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Doncaster Rovers cancel out Danny Graham's debut strike

4:57pm Saturday 8th August 2009 in


Watford had to settle for a 1-1 draw from their opening game of the season against Doncaster Rovers at Vicarage Road this afternoon.

The Hornets took the lead in the 27th minute when the visiting defence failed to clear a Don Cowie free-kick from just outside the left of the penalty area, the ball ran through to last season’s top scorer Tommy Smith and his scuffed cross-shot fell perfectly for new boy Danny Graham to continue his hot pre-season form by tapping home from barely two yards out.

But the visitors drew level 11 minutes later when Scott Loach was beaten by an outstanding looping James Hayter header from all of 16 yards out, after the striker had got ahead of Lloyd Doyley to meet a Brian Stock cross.

Both sides went close after the break – Loach did very well to block a Dean Shiels close-range effort on the line, while Smith headed an Adrian Mariappa long throw narrowly wide of the far post – but neither was able to find the net for a second time.

To read how the game unfolded and have your say, click here

Watford: Loach; Mariappa, DeMerit, Williamson, Doyley; McAnuff (Hoskins, 76), Jenkins, Severin, Cowie; Graham, Smith. Not used: Harley, Lee, Ellington, Eustace, Bryan and Hodson.

Doncaster Rovers: Sullivan; Chambers, Hird, Lockwood, Roberts; Shiels (Coppinger, 67), Woods, Stock, Spicer (O’Connor, 87); Heffernan (Oster, 74), Hayter. Not used: Guy, Smith, Wilson and Dumbuya.

Bookings: None.

Attendance: 15,636.

Referee: Neil Swarbrick.

Comments(33)

WFC4ever says...
6:17pm Sat 8 Aug 09

Slow start (so at least we have a draw)...we did seem to lack pace to unsettle the Donny defence (they passed well and came for a point)

Excellent header....Loach couldn't do much about it and the positives include Graham scoring with general good forward play and Williamson/DeMerit pretty assured at the back.

In reality we looked pretty comfortable in the defence save for when I did think Doncaster had a very fair shout for a "ball across the line moment"

McAnuff seemed totally lost from the game and Smithy/Cowie didn't make the runs they usually can to threated.

Still if you know any Norwich fans they might need some cheering up!

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rupe says...
6:39pm Sat 8 Aug 09

Awful match - Mackay seemed to set the team out with one intention - not to lose and it was dreadful to watch. Severin and Jenkins are far too similiar so what is the point of playing them both Mackay? Jobi McAnuff was an utter disgrace, he simply could not be bothered and it is sickening that his obscene wages have actually increased this season. Graham was decent and Smith provided a spark. Woe betide us if Smith goes or one of those two gets an injury. It is imperative that THIS WEEK the club signs a replacement for Priskin and a creative midfield player or winger at the MINIMUM because this squad is simply not strong enough to even avoid relegation at this point. GET IN THE TRANSFER MARKET WATFORD.

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gef892 says...
7:10pm Sat 8 Aug 09

Rupe is totally right. Most gauling was what Makay had to say after. He is going to be one of those managers views it through rose coloured glasses. Delighted, well he must have been the only one. Rovers passed the ball around our midfield as though it wasn't there. Two away games to follow. Will take some work to something out of that. The only pleasing thing was Graham who does look the part, until he gets fed up with this sort of service.

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WFC4ever says...
7:25pm Sat 8 Aug 09

gef892 wrote:
Rupe is totally right. Most gauling was what Makay had to say after. He is going to be one of those managers views it through rose coloured glasses. Delighted, well he must have been the only one. Rovers passed the ball around our midfield as though it wasn't there. Two away games to follow. Will take some work to something out of that. The only pleasing thing was Graham who does look the part, until he gets fed up with this sort of service.
He should have made some changes earlier...that was the problem with Boothroyd.

When things weren't going well he waited and waited before it was too late.

