Watford vs Leicester City (19/09/09) (From Watford Observer)

Helguson’s destruction leads to self-destruct

in Luke Truppin By Luke Truppin

The Championship table looks very appealing at the moment for both Watford and Leicester fans. Were it not for an inferior goal difference to Cardiff, either side could be sitting in the playoffs and as the game ended three goals each, it certainly isn’t for lack of scoring.

Keeping the ball out of the net is a lot easier than it sounds; but when you’re an outfield player, using your hand is the wrong way to go about it. John Eustace was penalised for handball and the referee (Pawson) pointed to the spot. Striker, Matty Fryatt, had been pushed wide in this match and although he struggled on the wing he had no problem scoring from twelve yards. Scott Loach dived and Fryatt chose the centre of the goal, Loach was furious and understandably so with the score at 1-0.

Fryatt was at it again from the leftwing and stroked a curling effort towards Loach who claimed the ball with a lot more conviction. The curl was working against Fryatt as it went towards Loach’s hands. Fryatt’s movement down the left hand side was relentless and he shot again smashing the net if only the side of it.

He got his second goal eventually, striking the ball, but favouring his natural right foot after choosing to feint his shot losing the Watford debutant Cathcart in the process. The right footed effort slid well past Loach and the score was not looking good for the Hornets at 2-0.

Watford’s movement going forward was not particularly dazzling with John Eustace looking the most potent with forward passes finding men to feet. Although it doesn’t sound amazing it is worth a thought how many Championship midfielders can make genuine forward passes (in the second half they started to go wayward again, but this is supposed to be positive).

One of four things could have happened during the break that made Malky Mackay’s men come out a different team for the second half:

1) An inspiring team talk.

2) A change in formation putting a second striker on to accompany Danny Graham.

3) That striker being Heidar Helguson, the man who would go on to score two goals on his triumphant return.

4) The team felt they should win because Nick Wright said it didn’t look good at half-time and what Nick Wright says is law.

The atmosphere for the second half was booming. Nick Wright had clearly had a huge influence on the side, especially on Helguson who nearly scored straight from the restart; an extra foot and he could have slid that ball past Chris Weale.

That was the kind of chance that proved effective for the Golden Boys that day with Graham finishing unorthodoxly. He struck whilst turning and falling after Helguson battled like a Trojan to setup the former Carlisle man (just like Nick Wright).

Little Lee Hodson played a great creative game gifting the goal to Helguson and Heidar only had to tap in from millimetres out. His celebration showed just how much he cared about Watford and the reaction from the stand reciprocated that.

Almost unbelievably, the Icelandic international (man, we’ve missed that alliteration) scored a second to put Watford in front to complete an unforeseeable comeback. But it wasn’t to be. Helguson, wanting the win so much, wanting his hat-trick which he never achieved as Watford player, so he continued to plug away. No lost causes, no unwinnable headers, no quit.

Ultimately, it was his persistence that led to a calf injury and ‘H’ couldn’t finish the game. A huge five minutes of injury time was added, not that the Foxes needed it, scoring whilst the announcement was being made.

Three a piece is an insane result, Helguson is back, Hodson with two assists looks bright. Fourteen/fifteen thousand is a poor attendance for an exciting Watford team hovering outside of the playoffs. An overhead kick from Nicky Wright is the only way this game could have been any better. With the Icelandic international back there’s a reason to go and enjoy your local club again. Don’t miss this opportunity. See the Horns.