Late drama as Watford come from behind to beat Crystal Palace thanks to Udinese loanees

Watford were set to start their Championship campaign with a 2-1 defeat with two minutes of normal time remaining against Crystal Palace, but late goals from Udinese loanees Almen Abdi and Matej Vydra secured all three points for the visitors.

A lively first half saw Palace’s Owen Garvan score either side of Martin Taylor’s goal from close range.

The second half was a quieter affair until the dying minutes when Julian Speroni once again helped the Hornets by letting Abdi’s strike squirm past him and then Vydra curled the winner deep into injury time.

Both sides were without several players for their season opener. Palace went into the contest without Patrick McCarthy, Glenn Murray, Jermaine Easter and Jonathan Williams. And only two of Watford’s new signings started – Manuel Almunia and Abdi – with Vydra on the bench.

We believe Vydra was left out because he had only played 45 minutes prior to last week’s game, when he played the full 120 minutes, and might have been struggling fitness wise.

Daniel Pudil, Fitz Hall, Steve Leo Beleck and Alex Geijo were all major doubts, or had been ruled out, going into the contest.

Watford struggled to score against Wycombe Wanderers last week, and Tottenham Hotspur the week before, but the Hornets’ attacking threat was boosted by the return of Sean Murray.

And the youngster made an immediate impact as he cut on to his right foot and picked out Joe Garner with a cross after just four minutes, but the striker’s header went wide of the near post.

Watford played some decent football at times and spent plenty of time in Palace’s half and Garner’s header was immediately followed by a 20-yard half volley from Abdi, which was easily held by Julian Speroni.

Two of the Championship’s brightest stars were on show in Murray and Wilfried Zaha and it was the tricky winger who had Palace’s first effort at goal, dragging his long-range effort wide of the near post.

And the highly-rated Zaha also created the opening goal when he turned two Watford defenders on the edge of the area and then showed great pace to burst into the area and he was brought down by Eustace for a penalty.

Garvan dispatched the spot kick into the top corner despite Almunia going the right way.

Watford seemed to respond well though and hit the cross bar when Joe Garner climbed highest to head Mark Yeates’ cross.

And moments later the game was level as Murray’s shot from the corner of the area was spilled by Speroni and Taylor stabbed the ball home from six yards out.

He might have been one of the smaller players on the pitch but Garner again jumped highest to head wide but it didn’t take long for Palace to regain the lead.

Abdi lost concentration for a second and despite his efforts at a recovery, Garvan strolled into the Watford area and slotted home from 12 yards.

Watford were not looking comfortable defensively and it could have been worse had Murray not headed Dikgacoi’s header off the line from a corner.

The visitors continued to push forward but apart from a couple of tame long-distance efforts from Yeates, Carl Dickinson and John Eustace, they failed to create anything of note before the break.

The second half was not as action-packed as the first and the first real chance did not arrive until around the hour mark. The Hornets should have levelled when Dickinson’s free kick was deflected into the path of Eustace but the captain fired over from just eight yards out.

Zola acted quickly in search of an equaliser as he took off Eustace and brought on Vydra with more than half hour remaining.

And the young forward almost made an immediate impact as his skill on the right released Doyley and his cross fell to Murray on the edge of the area but the midfielder’s first-time effort went comfortably over.

It wasn’t one of Murray’s best days despite his best efforts but the youngster did force Speroni into a save with a 25-yard free kick – the first time he was put on set piece duty.

Watford were not playing badly and were enjoying more territory than the hosts. Dickinson was next to go close as his long-range shot went over following Vydra’s blocked effort.

Palace had to wait until the final quarter of an hour for their first decent chance when Mile Zedinak headed on to the rook of the net from a corner.

It looked as though Watford were set to start their Championship campaign with a defeat until, with two minutes of normal time remaining, Abdi tried his luck from distance and the ball squirmed past Speroni who could only help the ball on his way. It will have to go down as another Speroni error.

Watford were searching for the winner and Iwelumo forced Speroni into a save with a header in injury time.

And then in the final minute of injury time, Vydra cut into the left-side of the area and curled a 12-yard shot into the far corner to win it for Watford in dramatic fashion.

Palace: Speroni; Ward, Ramage, Martin, Moxey; Dilgacoi, Jedinak, Garvan; Zaha, Wilbraham, Parr (Wright 72).

Subs: Price, O’Keefe, Appiah, De Silva, Parsons, Sekajja.

Watford: Almunia; Doyley, Nosworthy, Taylor, Dickinson; Eustace (Vydra 59), Hogg, Abdi; Yeates, Garner, Murray.

Subs: Bond, Thompson, Hodson, Forsyth.

Referee: Andy D’Urso.

Attendance: 17,109 (1,690).

Comments(92)

Watfordy2407 says...
5:12pm Sat 18 Aug 12

That's matej

hornets09 says...
5:15pm Sat 18 Aug 12

matej vydra he scores when he wants.!!

neil-bs says...
5:15pm Sat 18 Aug 12

Better late than never! Well done Watford!

hornets09 says...
5:15pm Sat 18 Aug 12

matej vydra he scores when he wants.!!

Mangoputney says...
5:24pm Sat 18 Aug 12

Zola's sexy football - coming from behind!

Get in!

jasonwatford says...
5:27pm Sat 18 Aug 12

He scores when he wants !! majec vydra he score when he wants !!!

abbotshornet says...
5:29pm Sat 18 Aug 12

Why was Vydra on the bench, he was the best player on the pitch against Wycombe? Great result, don't leave it so late next time. COYH!

Hatfieldhorn says...
5:40pm Sat 18 Aug 12

Well done lads , and well done any Watford fans that made it over to Palace , but could you please put up your own match reports as soon as you get back. But couldnt blame you for staying out for some cold ones .
Taylors scores ! ! ! Get In ! ! !

Hatfieldhorn says...
5:48pm Sat 18 Aug 12

AS in when did Iwelumo come on ? the Wobbley hasnt listed him yet his in the match report

bishopofwatford says...
5:56pm Sat 18 Aug 12

Hiho

It appears that the team talk given by t
Our new chief ,father gorgon, has worked apparent miracles ....which pleasantly surprises as I had no idea so many of our choir could perform to that style or indeed were fluent in Latin!!

