A dose of reality
As is terminal with Championship football, results rarely respond to form.
Watford were quickly given a dose of this reality on Saturday as they crashed to a 5-0 defeat at the hands of West Brom, only their second defeat on the road in the 2009/10 campaign.
With seven points from their previous three games and an impressive record away from home, a result at the Hawthorns was more than a possibility for Malky Mackay's men, but it soon became apparent that there would only be one winner.
On paper a trip to West Bromwich represents one of the hardest fixtures of the season, but Roberto Di Matteo's men had hardly been in invincible form prior to the encounter, despite what their league position may suggest.
The Baggies had failed to score in their previous two outings but instantly clicked into their flowing brand of football, and had the lead within five minutes
Still without club captain Jay DeMerit, the Hornets have struggled aerially at times, and once more his absence was felt as Jonas Olsson climbed highest to head past Scott Loach from Graham Dorrans' free-kick.
In addition the pace of Luke Moore was causing havoc for the Watford defence, and after Adrian Mariappa tripped the former Aston Villa man inside the box on 17 minutes, Dorrans despatched the spot-kick with little fuss.
Suffering a dry spell, Danny Graham saw his efforts miss the target and the hosts continued with their relentless pressure on Loach's goal.
Watford almost found a way back into the game on 37 minutes but captain Mariappa agonisingly headed over from close range.
The Hornets had ridden their luck at times but again came desperately close to finding the net two minutes after the break.
After Jon Harley had beaten his man and delivered a perfect cross into the box, Graham could not wrap his foot around the ball enough to find the open goal, instead finding the side netting.
Having squandered these chances, the hosts instantly made Mackay's men pay and soon had the game won.
Simon Cox headed wide before Moore got on the scoresheet with a curling shot after having his initial effort saved, to make it 3-0.
High on confidence, the hosts increased the pressure and Gianni Zuiverloon made it four with a fierce strike past Loach on 63 minutes.
Summer signing Cox added a fifth five minutes later with a powerful strike that was too much for Loach, but the pressure continued.
Jerome Thomas perhaps should have converted a sixth, but like Nathan Ellington's late header it failed to find the mark and the game thankfully drew to close before more damage could be done.
"If we come here and don't truly believe that we're going to beat a good, experienced team like West Brom then that happens to you" said Mackay after the result.
Disappointment aside, the manager did declare his faith in his men:
"If nothing else, they're a courageous bunch that try and give everything they've got until the final whistle.
"We had a few chances near the final whistle, it showed we were still going at it and we didn't throw the towel it and that pleases me."
While such a result did expose weaknesses in the team, there is little need for panic given the Hornets' results during Mackay's reign.
The team's run of seven points in three games came after suffering a similar defeat at the hands of Cardiff, and Mackay is likely to ensure his players give a much better account of themselves when they face Preston at Vicarage Road on Saturday.
The Hornets were boosted by the return of Heidar Helguson on Saturday, the Icelandic forward unable to make any impact after coming off the bench but his return gives the manager options in attack.
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Tring
Saturday 26 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 11 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 11 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
Wind direction: East
