Abdi and Vydra score again as Watford cruise to victory (From Watford Observer)
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Udinese loanees Almen Abdi and Matej Vydra score again as Watford beat Birmingham City
7:31pm Saturday 25th August 2012 in Sport
By Frank Smith, Deputy Group Sports Editor
Watford cruised to a 2-0 victory over Birmingham City this afternoon thanks to goals from Udinese loanees Almen Abdi and Matej Vydra.
The Hornets were 2-0 up within 17 minutes as Abdi scored from the penalty spot and then Vydra added a well-taken second soon after.
Birmingham rarely troubled Watford goalkeeper Manuel Almunia and whilst the home side’s second half performance was not as impressive as the first, they were comfortable throughout.
Watford took their number of summer signings to ten this week with the addition of Marco Cassetti and Geoffrey Mujangi Bia, but there were still only four that started in today’s televised game.
Manuel Almunia was again behind a defence which included left back Daniel Pudil with Abdi in midfield and Matej Vydra up front.
Birmingham went into the game without a win in the league this season after a 1-1 draw against Charlton on the opening day and a 3-2 defeat to Sheffield Wednesday midweek.
Lee Clark made two changes to his starting line-up today, with former Watford striker Marlon King being joined up front by Nikola Zigic and Chelsea loanee Ben Gordon coming in for the injured David Murphy, who was close to joining the Hornets on loan under Malky Mackay.
The Hornets started the game superbly and took the lead in the third minute when Vydra was nudged by Steven Caldwell as it looked like he would head in from close range. Abdi stepped up confidently and dispatched the ball into the corner and past England goalkeeper Jack Butland.
The home side were playing well in the early stages and could have been 3-0 up inside the first ten minutes.
Butland saved well from Martin Taylor’s header when Sean Murray produced a fine corner and then Abdi saw a 20-yard strike flash wide.
Birmingham’s Curtis Davies headed comfortably over from a corner but apart from that, it was all Watford in the opening quarter of an hour.
And the lead was doubled on 17 minutes when Mark Yeates slipped the ball through for Vydra, who timed his run well, and the striker finished confidently.
Watford have shown signs of being able to keep the ball well in recent weeks and they retained possession impressively in the first half. Yeates was next to test Butland as his 25-yard shot was held by the goalkeeper.
The Irishman has done well so far this season, often in a more central role, and again put Vydra through but this time Davies recovered in time to make a challenge as the forward was set to shoot.
The Hornets were comfortable in possession and it wasn’t long before Murray and then Yeates tried their luck from distance, missing the target.
Watford had no problem in building attacks from back to front and after another lengthy spell of possession, Daniel Pudil picked out Vydra who headed powerfully wide.
Birmingham were limited to the one Davies header until Chris Burke had their first effort on target in first-half injury-time but the effort was tame.
The lead could have been three at the break had it not been for Butland reaching Iwelumo on the edge of the area in time, after the striker had been put through one-on-one. Watford started the second half excellently as well, although in a different manner. Whilst they may not have unlocked the Blues’ defence at will like in the first half, they controlled possession and managed the game superbly.
They also had the first chance following the restart as Murray’s cross was glanced wide by Abdi.
Birmingham created an opportunity soon after but Zigic’s effort was tame and easily saved by Almunia.
The Hornets’ defence did have a moment of concern when King released Burke on the right but his low cross could not pick out anyone in the middle.
Birmingham grew into the half and Hayden Mullins may have troubled Almunia with his shot from ten yards out had Nyron Nosworthy not made a last-ditch block.
Watford had to wait until the 73rd minute for their next chance and then they had two in quick succession.
Firstly, Caldwell just beat Iwelumo to head it behind from Yeates’ free kick and then from the resulting corner, Abdi smashing comfortably over the bar from the edge of the area.
Davies headed wide from a corner for Birmingham but Watford’s goal was rarely troubled in the second half as they cruised to a 2-0 victory.