On more mundane matters I have to pass on my thanks to our odd job
Tsar , mr dithers, who was left in in considerable hardship when our previous squire ,Llawless basin made
Of with what he took to be the keys the the offertory......sadly for mr dithers the were actually his keys to his wife's chastity belt...I'm afraid that one is over my head...still mr dithers has put out
On urgent call for a discrete locksmith!

COYH

D.unstable says...
5:59pm Sat 18 Aug 12

Great result, couldn't get there today, but when it came up 2-2 thought will take that, but then a great late winner....roll on Tuesday, get to the Vic and cheer the boys on.

We must be top of the league, is it goals scored or goal difference, can never remember?

D.unstable says...
6:01pm Sat 18 Aug 12

bishopofwatford wrote:
Hiho

It appears that the team talk given by t
Our new chief ,father gorgon, has worked apparent miracles ....which pleasantly surprises as I had no idea so many of our choir could perform to that style or indeed were fluent in Latin!!

On more mundane matters I have to pass on my thanks to our odd job
Tsar , mr dithers, who was left in in considerable hardship when our previous squire ,Llawless basin made
Of with what he took to be the keys the the offertory......sadly for mr dithers the were actually his keys to his wife's chastity belt...I'm afraid that one is over my head...still mr dithers has put out
On urgent call for a discrete locksmith!

COYH
What the **** are you on about, assume you are talking in code to some other alien being.

Tynedale Hornet says...
6:05pm Sat 18 Aug 12

I would assume that about half of the 'fans' who posted on this site after the Wycombe game are absolutely distraught about this late comeback. So utterly devastated that they seem to have disappeared from the forum.

Iveco Kit any day! says...
6:09pm Sat 18 Aug 12

I touched Lloyd Doyley. Just saying.

andyhooked says...
6:09pm Sat 18 Aug 12

A great result and thought against the odds as I watched the score come in on Sky News. At least I have the crowing rghts with one of my best friends (a lady) and neither of us could make the match. Thought it was going to be another Selhurst stuffing.

Yellowfever says...
6:11pm Sat 18 Aug 12

Conner smith and big chris came on for murray and garner with about 15 mins left, it was zolas last roll of the dice and it worked! wobby report abit of a miss again!

PurpleRalph says...
6:17pm Sat 18 Aug 12

bishopofwatford wrote:
Hiho

It appears that the team talk given by t
Our new chief ,father gorgon, has worked apparent miracles ....which pleasantly surprises as I had no idea so many of our choir could perform to that style or indeed were fluent in Latin!!

On more mundane matters I have to pass on my thanks to our odd job
Tsar , mr dithers, who was left in in considerable hardship when our previous squire ,Llawless basin made
Of with what he took to be the keys the the offertory......sadly for mr dithers the were actually his keys to his wife's chastity belt...I'm afraid that one is over my head...still mr dithers has put out
On urgent call for a discrete locksmith!

COYH
Yawn - Why are you still posting this 5hite.
Writing like a bishop may seem oh so funny and clever to you but everyone else thinks you are a prize pr1ck.

dmuz says...
6:20pm Sat 18 Aug 12

PurpleRalph wrote:
bishopofwatford wrote:
Hiho

It appears that the team talk given by t
Our new chief ,father gorgon, has worked apparent miracles ....which pleasantly surprises as I had no idea so many of our choir could perform to that style or indeed were fluent in Latin!!

On more mundane matters I have to pass on my thanks to our odd job
Tsar , mr dithers, who was left in in considerable hardship when our previous squire ,Llawless basin made
Of with what he took to be the keys the the offertory......sadly for mr dithers the were actually his keys to his wife's chastity belt...I'm afraid that one is over my head...still mr dithers has put out
On urgent call for a discrete locksmith!

COYH
Yawn - Why are you still posting this 5hite.
Writing like a bishop may seem oh so funny and clever to you but everyone else thinks you are a prize pr1ck.
Lighten up PR.

Lloydinio says...
6:22pm Sat 18 Aug 12

abbotshornet wrote:
Why was Vydra on the bench, he was the best player on the pitch against Wycombe? Great result, don't leave it so late next time. COYH!
as the WO say " We believe Vydra was left out because he had only played 45 minutes prior to last week’s game, when he played the full 120 minutes, and might have been struggling fitness wise." also COYH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!assomba
longa!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!...
...!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!y
ay!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
!!

Bringe says...
6:29pm Sat 18 Aug 12

This was a ... 4-0 defeat last season, I think that say's enough. Yes the goals against were sloppy but I know we are better than that, especially when Pudil is available again.
Pozzo's don't spend big so as soon as I read Vydra cost them £3m as a 16 year old I knew he must be a bit special. No wonder Zola say's he'll be important.

Crab football? ... not on your life!

No Wheels says...
6:37pm Sat 18 Aug 12

so, by my reckoning, we climbed 19 places in two minutes. quite a turnaround...

SAHornet says...
7:04pm Sat 18 Aug 12

Let's face it, if we'd been beaten by a solitary goal in a close game we would have said that wasn't a bad start to the season and GZ can build on it but this..........wayhey
, well done you golden Boys and well done GZ - we're off and running. Over the moon !

SAHornet says...
7:19pm Sat 18 Aug 12

jasonwatford wrote:
He scores when he wants !! majec vydra he score when he wants !!!
Seen your previous quotes, turncoat. You don't know when you've got a good thing going.

lutondown says...
7:42pm Sat 18 Aug 12

SAHornet wrote:
jasonwatford wrote:
He scores when he wants !! majec vydra he score when he wants !!!
Seen your previous quotes, turncoat. You don't know when you've got a good thing going.
Yes old Jason has done a 360 turn from his post on team selection!
But not a day for point scoring against fellow Horns just a day to enjoy a great comeback against Palarse!
Are you watching are you watching are you watching Corbyson?
Well played Zola, we are witnessing the rotating squad and impact subs. Looking forward to the other new guys getting their fitness levels up.
It's going to be a very competitive championship, more so than usual

hemelhorn87 says...
7:49pm Sat 18 Aug 12

Was at the game today, brilliant 5 minutes of football, make sure to see how the players celebrate that vydra goal, didn't look like scoring in the second half, Garner isolated but did alright. Yeates poor, Murray looked tired. Abdi and hogg were very good as was vydra when he came on.