What has happened to Travner...clearly Mackay doesn't have faith in him to even put the bloke on the bench when you consider its a right footed joke of a footballer at left back with Harley on the bench.

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herts hornet says...
7:26pm Sat 8 Aug 09

staggered by MM coments if he thinks we controlled ANY part of that game we are in trouble ,we were out passed ,our midfield was appalling ,how many shots did we rain down on sullivan in donny goal ? time for very fast wake up call all at WFC we need INVESTMENT in team now,no good selling all our decent players ,smith next out the door shortly ,i also hear Mike Williamson could follow out the door ,time for some explanations from the board ,we have reduced the squad massivley already no good keeping trying to find players in bargain basement because that is where our "recruitment team as MM calls them are doing . two massive points dropped today and in all honesty lucky to get one point ,cannot see us getting anything at Sheff Utd or forest unless some quality is added to this threadbare squad ,honeymoon over Mr Russos you cannot keep selling any asset we have !

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WFC4ever says...
7:32pm Sat 8 Aug 09

Thing is we haven't really saved that much money...the high earners of Sadler,Ellington and Eustace are still around which just shows what a mess Aidy and the old board did.

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HOOF says...
7:44pm Sat 8 Aug 09

Wow,some things never change on a saturday evening.
COYH.

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simpson says...
8:13pm Sat 8 Aug 09

early days. but mm coments are strange. i thought we were poor today. graham had good debut. midfield were poor, mcnuf clearly not fit and ready to play. i was looking at subs bench not realy seeing anyone i wanted to come on. maybe mm felt the same. doncaster played the same way they played last season, neet, tidy not the worst team in this division . what made me laugh was the guy next to me in the upper rouse praising their left back wishing we had a full back like him. WE DID.

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Henry VIII says...
10:09pm Sat 8 Aug 09

Interesting. The BBC report suggests that WFC finished the stronger and were a little unlucky not to win. It's all about opinions or onions if you can't spell. 8 draws so far in the Championship so I guess another close season in store. Hopefully the lack of clinical finishing will make for a move in the market this week - I think it will.

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bizlink says...
10:50pm Sat 8 Aug 09

Disagree with MM views of game but also OTT stuff from many on here.

Early days. Yes midfield was uncreative centrally and out of form on wings but we will be midtable once we settle down.

Loach at fault for goal IMO.

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the main one says...
12:14am Sun 9 Aug 09

here we go again, can't beat Dony at home!! Another pointless season.

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garyporter1 says...
4:37am Sun 9 Aug 09

What a load of rubbish posts. Someone who really understands the game knows that you cannot read anything into the first games of the season. It will take a good few weeks more to really get a feel for what this team is all about.

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Garston Tony says...
8:33am Sun 9 Aug 09

Not the best game in the world, but it was the 1st of a new season and it didnt reflect the doom and gloom that many thought this season would be. A few positives, a few places that need to improve. But thats pretty standard for a 1st game no? COuld have won it but a draws fair enough. MM probably just rying to be positive, agree shouldnt wait too long to make changes should changed be needed. Still positive about our prospects this season and great to see DG score.

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spidey says...
8:57am Sun 9 Aug 09

How many tools have to post on here peerleeease !!
Its the first game of the season you morons, ok it was not pretty in many aspects but we do have a new manager, new players and the first game is always cagey anyway. If your going to give up on the team after one game go and support someone else because its going to get a whole lot harder.
Basic fact we are at present a championship side that has got no money too spend, smith is more than likely going to go and we will end up with lower league replacements that are not tested at this level, or alternatively some pros coming to the end of their careers, if you cant accept that then go away, now is the time for support and nothing else !.
We will not know our fate for a while yet, so lets not jump the gun, before the end of August players will come and go and it will take time for the new boys to settle in, by the end of September we will have a much better idea of what season awaits us. And lastly can we stop mentioning the old board its done and finished, history cannot be changed. My only concern now is how long before the morons start blaming the Russo's ?,
Some Watford fans really do concern me, I have been a fan for over 25 years and have seen the ups and downs and in my oppinion thats what supporting your local team is about, its a whole lot easier to support a bigger more succesfull side but I can guarantee that when they win the premier league or champions league I bet a huge percentage of their supporters did not feel as elated as I did when we won the Play off finals and got promoted, we are Watford and I would not have it any other way ! .....