Watford: Almunia; Doyley, Taylor, Nosworthy, Pudil; Hogg, Abdi, Murray (Hodson 89); Vydra (Dickinson 78), Iwelumo (Beleck 82), Yeates.
Subs: Bond, Forsyth, Anya, Garner Birmingham: Butland; Spector, Caldwell, Davies, Gordon; Burke, Mullins, Ambrose (Gomis 56), Redmond, Zigic (Lovenkrands 56), King.
Subs: Doyle, Ibanez, Morrison, Elliott, Rooney.
Referee: Keith Stroud.
Attendance: 11,022 (849).
Comments(37)
jalvin
says...
7:49pm Sat 25 Aug 12
regthehedge
says...
8:13pm Sat 25 Aug 12
Coach1
says...
8:17pm Sat 25 Aug 12
Some good displays From all involved, ESP- Yeates, creative and opened play up well..Abdi- getting fitter and is a player, simple but effective
Hogg- learning as he goes With the system
Murray- Vydra- good performance, effective and looked to keep the ball or penetrate them at any chance
Back four never really threatened in 1st half but still solid
Iwelumo very effective, not the best with ball to feet but you play to his strengths and have others around him that can play to feet etc.. Best display since he has been here!
Hoping Tuesday, same team to keep the momentum going and learning!
radlettman
says...
8:22pm Sat 25 Aug 12
lutondown
says...
8:25pm Sat 25 Aug 12
I think when the other signings come in we could be frightening. Better vocal effort from the crowd but 11k?
Great win, outstanding and I guess the tractor boys are feeling a little less smug over their new acquisition and with Mcpie getting stuffed...super Saturday it is
JohnnyHornet
says...
8:31pm Sat 25 Aug 12
buckler
says...
8:42pm Sat 25 Aug 12
SAHornet
says...
8:54pm Sat 25 Aug 12
Henry VIII
says...
9:02pm Sat 25 Aug 12
Kingswoodhornet
says...
9:05pm Sat 25 Aug 12
Well done lads and keep up the good work!
You orrrrrrnnnnsss
lutondown
says...
9:17pm Sat 25 Aug 12
SAHornet wrote:we were good very very good, passed them to death first half, closed them out the second. Only no no for me was Dicko, who does like giving the ball away in dangerous areas.
Well done lads. Brilliant result and sounds as if it was well deserved. Have we already seen some progress since day 1....I think so. A bit ashamed to see only 11k attended but I guess that TV and long weekend may have accounted for a few thousand more. Anyway, not be be downbeat on a night like tonight. Onwards and upwards. COYH's
The crowd though small did make some noise. They will come if we continue lie that.
Not a good night for Bushey wails, Scotty dog Scully, sick as a dog etc they would much prefer the rubbish of recent years.In Zola we trust
Oh by the way big Chris played very well tonight, he's a real nuisance and suits Zolas style as the foil up front. Knackered at the end but well done big man
SAHornet
says...
9:38pm Sat 25 Aug 12
lutondown wrote:Thanks for the update fella. Great to hear it went so well. See no humble pie being eaten from the usual offenders, as we bravely ate at the end of last season over SD.....radlettman excepted - well done radlettman. Now then, LD, off you go for a few well deserved Buds (how can you drink that watery crap?)
SAHornet wrote:we were good very very good, passed them to death first half, closed them out the second. Only no no for me was Dicko, who does like giving the ball away in dangerous areas.
Well done lads. Brilliant result and sounds as if it was well deserved. Have we already seen some progress since day 1....I think so. A bit ashamed to see only 11k attended but I guess that TV and long weekend may have accounted for a few thousand more. Anyway, not be be downbeat on a night like tonight. Onwards and upwards. COYH's
The crowd though small did make some noise. They will come if we continue lie that.
Not a good night for Bushey wails, Scotty dog Scully, sick as a dog etc they would much prefer the rubbish of recent years.In Zola we trust
Oh by the way big Chris played very well tonight, he's a real nuisance and suits Zolas style as the foil up front. Knackered at the end but well done big man
lutondown
says...