That winning goal is up there with one of the best wfc moments, especially to see almunia (solid throughout) running the length of the pitch to celebrate. YELLOWSSSSS

dal8oy says...
7:57pm Sat 18 Aug 12

We played well. Kept the ball well but our passing led to their goals. To be fair though it was their only real chances on goal. Not sure it was a pen and how their player waltzed though our center backs for their second I will never know. That apart WFC controlled the game and that was key in the heat as CP were chasing long balls at the end. Have to say Vydra was outstanding and the CP defenders were scared of him. All in all we deserved to win the game but have to be careful about defending like that against better teams because I think GP will be in the bottom half of the table this season.

jasonwatford says...
8:18pm Sat 18 Aug 12

First off SA Hornet why dont you move your arse back to uk instead of comments from far away...turncoat how ?? As for you lutondown any more bandwagons you try to jump on your get a sore arse my son. Starting line up i said was rubbish...so i think you will find that had we kept that starting line up for 90 minutes we wouldnt be talking about a 3-2 win would we ?? Vydra if you read my posts u moron i said was best player last week and reminded me of a young helguson....therefor
e i guess when the hopeless garner went off and then Eustace who didnt have his best game im told and murray who was knackered and caught with the ball a few times all went off changes were made we were better. SA Hornet dont try to ruin my night coz im here will be at the vic tuesday unlike you. And yes he scores when he wants.....both of u a right pair of T@@@

buckler says...
8:20pm Sat 18 Aug 12

Great crack before and great comeback and 3 points! Quality day and if any of the do-gooders want to know if Watford should take Deeney back think our support made that clear! #ZolasBarmyArmy

dal8oy says...
8:27pm Sat 18 Aug 12

buckler wrote:
Great crack before and great comeback and 3 points! Quality day and if any of the do-gooders want to know if Watford should take Deeney back think our support made that clear! #ZolasBarmyArmy
Not sure he would get in the team to be fair. Alex Geijo will up to speed soon and from what Ive seen of him he is head and shoulders better than TD.

brianwfc says...
8:31pm Sat 18 Aug 12

We were there in the Posh seats behind goal...Ref for once in his life had a good match and was spot on for penalty....our captain was not at his best today....Brilliant come back made only because we attacked the ball unlike Palace who stood off it..Zola is right he needs time to get this style right and players to adapt but,they will as there is talent in the squad no doubt...Great to score at the death and team spirit showed at the end....we didnt touch LLoyd.....!!!!

smalon says...
8:39pm Sat 18 Aug 12

Iveco Kit any day! wrote:
I touched Lloyd Doyley. Just saying.
Where did you touch him?
Is this a police matter?

jasonwatford says...
8:49pm Sat 18 Aug 12

whoever touched lloyd...down with the deeney your going down with the deeney

SAHornet says...
8:52pm Sat 18 Aug 12

jasonwatford wrote:
First off SA Hornet why dont you move your arse back to uk instead of comments from far away...turncoat how ?? As for you lutondown any more bandwagons you try to jump on your get a sore arse my son. Starting line up i said was rubbish...so i think you will find that had we kept that starting line up for 90 minutes we wouldnt be talking about a 3-2 win would we ?? Vydra if you read my posts u moron i said was best player last week and reminded me of a young helguson....therefor

e i guess when the hopeless garner went off and then Eustace who didnt have his best game im told and murray who was knackered and caught with the ball a few times all went off changes were made we were better. SA Hornet dont try to ruin my night coz im here will be at the vic tuesday unlike you. And yes he scores when he wants.....both of u a right pair of T@@@
Not going to bother to debate with you Jason because anyone that uses that old chestnut, "you can't be a fan if you live far away", frankly isn't worth the time or effort. Will only say that you seem to need a little help with your anger management, fella.

@ChrisBottom16 says...
8:59pm Sat 18 Aug 12

brianwfc wrote:
We were there in the Posh seats behind goal...Ref for once in his life had a good match and was spot on for penalty....our captain was not at his best today....Brilliant come back made only because we attacked the ball unlike Palace who stood off it..Zola is right he needs time to get this style right and players to adapt but,they will as there is talent in the squad no doubt...Great to score at the death and team spirit showed at the end....we didnt touch LLoyd.....!!!!
"The ref had a good match"... You either are the ref or you are related...?! He was one of the poorest i have seen.

jasonwatford says...
9:02pm Sat 18 Aug 12

Stick to south african football mate......thats all your good for.

Casterbridge says...
9:07pm Sat 18 Aug 12

You're with us all the way in spirit, SAHornet. That's all that matters.

jasonwatford says...
9:11pm Sat 18 Aug 12

in spirit would be fine by me

smalon says...
9:19pm Sat 18 Aug 12

jasonwatford wrote:
whoever touched lloyd...down with the deeney your going down with the deeney
What a horrible image, I feel violated.

Stoney77 says...
9:21pm Sat 18 Aug 12

jasonwatford wrote:
First off SA Hornet why dont you move your arse back to uk instead of comments from far away...turncoat how ?? As for you lutondown any more bandwagons you try to jump on your get a sore arse my son. Starting line up i said was rubbish...so i think you will find that had we kept that starting line up for 90 minutes we wouldnt be talking about a 3-2 win would we ?? Vydra if you read my posts u moron i said was best player last week and reminded me of a young helguson....therefor

e i guess when the hopeless garner went off and then Eustace who didnt have his best game im told and murray who was knackered and caught with the ball a few times all went off changes were made we were better. SA Hornet dont try to ruin my night coz im here will be at the vic tuesday unlike you. And yes he scores when he wants.....both of u a right pair of T@@@
So you admit to stating the starting line up was rubbish? Well at least that's something? BUT Ive got 3 things to say: Firstly, if Vydra had started, he would have been spent by halftime.
Instead, he came on and changed the game. Great Management by GZ.
Furthermore, the only other team members who came on were Iwelumo and Smith - and so secondly, I'm sure if Iwelumo had been on the starting team sheet instead of Garner your negative comments on the other thread would have been exactly the same. Thirdly, you cannot seriously try and argue that you think Connor Smith should have started. I'd be interested to hear your comments in response.

