the Championship are all pretty much the same being around 115 x 75 yards (105 x 68.5 meters). However Millwall's ground is a lot smaller at 105 x 68 yards (96 x 62 meters). Here is a link for those interested:http://ww w.footballgroundguid e.com/
Hampshire hornet
says...
10:27am Wed 16 Jan 13
D.unstable wrote:Spot on... I attend every home game with my 2 sons.. Live 70 miles away, attended the Brighton game and Man City.. We have 3 Watford Shirts.. I have spent about £600 in the shop over the past 12 months, subscribe to the WAtford Lottery every month ... I guess I am a plastic fan then? Oh and buy the matchday program...
Oldhorn wrote:Amazing what can be picked up using the powers of the Internet these days!!
What a load of tosh. Some of you have obviously read your LOAF (Laws Of Association Football for those who don't know) and can spout the dimensions of a football field of play ( NOT a pitch.....see what I did there?).
However, as one of the 305 who were at Middlesborough (no plastics again I notice) the reason we are doing so well away from home is simply because teams have to come at us and we are sooooooo good counter attacking and will punish teams who give us that space. At home, we have to watch and see what the opposition are doing and react accordingly.
And guess what, we're 6th in the league, so we're perhaps not doing so bad at that either.
A little disappointing that you felt the need to have a dig at the 'plastics' as you refer. Assume you mean the missing 5695 that didn't make this trip although chose to go to The Etiad the week before.
Not sure if you have noticed but the country is in the middle of a financial meltdown and many may have had to choose carefully which if any they could go to. Far to much judging others on here and does not make you any greater than those who only attend as often as their circumstances allow. I know which one I would have chosen, and did.
Great that you were able to make it along though!!!
londomollari
says...
10:33am Wed 16 Jan 13
stevyweavy
says...
10:43am Wed 16 Jan 13
northofwatfordpete wrote:Think you will find that they have quoted it incorrectly as yards when they are actually the dimensions in metres and therefore the same size as all the other grounds
The pitch sizes in the Championship are all pretty much the same being around 115 x 75 yards (105 x 68.5 meters). However Millwall's ground is a lot smaller at 105 x 68 yards (96 x 62 meters).
Here is a link for those interested:http://ww
w.footballgroundguid
e.com/
stevyweavy
says...
10:44am Wed 16 Jan 13
Smilingburkinshaw wrote:Think you will find that they have quoted it incorrectly as yards when they are actually the dimensions in metres and therefore the same size as all the other grounds. Nice try again keep smiling :)
northofwatfordpete wrote:Stevyweavy won't be happy he says they all have to be the same now. Points deduction for Millwall for not complying? :)
The pitch sizes in the Championship are all pretty much the same being around 115 x 75 yards (105 x 68.5 meters). However Millwall's ground is a lot smaller at 105 x 68 yards (96 x 62 meters). Here is a link for those interested:http://ww w.footballgroundguid e.com/
Smilingburkinshaw
says...
10:57am Wed 16 Jan 13
stevyweavy wrote:Again i'll take you're word for it! Don't shoot the messenger though, I never said it! Always smiling, I don't need to get all aggro if someone is wrong.
Smilingburkinshaw wrote:Think you will find that they have quoted it incorrectly as yards when they are actually the dimensions in metres and therefore the same size as all the other grounds. Nice try again keep smiling :)northofwatfordpete wrote: The pitch sizes in the Championship are all pretty much the same being around 115 x 75 yards (105 x 68.5 meters). However Millwall's ground is a lot smaller at 105 x 68 yards (96 x 62 meters). Here is a link for those interested:http://ww w.footballgroundguid e.com/Stevyweavy won't be happy he says they all have to be the same now. Points deduction for Millwall for not complying? :)
GrahamTaylor
says...
12:47pm Wed 16 Jan 13
Team that have come at us at home i.e Leicester / Birmingham etc have gone away with nothing. This really isn’t difficult guys is our lack of footballing knowledge really that bad?
What we need is a plan B we need to be able to attack with pace when plan A fails would like to see GFZ flexible enough to go to 442 in the closing stages when required and get behind the fallbacks.
Hull is the exception they beat us at our own game and played the same style much better. IMO the best team in this division currently
Smilingburkinshaw
says...
1:12pm Wed 16 Jan 13
Hampshire hornet
says...
1:49pm Wed 16 Jan 13
Smilingburkinshaw
says...
1:56pm Wed 16 Jan 13
Bringe
says...
3:49pm Wed 16 Jan 13
From memory I think Millwall, QPR, Chelsea and West Ham all have shorter than average pitches but there will be others.
Bringe
says...
3:50pm Wed 16 Jan 13
Smilingburkinshaw
says...
3:57pm Wed 16 Jan 13
Bringe wrote:You will be swiftly met by the wrath of Stevyweavy - hahaha
Actually there is absolutely nothing to stop a club having a 100 x 100m square pitch if they want but it won't meet international standards or proposed new regulations (if they ever get implemented). From memory I think Millwall, QPR, Chelsea and West Ham all have shorter than average pitches but there will be others.
Boosey
says...
12:10pm Thu 17 Jan 13
mattymashup says...
11:51am Tue 15 Jan 13