9:42pm Sat 25 Aug 12
SAHornet wrote:I actually prefer Peroni ( really I do, and not because it's Italian!) but Bud is cheap as chips and means I get to bed without too many slips and trips.
lutondown wrote:Thanks for the update fella. Great to hear it went so well. See no humble pie being eaten from the usual offenders, as we bravely ate at the end of last season over SD.....radlettman excepted - well done radlettman. Now then, LD, off you go for a few well deserved Buds (how can you drink that watery crap?)
SAHornet wrote:we were good very very good, passed them to death first half, closed them out the second. Only no no for me was Dicko, who does like giving the ball away in dangerous areas.
Well done lads. Brilliant result and sounds as if it was well deserved. Have we already seen some progress since day 1....I think so. A bit ashamed to see only 11k attended but I guess that TV and long weekend may have accounted for a few thousand more. Anyway, not be be downbeat on a night like tonight. Onwards and upwards. COYH's
The crowd though small did make some noise. They will come if we continue lie that.
Not a good night for Bushey wails, Scotty dog Scully, sick as a dog etc they would much prefer the rubbish of recent years.In Zola we trust
Oh by the way big Chris played very well tonight, he's a real nuisance and suits Zolas style as the foil up front. Knackered at the end but well done big man
I note a few choice insults my way from someone called Sick as a parrot using language far worse than got my ban! Mmmm strange that
You must get on Twitter mate, all good fellas there
Holly68
says...
9:43pm Sat 25 Aug 12
lutondown wrote:Don't criticise Dickinson or you might get threatened, just ask Frank !
SAHornet wrote:we were good very very good, passed them to death first half, closed them out the second. Only no no for me was Dicko, who does like giving the ball away in dangerous areas.
Well done lads. Brilliant result and sounds as if it was well deserved. Have we already seen some progress since day 1....I think so. A bit ashamed to see only 11k attended but I guess that TV and long weekend may have accounted for a few thousand more. Anyway, not be be downbeat on a night like tonight. Onwards and upwards. COYH's
The crowd though small did make some noise. They will come if we continue lie that.
Not a good night for Bushey wails, Scotty dog Scully, sick as a dog etc they would much prefer the rubbish of recent years.In Zola we trust
Oh by the way big Chris played very well tonight, he's a real nuisance and suits Zolas style as the foil up front. Knackered at the end but well done big man
wfc cassiobury
says...
9:43pm Sat 25 Aug 12
lutondown
says...
9:45pm Sat 25 Aug 12
Holly68 wrote:Face..bothered!!
lutondown wrote:Don't criticise Dickinson or you might get threatened, just ask Frank !
SAHornet wrote:we were good very very good, passed them to death first half, closed them out the second. Only no no for me was Dicko, who does like giving the ball away in dangerous areas.
Well done lads. Brilliant result and sounds as if it was well deserved. Have we already seen some progress since day 1....I think so. A bit ashamed to see only 11k attended but I guess that TV and long weekend may have accounted for a few thousand more. Anyway, not be be downbeat on a night like tonight. Onwards and upwards. COYH's
The crowd though small did make some noise. They will come if we continue lie that.
Not a good night for Bushey wails, Scotty dog Scully, sick as a dog etc they would much prefer the rubbish of recent years.In Zola we trust
Oh by the way big Chris played very well tonight, he's a real nuisance and suits Zolas style as the foil up front. Knackered at the end but well done big man
lutondown
says...
9:47pm Sat 25 Aug 12
radlettman wrote:Temper temper! I'd be rather mellow if I lived in Radlett!
SAHornet wrote:Why don't you just shut up in SA .... without the usual patronising crap.
Well done lads. Brilliant result and sounds as if it was well deserved. Have we already seen some progress since day 1....I think so. A bit ashamed to see only 11k attended but I guess that TV and long weekend may have accounted for a few thousand more. Anyway, not be be downbeat on a night like tonight. Onwards and upwards. COYH's
exeterhornet
says...
