This one's for you, mum
An astonishing maiden goal for Lloyd Doyley sent Vicarage Road into raptures on Monday night and inspired Watford to a 3-1 win over QPR.
After 269 goalless games spanning more than 10 years for the Hornets, the popular full-back set Watford alight with a blistering diving header just before half-time and set his team on their way to a fourth consecutive home victory.
When he finally opened his account for the club, Doyley dedicated the goal to the memory of his mother, who passed away five months ago.
The defender has barely had a hint of goal during his career in West Hertfordshire, but another confident and astute performance from 'Lloydinho' was eventually rewarded.
While defeat at Newcastle on Saturday saw the Hornets away woes continue, a typically gutsy effort against Rangers saw Malky Mackay's men fight back from a goal down.
Mackay was without Heidar Helguson, who could not play against his loan club, and Henri Lansbury was also absent through injury.
The wizardry of Tom Cleverley once more gave Watford a telling edge in attack but the youngster's first shot sailed just wide on 19 minutes.
Don Cowie saw his volley blocked with the Hornets in the ascendancy, but the threat of the visitors' talented forward-line came to a head with just over 30 minutes on the clock, as Jim Magilton's side took the lead.
A through ball found Patrick Agyemang in space and the big forward rifled a shot beyond Scott Loach to make it 1-0.
Despite falling behind, Mackay's hungry outfit went in search of an equaliser.
After a threatening spell of pressure before the interval, it came, albeit from the most unlikely source.
A miscued volley from Cowie found the stooping head of Doyley at the far post, and jubilant scenes ensued as the ball crashed into the roof of the net.
The defender appeared to be overwhelmed and unsure how to react to such a moment, but his delight was for all to see.
With the stadium still rocking, Nathan Ellington was unlucky to see his header saved by Radek Cerny after the break.
Momentum was certainly with the Hornets and the deadly duo of Cleverley and Cowie put their team in front soon after.
Cleverley brought the ball forward and laid it off for the Scot to smash into the far corner on 55 minutes.
A Jon Harley volley almost added a third before Scott Loach parried away a stinging shot by Adel Taarabt.
Further chances fell for Doyley and Cleverley but as the game wore on the visitors became more intent on finding an equaliser.
However the calming presence of returning substitute Jay Demerit helped Watford stay firm at the back and a late third was the reward.
A breakaway attack saw Danny Graham play in the tireless Cleverley and the Man Utd youngster calmly converted in the one-on-one situation, wrapping up all three points for the hosts.
Manager Mackay lavished Doyley with praise not only for his goal, but for his overall attitude and performance in his time with the club.
"It is a great testament to him. He has had a tough time this year, he lost one of his parents," he said.
"He is someone that, any of the youngsters, he is the guy to look at, talk to and emulate.
"I think he is one of the best one-v-one defenders in the league."
The result means Watford jump all the way from 12th to the Championship's final playoff spot in sixth place.
Mackay's men briefly fell into mid-table after a 2-0 defeat at St James' Park on Saturday.
Despite an assured showing from the Hornets, a weak back-pass from Craig Cathcart set up Peter Lovenkrands to open the scoring on 20 minutes.
Hope of a result was restored four minutes after the break as Magpies captain Kevin Nolan was sent off for a second yellow card.
But a spectacular 83rd-minute strike from Fabrice Pancrate sealed the win for the hosts.
The Hornets will look to establish their new position with another home victory over Derby on Saturday, and you can guarantee that a certain full-back will have his shooting boots on
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Weather for Tring
Saturday 26 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 11 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
Wind direction: East
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Sunny
Temperature: 11 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
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