@ChrisBottom16 says...
9:22pm Sat 18 Aug 12

Firstly, that has to go down as one of the hottest matches i have ever been to! And a trip down memory lane havin a wooden seat! I'd love to know where the anti Pozzo's and the moaners and booer's from last week are hiding.... We kept the ball well, we looked to pass at every opportunity and there were glimpses of some real attacking flair football. Considering bar 2 players we played with last seasons team i think the result was very special and you can see that when the newbies are fit we for once will be a force to be reckoned with! I think its also worth noting that the team never gave up, competed and played to the very last second. Prephaps one of the most encouraging things to see was that when Vydra scored, every single player including Almunia went to the fans to celebrate! Also the support was immense from start to finnish and for 94 minutes we outsang the other 3 sides of the stadiums! Lets bring that to the Vic!

Stoney77 says...
9:24pm Sat 18 Aug 12

@ChrisBottom16 wrote:
brianwfc wrote:
We were there in the Posh seats behind goal...Ref for once in his life had a good match and was spot on for penalty....our captain was not at his best today....Brilliant come back made only because we attacked the ball unlike Palace who stood off it..Zola is right he needs time to get this style right and players to adapt but,they will as there is talent in the squad no doubt...Great to score at the death and team spirit showed at the end....we didnt touch LLoyd.....!!!!
"The ref had a good match"... You either are the ref or you are related...?! He was one of the poorest i have seen.
From what I saw on sky sports, and I replayed it several times, it looked like Eustace clearly got the ball and the striker then fell over his legs?!

@ChrisBottom16 says...
9:34pm Sat 18 Aug 12

Stoney77 wrote:
@ChrisBottom16 wrote:
brianwfc wrote:
We were there in the Posh seats behind goal...Ref for once in his life had a good match and was spot on for penalty....our captain was not at his best today....Brilliant come back made only because we attacked the ball unlike Palace who stood off it..Zola is right he needs time to get this style right and players to adapt but,they will as there is talent in the squad no doubt...Great to score at the death and team spirit showed at the end....we didnt touch LLoyd.....!!!!
"The ref had a good match"... You either are the ref or you are related...?! He was one of the poorest i have seen.
From what I saw on sky sports, and I replayed it several times, it looked like Eustace clearly got the ball and the striker then fell over his legs?!
Mate the ref was a joke! it wernt a penalty by a million miles and the whole match he gave things the wrong way or not at all! Vydra was far to tricky for the palace deffence and they kicked him all over the place and no free kicks..

jasonwatford says...
9:35pm Sat 18 Aug 12

I would play big chris in front of garner any day of the week and although he is not the answer he does cause havoc for defenders..smith as sub thats fine...whats makes you certain vydra wouldnt last 90 mins then ??? he played 45 at gillingham and under zoal own admission he wasnt meant to play 120 mins against wycombe but he did didnt he as he couldnt take him off as our best player. So your not sure and nor is anyone else cause i bet if you asked him this morning he would have said yes i want to play. In that starting line up i find the use of garner and yeats is like playing with 9 players

radlettman says...
10:07pm Sat 18 Aug 12

Tynedale Hornet wrote:
I would assume that about half of the 'fans' who posted on this site after the Wycombe game are absolutely distraught about this late comeback. So utterly devastated that they seem to have disappeared from the forum.
Nah ..... I was enjoying Fulham !

Holly68 says...
10:35pm Sat 18 Aug 12

Great Win, wasn't there, was lying round the pool in Greece and feeling pretty low when 88 minutes had gone, then a click of the refresh button on my iPhone Bbc site said Abdi 2-2, was then pleased and relieved. Couldnt effing believe it when clicked refresh again and had to stare twice to believe it was 3-2 to the Golden Boys ! Brilliant start, but feet firmly on the ground though, as could get a smacked **** Tuesday, so one small (very small) step for Zola and the Team.

Ps. All this petty arguing on this forum is getting tedious ! We all can say silly things on heat of moment, if we'd lost I'm sure there would be more negative comments, BUT FOR ONCE CAN WE ALL SING FROM THE SAME POSITIVE HYMN SHEET AND LET BYGONES BE BYGONES, WE FCKIN WON AT PALACE :-)

jasonwatford says...
10:57pm Sat 18 Aug 12

love u holly !!

gazmondo says...
11:04pm Sat 18 Aug 12

a great result beat one of our bogey teams at there place,now its ipswich who we havent lost 2 in about 15 games with something like 13 wins and 2 draws,if we shoot from distance we should score thay got a dodgy keeper who cant save long range shots.

Jatt597 says...
11:07pm Sat 18 Aug 12

I was at the game...and i have to say i thought we had at least over 60% of possession..we played them of the park they were so crap and then sky sports says we only had 48%... there was no way they had more possession then us!!

lutondown says...
11:15pm Sat 18 Aug 12

jasonwatford wrote:
love u holly !!
You only sing when we're losing, sing when we're losing
Walking along singing a song walking in old Corbys blunder land
LOL!

Bush Hornet says...
11:32pm Sat 18 Aug 12

Stoney77 wrote:
jasonwatford wrote:
First off SA Hornet why dont you move your arse back to uk instead of comments from far away...turncoat how ?? As for you lutondown any more bandwagons you try to jump on your get a sore arse my son. Starting line up i said was rubbish...so i think you will find that had we kept that starting line up for 90 minutes we wouldnt be talking about a 3-2 win would we ?? Vydra if you read my posts u moron i said was best player last week and reminded me of a young helguson....therefor


e i guess when the hopeless garner went off and then Eustace who didnt have his best game im told and murray who was knackered and caught with the ball a few times all went off changes were made we were better. SA Hornet dont try to ruin my night coz im here will be at the vic tuesday unlike you. And yes he scores when he wants.....both of u a right pair of T@@@
So you admit to stating the starting line up was rubbish? Well at least that's something? BUT Ive got 3 things to say: Firstly, if Vydra had started, he would have been spent by halftime.
Instead, he came on and changed the game. Great Management by GZ.
Furthermore, the only other team members who came on were Iwelumo and Smith - and so secondly, I'm sure if Iwelumo had been on the starting team sheet instead of Garner your negative comments on the other thread would have been exactly the same. Thirdly, you cannot seriously try and argue that you think Connor Smith should have started. I'd be interested to hear your comments in response.
Agree Stoney except I'm not interested in hearing Jason's response. He seems a bit tiresome at the moment. Like a spoiled kid who knows he's done wrong but still wants to play up.

