Watford's winless run ends after Forestieri sparks fightback (From Watford Observer)
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Watford end winless run after Fernando Forestieri sparks fightback against Huddersfield Town
5:11pm Saturday 29th September 2012 in Sport
Watford ended their five-game winless run with a 3-2 victory over Huddersfield Town as Troy Deeney scored the deciding goal from the penalty spot with just minutes remaining.
Huddersfield went into the contest second in the table and despite arguably their worst display of the season, led 1-0 at the break through Oliver Norwood’s free kick, which Manuel Almunia will feel he should have saved.
Fernando Forestieri was to prove the difference in the second half and he equalised with a deflected strike.
The final ten minutes were to be dramatic and once again, the Argentine-born player was in the thick of the action.
He played a part in Fitz Hall’s goal on 83 minutes and then when Alan Lee equalised less than 60 seconds later, Forestieri won the penalty which Deeney converted with three minutes of normal time remaining to secure victory.
Watford made four changes for today’s game, with Deeney, Hall and Tommie Hoban making their first starts of the season. Jonathan Hogg also returned after missing last week’s draw with Bristol City due to illness.
Nyron Nosworthy, Mark Yeates, Sean Murray and Matej Vydra made way as the Hornets started in a 3-5-2 formation.
Hoban and Hall joined Neuton in the centre of defence, Nathaniel Chalobah sat in front of them and Forestieri started up top with Deeney.
Nosworthy was left out due to a hamstring problem and Vydra had a knee injury according to the club.
Huddersfield included Jermaine Beckford in their starting XI after the Leicester City striker completed a loan move yesterday.
Neuton has struggled to adapt to English football so far and a Hudderfield attacker was put through inside the defender twice inside the first four minutes.
Hoban was making his first appearance since his debut in the final game of the 2010/11 season and was fortunate his air-kick was not punished as Beckford scuffed his shot and it was blocked for a corner.
Huddersfield almost scored from the subsequent corner as Keith Southern met the delivery and had his header saved by Manuel Almunia.
Watford looked very shaky defensively and Danny Ward soon had a shot from distance deflected wide.
But on the ball, the visitors looked comfortable and moved it well. A hopeful pass over the Huddersfield defenders resulted in Deeney out-muscling Anthony Gerrard and turning in the box. His shot was blocked for a corner and then Marco Cassetti headed Forestieri’s delivery powerfully over the bar.
Deeney started superbly and was causing real problems for the centre half. The striker released Cassetti on the right and the veteran cut on to his left foot and fired wide of the far post.
The Hornets went even closer a few minutes later when Neuton set Forestieri free as the forward beat the offside trap, cut back inside the recovering defender and curled his side agonisingly wide.
Watford were now the better side but they went behind midway through the half when Abdi was penalised and Norwood beat Almunia with a free kick from more than 30 yards. The ball was moving and Almunia got his hand to the strike but the former Arsenal goalkeeper should have stopped the long-range effort.
The number of chances reduced for a while but then there was a frantic finish to the half.
Deeney continued to be a threat but failed to trouble Alex Smithies with his next effort, a tame header from Cassetti’s cross.
The striker did almost equalise when Jack Hunt chested the ball back to his keeper, unaware Deeney was lurking behind him. Smithies just beat the 24-year-old to the ball, which then landed at the feet of Forestieri but, with the goal gaping, his touch was heavy and it was cleared.
Southern flashed a volley wide from distance shortly before the break and then Almunia had to save low to his right after Lee Novak once again became goal side of Neuton and fired a powerful shot towards the far post.
Watford started the second half brightly and had a few nearly moments, with a Cassetti cross just cleared before Deeney arrived and the striker tackled just as he was set to shoot.
The best opportunity fell to Forestieri though as Abdi mishit a cross and Chalobah glanced the ball to the Argentine, but the forward sliced his shot from ten yards wide of the goal.
It had been all Watford but Huddersfield improved slightly and minutes after he forced Almunia to punch a free kick, Norwood had a goal-bound shot blocked by Hoban.
Beckford forced Almunia to save low down but it wasn’t long before Watford scored the equaliser they arguably deserved.
Hall’s slide challenge in midfield resulted in the ball rolling to Forestieri. The forward cut on to his right foot 20 yards from goal and his shot was deflected into the far corner.
Forestieri almost grabbed a second moments later when he drove into the box, once again cut inside and smashed a rising shot over the bar.
The Argentine was the standout performer in the second half, although he should have done better after creating space inside the box as Smithies was left with a simple stop.
Forestieri was almost released when Chalobah turned well deep inside his own half and picked out the run of the forward with a 50-yard pass, only for Smithies to rush out and head clear.
Watford finally grabbed the goal their display deserved when more good work from Forestieri, saw Cassetti cross and Hall apply the finish at the far post.
But below-par Huddersfield went straight up the other end and equalised when Lee headed powerfully into the bottom corner from Novak’s cross.
Forestieri was going to the floor a little too easily for the locals liking but there certainly seemed like contact when he was brought down in the box for the deciding penalty – although his fall was exaggerated.
