Hooray for Henri
Watford's young guns inspired the team to an emphatic 4-1 victory over Sheffield Wednesday on Friday night to temporarily leave the Hornets only three points off the top of the Championship.
Malky Mackay's men were too much for their Yorkshire opponents at times, with on-loan Henri Lansbury and Tom Cleverley at the forefront of the team's success, the former grabbing his first and second goals for the club.
The Hornets had to rely on a Nathan Ellington goal at the death to rescue a point at Ipswich on Tuesday night, but there was little room for drama in front of Sky's TV cameras against the Owls, with the game all but won inside an hour.
Once more Mackay was without the injured Heidar Helguson, but the Icelandic's absence was quickly forgotten as Danny Graham's incessant hard work and the flair of Lansbury and Cleverley gave Watford an attacking edge.
It took 17 minutes for the hosts to fashion their first attempt on goal, but a Graham shot was easily collected by Lee Grant in the Sheffield goal.
The Hornets appeared to have been dealt a blow as Ross Jenkins limped out of the game, but his replacement John Eustace played a direct part in the game's opener a minute later.
A period of extended pressure on the Wednesday goal eventually saw Eustace's drilled shot fall into the path of stand-in captain Adrian Mariappa, and the defender calmly slotted in from close range.
Any attempts on Scott Loach's goal appeared speculative at best from the visitors and it wasn't long before the Hornets doubled their advantage courtesy of the skillful feet of Lansbury.
The Arsenal loanee still had much to do after a swift one-two with Cleverley, but the quick-footed midfielder dribbled his way in between both on-rushing defenders and converted past Grant for a 2-0 lead.
A Cleverley header threatened to make it three on 32 minutes but the visitors found themselves back in the game just before half-time.
A long throw into the box from Tommy Speer found the head of Marcus Tudgay, the forward climbing highest to head beyond Loach to make it 2-1.
The goal added some interest to the encounter but despite some early Wednesday pressure after the break, the Hornets found their feet and ultimately their third goal.
A lay-off from Cleverley found Jon Harley within shooting distance, and the former Chelsea man arrowed the ball into the top corner to extend the lead on 53 minutes.
What was already a good night for the Watford faithful almost got better as Lloyd Doyley came close to grabbing his elusive first goal, the popular full-back unable to control his header after finding himself in scoring range.
The Hornets' fourth soon followed though, once more Cleverley got in behind the visiting defence with a mazy run before setting up Lansbury to drill home on 59 minutes.
A rout was on the cards but the Hornets could not add to their tally, instead managing to close the game out for a comfortable victory.
Manager Mackay took a moment to praise the impact of his loanees, along with the rest of the team:
"Henri and Tom deserve it, Henri scored good goals and both were heavily involved in the team ethic.
"We've got another nine in there who put in exactly the same performances as them every day in training, and they're helping those two flourish.
"The staff are absolutely delighted with the players' effort and application."
Mackay's men conceded a fifth minute Gareth McAuley header at Portman Road on Tuesday, only to grab a 94th minute equaliser.
The Hornets rode their luck throughout the match, but with Roy Keane's men lacking confidence, Nathan Ellington popped up deep in injury time to expertly volley home.
Watford continue to have one of the best away records in the league but face one of their toughest challenge of the season as they travel to third-placed West Brom on Saturday.
However only four points separate the two teams despite the eight positions dividing them in the league, the Hornets sitting in 11th place.
With Watford performing well on their travels and the league more open than ever, a good result at the Hawthorns is not unthinkable.
Meanwhile former CEO Mark Ashton has withdrawn his case against Watford Leisure PLC for breach of contract. Mr Ashton will receive no payments from the club's holding company and will contribute significant payments towards the legal costs accrued.
Watford FC's Community Sports and Education Trust are looking for highly motivated people to take part in a coaching programme.
There will be two identical workshops available on the evening of November 17 with the first running from 6.30pm until 7.30pm and the second running from 7.45pm until 8.45pm.
To book yourself on a workshop contact Anne-Marie Burn on 01923 496362.
For all the latest Hornets news keep your eye on www.hemeltoday.co.uk
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Weather for Tring
Saturday 26 May 2012
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