I'm heterosexual but I really love Gianfranco right now. NOTHING WRONG WITH TEAM SPIRIT is there eh? We can play the beautiful game and have determined togetherness. LOVE IT

LE PARK says...
12:22am Sun 19 Aug 12

Wow

Surrey Hornet says...
12:31am Sun 19 Aug 12

jasonwatford wrote:
I would play big chris in front of garner any day of the week and although he is not the answer he does cause havoc for defenders..smith as sub thats fine...whats makes you certain vydra wouldnt last 90 mins then ??? he played 45 at gillingham and under zoal own admission he wasnt meant to play 120 mins against wycombe but he did didnt he as he couldnt take him off as our best player. So your not sure and nor is anyone else cause i bet if you asked him this morning he would have said yes i want to play. In that starting line up i find the use of garner and yeats is like playing with 9 players
Jason, pretty much agree with everything there, Chris is much more of a presence than Garner, Vydra lasted all 120 mins last week without any problems fitness wise. Lastly Yeates and Garner are two of the worst players I've seen in recent memory at WFC. Once Geijo and Pudil are fit, replacing Garner and Dickinson (who also isn't good enough in my opinion) and Vydra starting instead of Yeates, we will have a competitive team for this season. As for Tuesday would be nice for 3 more points against a team we have a decent record against

D.unstable says...
12:51am Sun 19 Aug 12

Great goals, in particular Vydra so late on. so many half empty stadiums, thought we were in a recession although seems everyone is on holiday.

Beds Horn says...
2:15am Sun 19 Aug 12

Murray looked half a stone over weight and was v poor, brave substitution taking the captain off and Vydra looks like Helguson on speed. High quality goal and a great improvised take from an awful pass from Yeats who seemed to claim an assist laughably. I sat in the Palace end just behind the Watford bench and it was interesting to see the coach (dont know his name) making a number of the tactical decisions and talking to GZ before the subs. Abdi is quality, although it'll take him a few weeks to get up to pace, Vydra is gonna be the difference. If we can keep him fit he is a match winner. Lloyd also did very well and Hogg was solid. JE and the defence when Zaha ran at them looked vulnerable.
A bit more quality up front (Garner was hardworking but ineffective again) and i think it could be an interesting season. Bring on ipswich.

Henry VIII says...
2:37am Sun 19 Aug 12

Well, what a great start to a new and hopefully exciting season. We were the away team and had 13 shots to their 4 which says a lot. So pleased for everyone associated with the club, winning on opening day is always such a great feeling. As others have said, it was almost the same team as last year, but it really does sound like we do have a few quality additions. I am pleased for Zola as well, I have never met the man but he seems a true gent, he has already asked the fans for time and I hope that he gets that, he deserves that - and how wonderful for it to be US who scors in the 93rd minute, let alone 89th!! Feeling pretty good right now, it's only one game, but it's one win and one earned at a tricky place. Movin' on.....

lutondown says...
7:21am Sun 19 Aug 12

jasonwatford wrote:
First off SA Hornet why dont you move your arse back to uk instead of comments from far away...turncoat how ?? As for you lutondown any more bandwagons you try to jump on your get a sore arse my son. Starting line up i said was rubbish...so i think you will find that had we kept that starting line up for 90 minutes we wouldnt be talking about a 3-2 win would we ?? Vydra if you read my posts u moron i said was best player last week and reminded me of a young helguson....therefor

e i guess when the hopeless garner went off and then Eustace who didnt have his best game im told and murray who was knackered and caught with the ball a few times all went off changes were made we were better. SA Hornet dont try to ruin my night coz im here will be at the vic tuesday unlike you. And yes he scores when he wants.....both of u a right pair of T@@@
Right that's it I'm getting an extra large dum dum for you! You're so nasty when your angry...LOL
Anyway you old Growler, he's still playing with the majority of last seasons team until the new boys are ready. So if we can burgle a few wins until that time, it could be tasty.
And in the future buddy boy sit to my left so my deaf ear will block out all our moaning and groaning, jeez, take a chill pill we won!
Got to say this as well, you do look familiar! Lol

dal8oy says...
8:01am Sun 19 Aug 12

Jatt597 wrote:
I was at the game...and i have to say i thought we had at least over 60% of possession..we played them of the park they were so crap and then sky sports says we only had 48%... there was no way they had more possession then us!!
Yep I agree. I cant for one minute believe Palace had more possession than us, unless they count the time the ball was in the air or off the pitch automatically as theirs. Having said that even if that was the case I still think we had more possession. Maybe it was right its just that when we had the ball we actually did something positive with it!!! ;-)

SAHornet says...
8:50am Sun 19 Aug 12

Casterbridge wrote:
You're with us all the way in spirit, SAHornet. That's all that matters.
Thanks mate, that's appreciated.