Deeney stepped up and converted the penalty down the middle of the goal with minutes left on the clock.
Huddersfield sent a few crosses into the Watford box but the visitors saw out the game with few problems.
Huddersfield: Smithies, Hunt, Clarke, Gerrard, Dixon; Ward, Southern, Norwood (Arfield 79), Clayton (Scannell 72); Beckford (Lee 79), Novak.
Subs: Bennett, Woods, Wallace, Spencer.
Watford: Almunia; Hoban, Hall, Neuton; Cassetti, Hogg, Chalobah (Smith 81), Abdi (Yeates 76), Pudil; Forestieri (Murray 90+1), Deeney.
Subs: Bond, Iwelumo, Forsyth, Doyley.
Referee: Gary Sutton.
Comments(52)
Scullion
says...
5:24pm Sat 29 Sep 12
jasonwatford
says...
5:29pm Sat 29 Sep 12
Scullion
says...
5:30pm Sat 29 Sep 12
Our stars were bright, Fernando
He was shining there for you and me
For all us horns, Fernando
Though we never thought that we could lose
There's no regret
If GZ had to do the same again
He would, our new friend, Fernando
Casterbridge
says...
5:43pm Sat 29 Sep 12
jasonwatford wrote:We also have options in defence: Nosworthy for Neuton; Doyley for Casseti. With our next away game only 4 days away, there's no harm in bringing in fresh players.
just need to see Geijo fit now - Geijo and Vydra and Deeney and Fernando and Murray...there are goals there !! We do have too many options but we must find our best side and the other must take their cance when it comes.
Essex Hornet
says...
5:55pm Sat 29 Sep 12
stewbyhorn
says...
6:11pm Sat 29 Sep 12
Hornet Cornet
says...
6:32pm Sat 29 Sep 12
mkhornet
says...
6:35pm Sat 29 Sep 12
robbedbyanargie
says...
6:42pm Sat 29 Sep 12
SAHornet
says...
6:47pm Sat 29 Sep 12
SAHornet
says...
6:48pm Sat 29 Sep 12
robbedbyanargie wrote:Eeeeeow, these grapes are sour !
i arnt joking,,, ive never been a fan of the phrase "southern softies" but on this display ive got to say the Watford players were a disgrace, tonight the physio will be working overtime on the grass burns all over the littlle argentine who masquerades as a pro footballer, southern softies indeed!
dal8oy
says...
6:52pm Sat 29 Sep 12
robbedbyanargie wrote:LOL. I take it that as an uneducated northerner the phrase "southern softies" refers to us boys down here in this part of the country rather than the Argie you are talking about who is from the Southern Hemisphere!
i arnt joking,,, ive never been a fan of the phrase "southern softies" but on this display ive got to say the Watford players were a disgrace, tonight the physio will be working overtime on the grass burns all over the littlle argentine who masquerades as a pro footballer, southern softies indeed!
You lot wont go up this year. You started well but now your true class will be found out. Now back to your slums!
Hornet Cornet
says...
6:55pm Sat 29 Sep 12
stewbyhorn
says...
6:56pm Sat 29 Sep 12
i arnt joking,,, ive never been a fan of the phrase "southern softies" but on this display ive got to say the Watford players were a disgrace, tonight the physio will be working overtime on the grass burns all over the littlle argentine who masquerades as a pro footballer, southern softies indeed!
ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ
ZZZZZZZZZZZZ.
Get over it mate, hes fouled so often it mounts up so people like you think he's cheating!
loser
stewbyhorn
says...
6:59pm Sat 29 Sep 12
Good man
lutondown
says...
7:25pm Sat 29 Sep 12
SAHornet wrote:On the way home from northern outpost
Well done travelling fans and the team. A few more results like this and we'll be firmly positioned where we want to be this season. Not getting carried away or owt but, GET IN THERE YOU ****ERS !
We were great fans players Zola.
Thus is coming together nicely
3-2 to the football team
Hatfieldhorn
says...
7:53pm Sat 29 Sep 12
Can you buy tickets on the night ?
DuffmanWFC
says...
8:03pm Sat 29 Sep 12
Haters get lost! Well done Deeney today you were excellent and I knew you would get the winner! Admit I couldn't see the dramatic last 7/8 minutes being like they were but hay what a way to do it!
This team will be buzzing by mid October!
Bush Hornet
says...
8:28pm Sat 29 Sep 12
EstebanSemtex
says...
8:38pm Sat 29 Sep 12
Wish the 'Yellow Order' would grow up though. Obnoxious little children.
Blue&WhiteTerrier
says...
8:41pm Sat 29 Sep 12
mkhornet
says...
8:53pm Sat 29 Sep 12
EstebanSemtex
says...
9:05pm Sat 29 Sep 12
I smiled to myself. Forestieri ran Huddersfield ragged today. He turned their defenders inside out on numerous occasions and had to be hacked to the floor to be stopped. Yes, he played for free kicks, like ALL modern footballers do. The Town faithful aren't angry because he 'cheated', they're angry that he played their team off the park in the second half.