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derry pigweed says...
10:08am Sun 9 Aug 09

Early days it wasn't that bad ,Graham looked useful and the defence strong, you would expect Loach to save their goal but he made up for it with a fine save in the 2nd half,life was made difficult as we played with no wingers Cowie and Powderpuff were absent for most of the game
Doncaster are no mugs in this league

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Dagar says...
11:13am Sun 9 Aug 09

Well done Spidey - exactly right. Surely as supporters we should get behind the Club and the team. If you guys want instant success and big names support Chelsea or Man City.
I think the board are taking the club in the right direction - GT obviously agrees and his input helps to balance the passion of football with a level head.
On the football side i hope we can manage to keep Williamson and Smith for the season, as without doubt it will be more difficult one without them. But either way lets trust the board, who clearly have the stability and long term future of the club as their priority.
On a final note - to the load mouth who sat at the back of the Rookery hurling abuse from the 15th minute - Doyley plays left back the right back that you were shouting at was actually Mariappa - abuse is always better if you have asmall knowledge of the team you are shouting at.

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rupe says...
12:12pm Sun 9 Aug 09

Spidey, what a sanctimonious post. I too have been supporting Watford for 25 years, I have seen us play at 87 grounds etc etc In my book, support is about wanting the best for the club not about cheerleading and clapping like a seal if what is served up is utter detritus.

Jobi McAnuff was an utter disgrace yesterday, he is on obscene wages - does he deserve me clapping and cheering like a demented frog - NO.

Tamas Priskin was sold for what the club says is a good deal the day before the season starts. If a replacement isn't brought in before Tuesday, will that be acceptable - NO.

The mantra from other people - if you don't like it go and support Arsenal and Chelsea is akin to a medieval preacher telling his flock to flog themselves for their sins. If the club drop to another level then a lot of people will stop going and that is fact. If we go down, I will keep on going but it doesn't mean I will be full of joy after more miserable games of football such as yesterdays.

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djwatford says...
1:20pm Sun 9 Aug 09

Not a great game but at least there were a few positives.
Graham played well and gave his all.
I wasn't convinced when we signed him but if he keeps playing like that I'll have to eat my words.
I also liked the way AM played.He defends very well and also bombs forward.Unfortunatel
y he finishes like Doyley!
I think we all know it's going to be a season of struggle so a point isn't too bad.
I'm not going to knock Malky for his comments.He has to be positive and,after all,it's only the first game,which was played in very hot conditions.
It's going to take until the end of September to know what this team is capable of.Players will arrive and depart so let's get behind them otherwise this season will get even tougher.

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bigmickey says...
2:20pm Sun 9 Aug 09

I felt where we struggled was Smith playing up front and not out wide. This left Graham isolated for much of the time as smith was sucked into dropping deep. I wouldve taken Mcanuff off, smith wide and hoskins up front. Longer term we need another centre forward. I couldnt why Malky waited so long. It was hot out there though.

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grahamwfc says...
2:50pm Sun 9 Aug 09

I assume Rupe is the same Rupert that was on the radio 'phone in minutes after the game - certainly the same negative rubbish. Support through thick & thin or **** off - only glad I don't have to sit near you.
There were positives - Doncaster are not no hopers, they have a good manager & pass the ball well _I seem to recollect them taking Derby apart first game last season having just come up & Derby dropping down. I am sure the season will not be reflective of the first game.
Yes there is work to do & improvement to find but we are saddled with debt & work within the confines of that.
I notice you will be there come what may - well do us all a favour & don't bother if it causes you so much pain. What a truly NEGATIVE little individual you must be.
I'm with you Spidey - Rupe go away please. ooks like te password was made for you too
YEAH-WIND

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Berks Horn says...
3:16pm Sun 9 Aug 09

What a load of negative rubbish on here. It was the first game of the season and for me there were a lot of positives. The defence looked very solid and Graham looks an absolute steal for what we paid for him. And whilst MacAnuff looked out of sorts he was (a bit bafflingly) playing on the wrong side of the pitch!