@ChrisBottom16 says...
8:52am Sun 19 Aug 12

Surrey Hornet wrote:
jasonwatford wrote:
I would play big chris in front of garner any day of the week and although he is not the answer he does cause havoc for defenders..smith as sub thats fine...whats makes you certain vydra wouldnt last 90 mins then ??? he played 45 at gillingham and under zoal own admission he wasnt meant to play 120 mins against wycombe but he did didnt he as he couldnt take him off as our best player. So your not sure and nor is anyone else cause i bet if you asked him this morning he would have said yes i want to play. In that starting line up i find the use of garner and yeats is like playing with 9 players
Jason, pretty much agree with everything there, Chris is much more of a presence than Garner, Vydra lasted all 120 mins last week without any problems fitness wise. Lastly Yeates and Garner are two of the worst players I've seen in recent memory at WFC. Once Geijo and Pudil are fit, replacing Garner and Dickinson (who also isn't good enough in my opinion) and Vydra starting instead of Yeates, we will have a competitive team for this season. As for Tuesday would be nice for 3 more points against a team we have a decent record against
Garner played ok yesterday. chased everything and competed in the air well. Not his biggest fan but credit where its due. When Geijo, Beleck, Anya and Pudil (who was the best player when i watched him at Wealdstone) are fit, we will be a real force to be reckoned with. God Bless

SAHornet says...
8:54am Sun 19 Aug 12

@ChrisBottom16 wrote:
Firstly, that has to go down as one of the hottest matches i have ever been to! And a trip down memory lane havin a wooden seat! I'd love to know where the anti Pozzo's and the moaners and booer's from last week are hiding.... We kept the ball well, we looked to pass at every opportunity and there were glimpses of some real attacking flair football. Considering bar 2 players we played with last seasons team i think the result was very special and you can see that when the newbies are fit we for once will be a force to be reckoned with! I think its also worth noting that the team never gave up, competed and played to the very last second. Prephaps one of the most encouraging things to see was that when Vydra scored, every single player including Almunia went to the fans to celebrate! Also the support was immense from start to finnish and for 94 minutes we outsang the other 3 sides of the stadiums! Lets bring that to the Vic!
Great post Chris, really enjoyed reading that. Thanks

@ChrisBottom16 says...
8:55am Sun 19 Aug 12

@ChrisBottom16 wrote:
Surrey Hornet wrote:
jasonwatford wrote:
I would play big chris in front of garner any day of the week and although he is not the answer he does cause havoc for defenders..smith as sub thats fine...whats makes you certain vydra wouldnt last 90 mins then ??? he played 45 at gillingham and under zoal own admission he wasnt meant to play 120 mins against wycombe but he did didnt he as he couldnt take him off as our best player. So your not sure and nor is anyone else cause i bet if you asked him this morning he would have said yes i want to play. In that starting line up i find the use of garner and yeats is like playing with 9 players
Jason, pretty much agree with everything there, Chris is much more of a presence than Garner, Vydra lasted all 120 mins last week without any problems fitness wise. Lastly Yeates and Garner are two of the worst players I've seen in recent memory at WFC. Once Geijo and Pudil are fit, replacing Garner and Dickinson (who also isn't good enough in my opinion) and Vydra starting instead of Yeates, we will have a competitive team for this season. As for Tuesday would be nice for 3 more points against a team we have a decent record against
Garner played ok yesterday. chased everything and competed in the air well. Not his biggest fan but credit where its due. When Geijo, Beleck, Anya and Pudil (who was the best player when i watched him at Wealdstone) are fit, we will be a real force to be reckoned with. God Bless
Oh forgot to add, i dunno if you were at Wycombe but i was and Vydra went down with cramp in extra time. so there was a fitness worry over him.

@ChrisBottom16 says...
8:57am Sun 19 Aug 12

SAHornet wrote:
Casterbridge wrote:
You're with us all the way in spirit, SAHornet. That's all that matters.
Thanks mate, that's appreciated.
Like Lutondown has said mate when your back, your more than welcome to join me, him and Buckler at the pub.

JohnnyHornet says...
9:04am Sun 19 Aug 12

No Wheels wrote:
so, by my reckoning, we climbed 19 places in two minutes. quite a turnaround...
Silly me thought we were top on goals scored but was sadly let down......COYGB.

JohnnyHornet says...
9:14am Sun 19 Aug 12

@ChrisBottom16 wrote:
Firstly, that has to go down as one of the hottest matches i have ever been to! And a trip down memory lane havin a wooden seat! I'd love to know where the anti Pozzo's and the moaners and booer's from last week are hiding.... We kept the ball well, we looked to pass at every opportunity and there were glimpses of some real attacking flair football. Considering bar 2 players we played with last seasons team i think the result was very special and you can see that when the newbies are fit we for once will be a force to be reckoned with! I think its also worth noting that the team never gave up, competed and played to the very last second. Prephaps one of the most encouraging things to see was that when Vydra scored, every single player including Almunia went to the fans to celebrate! Also the support was immense from start to finnish and for 94 minutes we outsang the other 3 sides of the stadiums! Lets bring that to the Vic!
What a change from last season when it would have been us conceding in the dying minutes of a match. Top result.

SAHornet says...
9:32am Sun 19 Aug 12

I just listened to GZ's interview for Watford Player. What a pleasure to listen to that man talking such sense about keeping positive but keeping our feet on the ground and having to keep learning. Gotta love him already, don't you?

SAHornet says...
9:34am Sun 19 Aug 12

@ChrisBottom16 wrote:
SAHornet wrote:
Casterbridge wrote:
You're with us all the way in spirit, SAHornet. That's all that matters.
Thanks mate, that's appreciated.
Like Lutondown has said mate when your back, your more than welcome to join me, him and Buckler at the pub.
Gonna do just that Chris. Thanks mate.

KeithMercer says...
9:54am Sun 19 Aug 12

Excellent win GZ and the boys ! if we can get through this month nicking some results like that we will be in a good position to be taken seriously.
Get the dead wood out , new boys settled in and we can start to enjoy ourselves again. Get behind the boys on Tuesday and make some noise !!

Kingswoodhornet says...
10:29am Sun 19 Aug 12

If this result proves anything it's that football matches are won over 90+ minutes. I just hope the crowd bare this in mind on Tuesday night and get behind the boys.
Cracking result and a bit of a surprise when you think of our recent form against them.
Looking forward to Tuesday and would take an entertaining score draw now if it was offered to me because as Zola has said its important to keep our feet on the ground......prefer a win though obviously!
As the bloke with the mic says "enjoyyyyy the game!"
COYH

Casterbridge says...
10:34am Sun 19 Aug 12

I wonder how much the Abdi and Vydra goals were down to big Chris unsettling the defence and creating the space?