9:55pm Sat 25 Aug 12
Overall, so many positives but wish we had really gone for the jugular (like Blackpool aganst Ips**te)
Roll on
lutondown
says...
10:01pm Sat 25 Aug 12
exeterhornet wrote:I think as Zola said, it's a fitness thing.
Very happy in that we looked comfortable on the ball and, WHEN we played forward we looked very very effective and threatening. It seems churlish to say anything negative but why oh why did we play backwards inthe second half. Birmingham were on the rack and there for the taking but we just didn't seem interested in scoring again. Thought Iwelumo did a cracking job but I think we could murder teams if we played more than one up front. Funniest moment for me and the Mrs watching on telly here in Devon was laughing at a very fat Dickinson trying to steam up the wing ( a truly awful footballer)
Overall, so many positives but wish we had really gone for the jugular (like Blackpool aganst Ips**te)
Roll on
But I'm more than happy in the knowledge when we get it all together we will be awesome.
Where are all the unhappy souls? Strange, thought they'd share in our gret win
buckler
says...
10:04pm Sat 25 Aug 12
radlettman wrote:Just wondered if you ever attend the special Parties I've heard about in Radlett? Like the sound of them!
SAHornet wrote:Why don't you just shut up in SA .... without the usual patronising crap.
Well done lads. Brilliant result and sounds as if it was well deserved. Have we already seen some progress since day 1....I think so. A bit ashamed to see only 11k attended but I guess that TV and long weekend may have accounted for a few thousand more. Anyway, not be be downbeat on a night like tonight. Onwards and upwards. COYH's
stonehornet
says...
10:16pm Sat 25 Aug 12
lutondown
says...
10:24pm Sat 25 Aug 12
As sick as a parrot wrote:I'd like to tell you what I really think Birdy, but I'd get banned and your defo not worth it.
lutondown wrote:You are as sick as a parrot Luton man.
SAHornet wrote:I actually prefer Peroni ( really I do, and not because it's Italian!) but Bud is cheap as chips and means I get to bed without too many slips and trips.
lutondown wrote:Thanks for the update fella. Great to hear it went so well. See no humble pie being eaten from the usual offenders, as we bravely ate at the end of last season over SD.....radlettman excepted - well done radlettman. Now then, LD, off you go for a few well deserved Buds (how can you drink that watery crap?)
SAHornet wrote:we were good very very good, passed them to death first half, closed them out the second. Only no no for me was Dicko, who does like giving the ball away in dangerous areas.
Well done lads. Brilliant result and sounds as if it was well deserved. Have we already seen some progress since day 1....I think so. A bit ashamed to see only 11k attended but I guess that TV and long weekend may have accounted for a few thousand more. Anyway, not be be downbeat on a night like tonight. Onwards and upwards. COYH's
The crowd though small did make some noise. They will come if we continue lie that.
Not a good night for Bushey wails, Scotty dog Scully, sick as a dog etc they would much prefer the rubbish of recent years.In Zola we trust
Oh by the way big Chris played very well tonight, he's a real nuisance and suits Zolas style as the foil up front. Knackered at the end but well done big man
I note a few choice insults my way from someone called Sick as a parrot using language far worse than got my ban! Mmmm strange that
You must get on Twitter mate, all good fellas there
Now back to Stamford Bridge with you
lutondown
says...
10:43pm Sat 25 Aug 12
As sick as a parrot wrote:Nice try but your not worth the ban, as I'm on a final warning I shan't go there.
Free speech bring it on Luton.
See ya pee wee
Casterbridge
says...
10:48pm Sat 25 Aug 12
But Vydra's goal was pure class - see it on the Football league show tonight, or the red button tomorrow if you missed it.
It's looking good! COYH!
smarkymark
says...
10:51pm Sat 25 Aug 12
Stoney77
says...