BigMickey is right though - it didn't feel right with Tommy up front, we lacked his creativity from the wing. If we can get another striker in I reckon we'll do pretty well.

COYH!


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Yellowfever says...
5:43pm Sun 9 Aug 09

Ok we started the game with ten men, as mcanuff has hardley played all pre season, hes runing proved that he wasnt fit so dont blame him, graham ok looked good around the box but had no pace, team was never nearly as good going forward unlike last season, How can anyone say that was good, it wasnt rubbish but it just wasnt good.

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cliff46 says...
6:11pm Sun 9 Aug 09

Well said Spidey!!.
Not a great game but its very early days and Doncaster are much better than they are given credit for.
I thought Cowie and Mcinuff were very dissapointing.
I have no idea what Lloyd was doing for their goal.
Very impressed with Graham. Tommy had an average game but although he must be unsettled (admitedly probably his own fault)because of the transfer issue I admire the fact that he continues to give 100%. I realise that given the money he is on we should expect nothing less but as we all know there are many players--who would switch off totally.

I know we have to buy a forward or two from somewhere but I am still concerned about the lack of experienced cover at centre back.
With Jay away on Tuesday will we put the young lad in or bring in Harley at Left back, move Lloyd to right back and Mariappa to centre half, it might work against Barnet but not against the big boys in our division.
I know Severen and Lloyd can also play at centre back but it is very risky.

I don't agree with Herts Hornets about bargain basement players. Whats wrong with Williamson or Graham and Cowie??? All three of those players will do well for us and earn a decent profit when they eventually move on.
We won't get it right everytime obviously but surely its better than wasting big fees and/or big wages on the likes of McInuff, Ellington, Bromby, Sadler, Eustace, Poom.
I exclude Tommy from this group because although his wages might be high he did only cost £500k. Compared to the others he has been worth every penny

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smalon says...
7:05pm Sun 9 Aug 09

I wish you would shutup and go support someone else rupe. Every post I have ever read from you has been full of negativity. It was a dissapointing game but then so were a lot of the opening games as is normaly the case. It's obvious that the squad does need stengthening as we have lost 13 players over the summer but I expect us to make a couple of signings before the window shuts. I also expect Reading to come back in for Smithy soon following Judas comment on sky soccer saturday about trying to sign a couple of players soon and their own toothless opening display.
Overcoming adversity is part of the joy of supporting a smaller, local team so stop your whingeing and get behind the boys.

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WFC4ever says...
7:28pm Sun 9 Aug 09

I suppose it depends what people expect...personally not expecting much and whilst a bit disappointed we didn't seem that dangerous in attack hardly surprised we didn't get the win.

We never do well against teams you'd really hope to beat anyway!

In Watford style we'll win at Sheffield United.

Why do we have to get a striker in by Tuesday for it to be "acceptable" though?

I'd rather find the right man than just rush out and spend what little money we have on anyone which has happened in the past.

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Buckstops says...
9:39pm Sun 9 Aug 09

I think yesterday's performance was solid if unspectactular. The team are clearly getting used to a different tactician in MM. Lots of evidence of a more direct style - no probs with that so long as its less hopeful and more pinpoint accuracy.

Second half was better than first and to get a point from an avergae performance is OK.

Regardless - this is it - this squad is what we've got for better or for worse - so lets give them a chance....

