Watford v Blackpool (From Watford Observer)

Watford v Blackpool

12:35pm Sunday 23rd August 2009 in Avi Govind By Avi Govind

And so it seems that normal service still hasn't been resumed at Vicarage Road. After the first home game of the season, that felt more like a pre-season friendly due to both the heat and the players seeming to take it easy, yesterday saw a game that was more like a cup tie as the game opened out into an end-to-end affair, especially in the second half.

Before the game, most of the speculation was over whether this would be Tommy Smith's last home game for Watford. In the circumstances, Smith gave a typically consistent performance, scoring Watford's first goal and creating their second. That should add a few pounds to his price tag! The first goal had more than a whiff of controversy about it, with Blackpool's players protesting at length both immediately afterwards and again at half-time, possibly due to Danny Graham's attempts to get to the ball before supplying Smith to score.

Blackpool hadn't had a shot on target in the first half, but the game did open out as soon as the second half started, Watford possibly ruing not getting a second goal in the first half when Graham's shot was well-saved, Jenkins had a shot deflected wide, and Cowie blazed over from just inside the area. The equaliser came early in the second-half from a Blackpool corner that wasn't cleared, and was scrambled home.

Watford regained the lead when Smith got the ball on the left and put in a cross which was swept home by Tom Cleverley for his second goal in two games since signing on loan from Man United. Cleverley certainly looks to be a good signing, and showed some great skill and tenacity during the game.

Blackpool's second equaliser stemmed from a Watford free kick that was wasted - Blackpool broke down their right and their right-winger got past Doyley and to the by line, crossing to allow their striker a simple finish.

Although Blackpool had a number of chances, mainly long shots, Watford will feel very unlucky having hit the bar twice through Don Cowie and, with almost the last kick of the game, John Eustace. Eustace looked very effective when he came on as substitute for Scott Severin, although his first piece of action saw him flattening a Blackpool player, his distribution was simple and efficient.

As the final whistle went, all eyes were on Smith to see if he would give any signs of an imminent departure. Apart from applauding each side of the ground as usual, and giving a brief wave, there was nothing to suggest that he won't be back. Let's wait and see...