11:27pm Sat 25 Aug 12
Hornet Cornet
says...
11:49pm Sat 25 Aug 12
D.unstable
says...
6:07am Sun 26 Aug 12
SAHornet
says...
6:55am Sun 26 Aug 12
lutondown wrote:Castle....man's beer !
SAHornet wrote:I actually prefer Peroni ( really I do, and not because it's Italian!) but Bud is cheap as chips and means I get to bed without too many slips and trips.
lutondown wrote:Thanks for the update fella. Great to hear it went so well. See no humble pie being eaten from the usual offenders, as we bravely ate at the end of last season over SD.....radlettman excepted - well done radlettman. Now then, LD, off you go for a few well deserved Buds (how can you drink that watery crap?)
SAHornet wrote:we were good very very good, passed them to death first half, closed them out the second. Only no no for me was Dicko, who does like giving the ball away in dangerous areas.
Well done lads. Brilliant result and sounds as if it was well deserved. Have we already seen some progress since day 1....I think so. A bit ashamed to see only 11k attended but I guess that TV and long weekend may have accounted for a few thousand more. Anyway, not be be downbeat on a night like tonight. Onwards and upwards. COYH's
The crowd though small did make some noise. They will come if we continue lie that.
Not a good night for Bushey wails, Scotty dog Scully, sick as a dog etc they would much prefer the rubbish of recent years.In Zola we trust
Oh by the way big Chris played very well tonight, he's a real nuisance and suits Zolas style as the foil up front. Knackered at the end but well done big man
I note a few choice insults my way from someone called Sick as a parrot using language far worse than got my ban! Mmmm strange that
You must get on Twitter mate, all good fellas there
SAHornet
says...
6:58am Sun 26 Aug 12
radlettman wrote:Anger management radlettman. Ooops too late, already beat up the wife. Brave fella !
SAHornet wrote:Why don't you just shut up in SA .... without the usual patronising crap.
Well done lads. Brilliant result and sounds as if it was well deserved. Have we already seen some progress since day 1....I think so. A bit ashamed to see only 11k attended but I guess that TV and long weekend may have accounted for a few thousand more. Anyway, not be be downbeat on a night like tonight. Onwards and upwards. COYH's
@ChrisBottom16
says...
7:19am Sun 26 Aug 12
Chris the Vic
says...
9:31am Mon 27 Aug 12
Chris the Vic
says...
9:31am Mon 27 Aug 12
Oracledave
says...
1:35pm Mon 27 Aug 12
lutondown
says...
2:54pm Mon 27 Aug 12
Oracledave wrote:Hogg for me
Interesting to see what happens when Mr Eustace returns from injury. Feels to me it's one out of him and Hoggy at present. What do you reckon folks ?
Stoney77
says...
10:17pm Mon 27 Aug 12
Chris the Vic wrote:I have never been one to slate Lloyd and genuinely believe he is a solid championship defender and I've have been more than happy for him to be in our defence for the last few seasons. However I do feel that he will be one of the weaker links under Zola's system. Twice, or maybe 3 times, on Saturday a break down the right came to nothing due to his poor passing or poor control. Whilst he is a great defender, he does not have what it needs going forward; had the aforementioned attacking breaks been down the left with Pudil, they would undoubtedly have ended in creation of chances, and maybe goals. In this tight division you need to create as many chances as possible
Hopefully, Zola has worked out that Garner and Forsyth should not make the squad. Congrats to Big Chris for a great display along with Lloyd, doubters eat humble pie. Now on the subject of humble pie I thought Yeates had easily his best game to date, although some of his pass selection was not great, but on that form he deserves a chance. As for our loanees I thought all three starters were nothing short of impressive and too early to judge Beleck but the signs are all good.
lockerbiehornet says...
7:46pm Sat 25 Aug 12
3 weeks and everyone should be match fit, not getting excited just yet, but play like this all season and we'll be there or thereabouts