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spidey says...
11:03pm Sun 9 Aug 09

Rupe there was nothing "sanctimonious " about my post. Its the first game of the season and you feel the need to find everything negative about the game and post on it, its THE FIRST GAME OF THE SEASON and we did not play that great, the same goes for 80% of the teams in our league. Its not a big man that can highlight the faults, we all see them and understand but whats the point in bringing it up so early in the season, find the positives about who we are , how we played and what players did good things (graham, JDM and williamson for starters) and move on. If you have really supported the team for 25 years you will know there has been a lot worse times then we are in now. Grow up and for once post something positive about what you have seen. Or like I said before go down the M1 and support Arsenal or Spurs its not that far you know, and you really wont be missed ...

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rupe says...
11:26pm Sun 9 Aug 09

Spidey, you tell me to grow up but you are like a 4 year old playing 'lets pretend'. Can you disagree with the following statement 'If Watford don't replace Tamas Priskin, sign a creative midfielder and retain Tommy Smith then they will be relegated'. Of course there have been worse times in the last 25 years but never in that time have we had a player such as McAnuff earning a five figure weekly wage playing with such utter disdain for the supporters. Why should I support Arsenal or Spurs - because I hae the temerity to not wear rose tinted glasses and have the audacity to say that your superheroes perhaps aren't really superheroes? There are thousands of lapsed Watford supporters who no longer go because they think the product is sub par, the club aren't 'better off without them' they are far worse off, but that won't register in your 'lets pretend' world will it.

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spidey says...
9:38am Mon 10 Aug 09

Its got nothing to do with playing lets pretend, I have never stated that we do not need to replace players, they were superheroes or even played well on Saturday what I said and what you seem to be missing is we have only played 1 game, we are in financial trouble and supporting a club has to be done through thick and thin. Like I said we can all pick up on the negatives but what good is that going to do. So with that in mind please can you give a positive response to how you would resolve any issues the club has at present taking into consideration that we have no money at all ?
The only thing we can and should do is support the club as best as we can and negativity will do nothing for that, That does not mean we should ignore any faults and not bring them up but lets not always finish on a negative just for once look for the good in our current predicament which sometimes certain fans fail to do. Half empty or half full ?

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watfordal says...
1:39pm Mon 10 Aug 09

All felt a bit flat to me. Still it's always nice to go to the first game. MM was right to say that we finished strongly. We did. Shame we're a football club not an athletics club. Even more amazing given that we'd spent the first 45 minutes chasing shadows. Still, apparently one shouldn't be too critical after the first game of the season, and obviously I've got to get "behind the lads". So, the positives? Well the weather was lovely, the roads were quiet, Tommy was on the pitch and we've got a new centre forward who looked the part. The negatives. Well hadenuff was awful but he's not fit, ( well why effing pick him when Hoskins is on the bench then?), Lloyd put in a comedy display, ( when it comes near you Lloyd you're meant to try and clear it OK not watch him power a header home from 18 yards), and did that look a bit like a return to Hoofball or was it a bad dream? Please Malky NO. I couldn't take it again. Never seen Severin before. Heard good things about him. Shame him and Jenkins appear to do the identical. Thought Eustace did that sort of thing as well. Cowie was poor which worries me cos I think he's quality.
Defence looked OK, but Donny were hardly big and physical. All in all sort of Ok....ish. I can't see us finishing that far away from Donny to be fair, and I think they'll be alright, so therefore will we l..........unless TS does go, and then we won't have much at all. Off to see Micah tomorrow........oh if he were ten years younger and would come for his current wages.

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WFC4ever says...
3:45pm Mon 10 Aug 09

I am not sure Doyley just stood there at such for the goal...just outjumped by the striker.


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cliff46 says...
5:31pm Mon 10 Aug 09

Lloyd didn't jump at all, he watched!!

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WFC4ever says...
10:08pm Mon 10 Aug 09

cliff46 wrote:
Lloyd didn't jump at all, he watched!!
Have to see it again but did think he made some sort of effort to jump but got no-where near.

Anyway the goal all started from when McAnuff just stood around watching their number 8 cross the ball rather than going for a block.

Great header but we could have avoided that although TBH they deserved a point and our goal was partly down to some awful defending.

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