Nathan Ellington stretches for the ball against Blackpool.
Watford will meet Hull City in the Championship play-offs after earning a 1-1 draw at Bloomfield Road this afternoon.
The signs looked ominous for the Hornets when Ben Burgess fired Blackpool in front after just a minute and then Darius Henderson needlessly got himself sent-off midway through the second half.
But Tommy Smith fired in the equaliser just minutes after Henderson had seen red to ensure honours ended even on a blustery afternoon in Blackpool.
Watford will now meet Hull, who finished third, in a two-legged play-off, with the first leg at Vicarage Road on Sunday.
The Hornets made the worst possible start at Bloomfield Road, conceding a goal after just a minute.
Lloyd Doyley needlessly conceded a corner and from the set-piece Lee Williamson failed to deal with the cross properly at the near post, despite two bites at the cherry, allowing Burgess to hook the ball past the helpess Richard Lee.
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It was exactly the sort of disastrous start Watford made at Hull and the 1,700 Watford fans would have been fearing the worst at that point.
Although Burgess, in the air, and Wes Hoolhan, on the floor, continued to cause a fragile-looking Watford defence problems, the visitors did produce the sort of response Boothroyd would have been looking for.
Amid cries of 'hoof' from the home fans, Watford launched an aerial assault on the Blackpool back four, threatening from the excellent set-piece delivery of the recalled Mat Sadler.
From one cross from the left, Paul Rachubka made a stunning double save to deny the excellent Smith and Henderson, while Shaun Barker prevented a header from Henderson reaching Nathan Ellington who was ready to pounce at the far post after a rare fluid move from the visitors.
Henderson walked a tightrope after being booked early on and he was perhaps lucky to just receive a final warning from referee Laws after a late challenge on Rachubka.
Despite being out-played in the centre of midfield, Watford did well to keep Blackpool at arms' length and Lee was only threatened by a header from Joe Martin and a shot from Stephen McPhee that crashed into the sidenetting.
Watford started the second half on the front foot, playing with a real tempo and determination but their hopes of finding a way back into the match looked to have disappeared when Henderson got himself sent off for a challenge on Kaspars Gorkss.
But Smith came to the rescue, taking advantage of some slack marking to fire a crisp right-footed drive into the far corner.
It was a sweet strike from the Player of the Season elect and one that sent the visiting fans into raptures.
Both teams seemed content with a point after that, although Lee saved smartly to deny McPhee who also rattled the inside of the post. At the other end, the oustanding Gorkss headed a Shittu header off the line.
The Watford bench received regular updates on scores from the other matches but, in the end, Watford ensured their season will be extended by at least a further two games with relative ease and without too many alarms.
Posted by: stevemag, Windsor on 4:17pm Sun 4 May 08
Well done Watford. What on earth would we do without Tommy Smith.
As for Henderson - thank god for the sending off now we can try and play some football in the play offs. If ever a man was hopeless as a striker and goalscorer it is surely him.
Well done Watford. What on earth would we do without Tommy Smith.
As for Henderson - thank god for the sending off now we can try and play some football in the play offs. If ever a man was hopeless as a striker and goalscorer it is surely him.
Posted by: bonserout, watford on 4:23pm Sun 4 May 08
If we had been guranteed a place in August we would have taken it. So lets forget the second half of the season get behind the ALL of the club in the play offs.
If we had been guranteed a place in August we would have taken it. So lets forget the second half of the season get behind the ALL of the club in the play offs.
Posted by: Scotshorn, Aberdeen on 4:33pm Sun 4 May 08
[quote][bold]stevemag[/bold] wrote:
Well done Watford. What on earth would we do without Tommy Smith. As for Henderson - thank god for the sending off now we can try and play some football in the play offs. If ever a man was hopeless as a striker and goalscorer it is surely him.[/quote] A bit of a harsh description of doris, but you're right that we (hopefully) can now start playing to feet instead of the constant upfield punt.
So what happens during training next week - a crash course in passing? Or perhaps a recall for Rinaldi? He's about the only player we have capable of passing to the feet of NE & TP. I'd like to see a recall for Jay DeMerit too - at the expense of LD.
stevemag wrote:
Well done Watford. What on earth would we do without Tommy Smith. As for Henderson - thank god for the sending off now we can try and play some football in the play offs. If ever a man was hopeless as a striker and goalscorer it is surely him.
A bit of a harsh description of doris, but you're right that we (hopefully) can now start playing to feet instead of the constant upfield punt.
So what happens during training next week - a crash course in passing? Or perhaps a recall for Rinaldi? He's about the only player we have capable of passing to the feet of NE & TP. I'd like to see a recall for Jay DeMerit too - at the expense of LD.
What a nerve jangler! I thought Sheffield United were gonna do it then when Wolves had 8 minutes injury time... All I can say is well done lads. We've outperformed Sheff Utd and Charlton and at least have a chance of going up. Now let's hope every member of the crowd can get behind the team for the home leg, let's hear some noise from everyone, including those in the morgue-like Rous! Having one, unified set of home fans compared to the splintered crowd we've witnessed lately should lift the players enough to beat a hopefully deflated Hull side.
What a nerve jangler! I thought Sheffield United were gonna do it then when Wolves had 8 minutes injury time... All I can say is well done lads. We've outperformed Sheff Utd and Charlton and at least have a chance of going up. Now let's hope every member of the crowd can get behind the team for the home leg, let's hear some noise from everyone, including those in the morgue-like Rous! Having one, unified set of home fans compared to the splintered crowd we've witnessed lately should lift the players enough to beat a hopefully deflated Hull side.