Mangoputney says...
10:49am Sun 19 Aug 12

Looking forward to singing "went down on the Deeney" at Marlon King!!!!

lutondown says...
11:19am Sun 19 Aug 12

SAHornet wrote:
@ChrisBottom16 wrote:
Firstly, that has to go down as one of the hottest matches i have ever been to! And a trip down memory lane havin a wooden seat! I'd love to know where the anti Pozzo's and the moaners and booer's from last week are hiding.... We kept the ball well, we looked to pass at every opportunity and there were glimpses of some real attacking flair football. Considering bar 2 players we played with last seasons team i think the result was very special and you can see that when the newbies are fit we for once will be a force to be reckoned with! I think its also worth noting that the team never gave up, competed and played to the very last second. Prephaps one of the most encouraging things to see was that when Vydra scored, every single player including Almunia went to the fans to celebrate! Also the support was immense from start to finnish and for 94 minutes we outsang the other 3 sides of the stadiums! Lets bring that to the Vic!
Great post Chris, really enjoyed reading that. Thanks
Chris is a top man SAH as is my old buddy Buck, they really are true home and away supporters as is bankrupt Bas. And I'll let you in on one Jason is ok when he's not on a wind up and won't forget my old nemesis and another top horn D unstable!
We are the forum crew!
COYH

Mangoputney says...
11:26am Sun 19 Aug 12

lutondown wrote:
SAHornet wrote:
@ChrisBottom16 wrote:
Firstly, that has to go down as one of the hottest matches i have ever been to! And a trip down memory lane havin a wooden seat! I'd love to know where the anti Pozzo's and the moaners and booer's from last week are hiding.... We kept the ball well, we looked to pass at every opportunity and there were glimpses of some real attacking flair football. Considering bar 2 players we played with last seasons team i think the result was very special and you can see that when the newbies are fit we for once will be a force to be reckoned with! I think its also worth noting that the team never gave up, competed and played to the very last second. Prephaps one of the most encouraging things to see was that when Vydra scored, every single player including Almunia went to the fans to celebrate! Also the support was immense from start to finnish and for 94 minutes we outsang the other 3 sides of the stadiums! Lets bring that to the Vic!
Great post Chris, really enjoyed reading that. Thanks
Chris is a top man SAH as is my old buddy Buck, they really are true home and away supporters as is bankrupt Bas. And I'll let you in on one Jason is ok when he's not on a wind up and won't forget my old nemesis and another top horn D unstable!
We are the forum crew!
COYH
Should really organise a Wobby Forum meet up - The Wobby Ultras!

Mjp99 says...
11:58am Sun 19 Aug 12

Very happy, would of taken a draw , lost about 2 stone in that shed , with the wooden seats , it was more like being in a sauna, hopefully the guy in front made it to the hospital with his serious bowel issue I can still taste it .

allgood says...
12:19pm Sun 19 Aug 12

Palace seemed content to sit behind the ball and watch us pass it then play on the break. We had way more possession.
We seemed to run out of ideas as the second half wore on and I was thinking can this style work with Doyley, Dickinson, Garner and Yates in the side? Then a couple of subs, late drama and everyone is happy. Results are everything. Slightly worried that Ipswich are over due putting one over us. What Are the odds of Loach having a blinder?

Iveco Kit any day! says...
12:19pm Sun 19 Aug 12

smalon wrote:
Iveco Kit any day! wrote:
I touched Lloyd Doyley. Just saying.
Where did you touch him?
Is this a police matter?
All i am saying is I am never washing that hand again. But on a positive note, got to see myself and all the other BRILLIANT watford fans on 'The Football League show' running down the front. All the fans were great that day and in great voice.

Mickey Quinn, not so thin says...
2:44pm Sun 19 Aug 12

How about this for a new song ??

Sung to Cornetto song;

Gianfranco Zola,
from Italy,
He's gonna lead us,
to victory.
We'll score,
and score again.
Gianfranco's hornets,
Will win the game.”

SAHornet says...
2:58pm Sun 19 Aug 12

Off subject, did anyone else notice that our Mapps didn't make it onto the pitch yesterday? Wonder why?

lutondown says...
3:00pm Sun 19 Aug 12

Mickey Quinn, not so thin wrote:
How about this for a new song ??

Sung to Cornetto song;

Gianfranco Zola,
from Italy,
He's gonna lead us,
to victory.
We'll score,
and score again.
Gianfranco's hornets,
Will win the game.”
far too complicated for Harry to bang out and too long for the Upper rousers to stop chewing their prawn sandwiches!
But good to see you singing from the same hymn sheet Quinny! I think that leaves Corbynomates and Busheywails out there doom mongering!
The futures Yellow ( and blue)

Mickey Quinn, not so thin says...
3:57pm Sun 19 Aug 12

lutondown wrote:
Mickey Quinn, not so thin wrote:
How about this for a new song ??

Sung to Cornetto song;

Gianfranco Zola,
from Italy,
He's gonna lead us,
to victory.
We'll score,
and score again.
Gianfranco's hornets,
Will win the game.”
far too complicated for Harry to bang out and too long for the Upper rousers to stop chewing their prawn sandwiches!
But good to see you singing from the same hymn sheet Quinny! I think that leaves Corbynomates and Busheywails out there doom mongering!
The futures Yellow ( and blue)
gutted !
Seem simple to me.
The first half is a must. Sing it to yourself and tell me you still think I'm wrong !!

lutondown says...
4:20pm Sun 19 Aug 12

Mickey Quinn, not so thin wrote:
lutondown wrote:
Mickey Quinn, not so thin wrote:
How about this for a new song ??

Sung to Cornetto song;

Gianfranco Zola,
from Italy,
He's gonna lead us,
to victory.
We'll score,
and score again.
Gianfranco's hornets,
Will win the game.”
far too complicated for Harry to bang out and too long for the Upper rousers to stop chewing their prawn sandwiches!
But good to see you singing from the same hymn sheet Quinny! I think that leaves Corbynomates and Busheywails out there doom mongering!
The futures Yellow ( and blue)
gutted !
Seem simple to me.
The first half is a must. Sing it to yourself and tell me you still think I'm wrong !!
Quinny, just sang it and I've been issued divorce papers, thanks ..no I really do mean it, thanks!
Yep it'll never getpassé 4 th line, but give you the first half if people can work their Saxon tongues around the Gianfranco issue.
I still prefer ' you're gonna get your ......heads kicked in' which is really known as the Troy song!
I really am joking!