Deserved Watford win. Forestieri wasoMoM for me. Penalty was a foul. End of arguments.
Looking forward to tanking Charlton.
Bush Hornet
says...
9:05pm Sat 29 Sep 12
mkhornet wrote:That's right. Grayson was gracious. Unlike some idiot fans who are more of a disgrace to football than a talented player who falls over when he's kicked
Apparently in his post match comments even your manager thought that it was a penalty so get over it.
Hornet Cornet
says...
9:10pm Sat 29 Sep 12
Blue&WhiteTerrier
says...
9:18pm Sat 29 Sep 12
Talented players don't fall over, Try watching some old footage of George Best, now he was talented. You might learn something
Bush Hornet
says...
9:20pm Sat 29 Sep 12
Hornet Cornet wrote:so drunk that you quoted the wrong guy! Glad the travelling horns had a good day
oh no. everywhere is dpooning
robbedbyanargie
says...
9:21pm Sat 29 Sep 12
Bush Hornet wrote:falls over when he is looked at more like,you won today but your team is full of soft ****. leave the diving to the premiership boys . stay on your feet and fight like men please
mkhornet wrote:That's right. Grayson was gracious. Unlike some idiot fans who are more of a disgrace to football than a talented player who falls over when he's kicked
Apparently in his post match comments even your manager thought that it was a penalty so get over it.
micksolly
says...
9:31pm Sat 29 Sep 12
Still early days but I think we are in for an exciting season, some of the football we played today was excellent.
You orns!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Blue&WhiteTerrier
says...
9:41pm Sat 29 Sep 12
Bush Hornet
says...
9:42pm Sat 29 Sep 12
EstebanSemtex
says...
9:45pm Sat 29 Sep 12
SAHornet
says...
9:49pm Sat 29 Sep 12
EstebanSemtex wrote:Haha, like !
People please! It's Saturday night! Can't we all just get along? Watford? Huddersfield? Who cares? Can't we all just agree that we all hate Leeds United?
Hornet Cornet
says...
9:49pm Sat 29 Sep 12
Holly68
says...
9:58pm Sat 29 Sep 12
Let's just ignore them and enjoy the goals on the Football League show
Blue&WhiteTerrier
says...
10:06pm Sat 29 Sep 12
You will all enjoy your travels in Division One next season !
jasonwatford
says...
10:06pm Sat 29 Sep 12
holtonian
says...
10:13pm Sat 29 Sep 12
Holly68
says...
10:14pm Sat 29 Sep 12
jasonwatford wrote:Wait till Battochio gets going, then we'll have 2 Messi's
Fernando is messi in disguise.....!!!! Can the northern monkey just get over the fact when you are as quick as he is you are always late in the tackle and will catch and foul him. Just think youve got to come to the vic yet when we really have our team up and running...what you saw today is work in progress !!
Travelling Hornet
says...
10:19pm Sat 29 Sep 12
kingofpop
says...
11:04pm Sat 29 Sep 12
Hornet Cornet
says...
12:03am Sun 30 Sep 12
corbindallas
says...
8:06am Sun 30 Sep 12
lutondown
says...
8:41am Sun 30 Sep 12
corbindallas wrote:Corby, back under that rock you slathered out of. Best football being played in decades and you threaten what at Christmas? A one man boycott. I hear Boofers is looking for fans of the ugly game. Go there
Good fightback result, let's hope this gives us the prompt to produce some more winning results, Still giving Zoa till Christmas to see where we are at and still think the squad needs reducing so we know who our first 11 really are but guess with so many loanees this may not happen this season, hope it does not detract from moral and gelling, so far it looks not to but it is still early day's.
kingofpop
says...
9:39am Sun 30 Sep 12
jasonwatford
says...
10:23am Sun 30 Sep 12
buckler
says...
10:31am Sun 30 Sep 12
Hornet Cornet
says...
12:02pm Sun 30 Sep 12
lutondown
says...
12:04pm Sun 30 Sep 12
Hornet Cornet wrote:No your not mate, hangover or not! Bless, poor Cornet he feels like he's got a flake lodged in his head!
my head hurts and i am not poetic
SAHornet
says...
1:23pm Sun 30 Sep 12
lutondown wrote:He needs one lodged up his arm-pit. I had to be careful there, I've already had one overly vitriolic comment removed by Herr Obertgruppenfuhrer Wobby this morning.
Hornet Cornet wrote:No your not mate, hangover or not! Bless, poor Cornet he feels like he's got a flake lodged in his head!
my head hurts and i am not poetic
lutondown
says...
2:29pm Sun 30 Sep 12
I feel violated...:-(
Ronny oh Ronny Ronny says...
5:20pm Sat 29 Sep 12
When we can just get all these niggly injuries sorted and a bit of consistancy in our selections we are going to be a force. Think one size could be key in that defence.
Let's follow this up now at Charlton on Tuesday!