@ChrisBottom16 says...
5:24pm Sun 19 Aug 12

Beds Horn wrote:
Murray looked half a stone over weight and was v poor, brave substitution taking the captain off and Vydra looks like Helguson on speed. High quality goal and a great improvised take from an awful pass from Yeats who seemed to claim an assist laughably. I sat in the Palace end just behind the Watford bench and it was interesting to see the coach (dont know his name) making a number of the tactical decisions and talking to GZ before the subs. Abdi is quality, although it'll take him a few weeks to get up to pace, Vydra is gonna be the difference. If we can keep him fit he is a match winner. Lloyd also did very well and Hogg was solid. JE and the defence when Zaha ran at them looked vulnerable.
A bit more quality up front (Garner was hardworking but ineffective again) and i think it could be an interesting season. Bring on ipswich.
It was Sean Murray's Grandma's Funeral on Friday so i think we can forgive him for having an average game.

@ChrisBottom16 says...
5:28pm Sun 19 Aug 12

SAHornet wrote:
Off subject, did anyone else notice that our Mapps didn't make it onto the pitch yesterday? Wonder why?
Spoke to a Reading fan on Twitter and they all seemed to think he was left out as they prefered to big lumps in deffence against the powerfull Stoke attack. They thought Mapps might of been a bit small...

Mangoputney says...
5:42pm Sun 19 Aug 12

@ChrisBottom16 wrote:
SAHornet wrote:
Off subject, did anyone else notice that our Mapps didn't make it onto the pitch yesterday? Wonder why?
Spoke to a Reading fan on Twitter and they all seemed to think he was left out as they prefered to big lumps in deffence against the powerfull Stoke attack. They thought Mapps might of been a bit small...
Whose Mapps?! ; )

lutondown says...
5:46pm Sun 19 Aug 12

@ChrisBottom16 wrote:
Beds Horn wrote:
Murray looked half a stone over weight and was v poor, brave substitution taking the captain off and Vydra looks like Helguson on speed. High quality goal and a great improvised take from an awful pass from Yeats who seemed to claim an assist laughably. I sat in the Palace end just behind the Watford bench and it was interesting to see the coach (dont know his name) making a number of the tactical decisions and talking to GZ before the subs. Abdi is quality, although it'll take him a few weeks to get up to pace, Vydra is gonna be the difference. If we can keep him fit he is a match winner. Lloyd also did very well and Hogg was solid. JE and the defence when Zaha ran at them looked vulnerable.
A bit more quality up front (Garner was hardworking but ineffective again) and i think it could be an interesting season. Bring on ipswich.
It was Sean Murray's Grandma's Funeral on Friday so i think we can forgive him for having an average game.
He had every reason to be under par, but for someone so (apparently) poor done enough to earn us our first goal?
Class is for ever!

mullenswfc says...
9:02pm Sun 19 Aug 12

Big contrast in styles, finally glad to say we were the team playing the good football! Second half was like an attack vs defence training session, but we didn't look like scoring until Speroni threw one in!
Abdi has really impressed me in the two games so far, should be a class apart when fit. Vydra lively and a match winner. Hogg played well after his bad game last week. Eustace was poor, Garner anonymous and goals conceaded were too easy.
A few things to sort out but great day out, atmosphere and end to the game. Come on you orns!!

Bush Hornet says...
11:35pm Sun 19 Aug 12

Mangoputney wrote:
@ChrisBottom16 wrote:
SAHornet wrote:
Off subject, did anyone else notice that our Mapps didn't make it onto the pitch yesterday? Wonder why?
Spoke to a Reading fan on Twitter and they all seemed to think he was left out as they prefered to big lumps in deffence against the powerfull Stoke attack. They thought Mapps might of been a bit small...
Whose Mapps?! ; )
Mango you should know better. I know we're stronger overall than we were, but Mapps is one who should never be forgotten. A great Watford servant who must surely get a warm reception at the Vic unless he one day signs for MacFatty.

Bush Hornet says...
11:44pm Sun 19 Aug 12

Btw I saw your winky face I know you weren't serious

MINTYHORNET says...
12:09am Mon 20 Aug 12

Who thinks loach will fluke a good game,plus whose going to cheer him or boo him?

SAHornet says...
8:20am Mon 20 Aug 12

MINTYHORNET wrote:
Who thinks loach will fluke a good game,plus whose going to cheer him or boo him?
I was not a great fan of SL and I'm not really qualified to comment but I wouldn't have thought it was normal for a Watford crowd to boo a returning player so I hope it doesn't happen.

Chris the Vic says...
8:50am Mon 20 Aug 12

I really don't care one way or the othe other about Loach, he is a tractor boy and I feel content over that. His willingness to blame others for his shortcomings was plain to see and to boo him may be counter productive...treat him with the contempt he merits and ignore him.

What gives me pleasure is three good away points despite the fact that so many are missing, big Chris did not make the bench, but Forsyth did and even more depressingly we started and finished with the fire power of Garner, how many shots did he have? Along with the creativity and hard tackling Yeates (How many assists, shots and tackles did he make). As for Vydra..I cannot wait until he is match fit and firing on all cylinders.

McHornet says...
9:28am Mon 20 Aug 12

I have a confession! I was listening to the game on 3CR whilst drving on Saturday, it was not long after Taylor had equalised, then the commentator said "Garvan has gone through and poked it past Almunia"... I cheered... i thought he said Garner! Then i realised i had just cheered a Palace Goal! I felt dirty and i still do now! Was delighted to hear we'd nicked it late on! I hate losing to palace!

Hornet1988 says...
3:28pm Mon 20 Aug 12

MINTYHORNET wrote:
Who thinks loach will fluke a good game,plus whose going to cheer him or boo him?
If he has a good/flukey game and Andy Murray wins a grand slam i think thats a sign.....Booooooo. All we need to do is just get taylor on him at corners and shot on site. If we can get the shots off and on target i feel a cricket score.

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