Posted by: Watford Boy, Kings Cross on 4:54pm Sun 4 May 08
would obviously have preferred Bristol City in the play-offs but it's amazing we got there at all after results in 2008.
happy-clapping for 90 mins at vicarage road next sunday. and a big well-done to the travelling faithful today.
would obviously have preferred Bristol City in the play-offs but it's amazing we got there at all after results in 2008.
happy-clapping for 90 mins at vicarage road next sunday. and a big well-done to the travelling faithful today.
Posted by: nugget, east london on 5:00pm Sun 4 May 08
well done boys. dug that result out when u were up against it. maybe just maybe we may have turned the corner,even without henderson. get behind the boys at home. and the other message above was correct, sheff utd and charlton would like to be in our position. so try and be positive,for another possible three games.we can do it.west ham crept in the play offs a few years ago,the fans were on their back and they pulled together and went up.it can happen,believe.
well done boys. dug that result out when u were up against it. maybe just maybe we may have turned the corner,even without henderson. get behind the boys at home. and the other message above was correct, sheff utd and charlton would like to be in our position. so try and be positive,for another possible three games.we can do it.west ham crept in the play offs a few years ago,the fans were on their back and they pulled together and went up.it can happen,believe.
[quote][bold]Watford Boy[/bold] wrote:
would obviously have preferred Bristol City in the play-offs but it's amazing we got there at all after results in 2008. happy-clapping for 90 mins at vicarage road next sunday. and a big well-done to the travelling faithful today.[/quote] How you can prefer any of those teams is beyond me.All its done is give Hoothroyd an extra 2 games then its bye,bye.
Watford Boy wrote:
would obviously have preferred Bristol City in the play-offs but it's amazing we got there at all after results in 2008. happy-clapping for 90 mins at vicarage road next sunday. and a big well-done to the travelling faithful today.
How you can prefer any of those teams is beyond me.All its done is give Hoothroyd an extra 2 games then its bye,bye.
Posted by: Richard, Come On You Golden Boys! on 5:55pm Sun 4 May 08
Sounds like a battling rather than classic performance but job done, so well done to Aidy & the team, especially Tommy Smith - TOP MAN - again!
Using Robinson is clearly an option we should think about.
I will not be at the Vic next Sunday - golfing weekend in "sunny" Cornwall, but let's hope that we can fill the ground and cheer the boys on to a first leg lead. Do that and we'll be in the final!
Come On You Golden Boys!
Sounds like a battling rather than classic performance but job done, so well done to Aidy & the team, especially Tommy Smith - TOP MAN - again!
Using Robinson is clearly an option we should think about.
I will not be at the Vic next Sunday - golfing weekend in "sunny" Cornwall, but let's hope that we can fill the ground and cheer the boys on to a first leg lead. Do that and we'll be in the final!
Posted by: andywatford, watford on 5:57pm Sun 4 May 08
all these posters who think we've done great by making the play offs ? do me a favor what game have you been watching lol we are terrible and have been for months, hoofers is incapable of changing anything(if it aint broke don't fix it. if it is.. still dont fix it eh hoofers)when was the last time henderson scored or made a goal ? we should have had this league wrapped up ages ago if we had another two home games who knows mid table ???? we have been a disgrace for weeks i dont see hoofers addressing it even now when we need it most....
all these posters who think we've done great by making the play offs ? do me a favor what game have you been watching lol we are terrible and have been for months, hoofers is incapable of changing anything(if it aint broke don't fix it. if it is.. still dont fix it eh hoofers)when was the last time henderson scored or made a goal ? we should have had this league wrapped up ages ago if we had another two home games who knows mid table ???? we have been a disgrace for weeks i dont see hoofers addressing it even now when we need it most....
Posted by: andywatford, watford on 6:02pm Sun 4 May 08
[quote][bold]Richard[/bold] wrote:
Sounds like a battling rather than classic performance but job done, so well done to Aidy & the team, especially Tommy Smith - TOP MAN - again! Using Robinson is clearly an option we should think about. I will not be at the Vic next Sunday - golfing weekend in "sunny" Cornwall, but let's hope that we can fill the ground and cheer the boys on to a first leg lead. Do that and we'll be in the final! Come On You Golden Boys![/quote] indeed tommy maybe one of the only players to deserve any credit.. i think theo would be a bad move even herefod play better football than us he may get a shock if he starts for us and gets constant balls fired at his head for ninty mins lol. i hope we get a first half lead to but alass i've seen our home games this season cant see a goal coming from anywhere, hull will spank us. again !
Richard wrote:
Sounds like a battling rather than classic performance but job done, so well done to Aidy & the team, especially Tommy Smith - TOP MAN - again! Using Robinson is clearly an option we should think about. I will not be at the Vic next Sunday - golfing weekend in "sunny" Cornwall, but let's hope that we can fill the ground and cheer the boys on to a first leg lead. Do that and we'll be in the final! Come On You Golden Boys!
indeed tommy maybe one of the only players to deserve any credit.. i think theo would be a bad move even herefod play better football than us he may get a shock if he starts for us and gets constant balls fired at his head for ninty mins lol. i hope we get a first half lead to but alass i've seen our home games this season cant see a goal coming from anywhere, hull will spank us. again !
right, so we did make it after all. And as anyone who's supported watford for the last 10 years at least will testify - anything can happen now.
i agree that not having darius there is a blessing in disguise. i think all we can hope for is 2 committed displays. 2 ugly games of football.
however, you know what, i'm glad we're there.
what about you zip?
right, so we did make it after all. And as anyone who's supported watford for the last 10 years at least will testify - anything can happen now.
i agree that not having darius there is a blessing in disguise. i think all we can hope for is 2 committed displays. 2 ugly games of football.
Posted by: Scotshorn, Aberdeen on 6:26pm Sun 4 May 08
Anyone know if Theo Robinson's return from his season-long-loan at Hereford was due to their automatic promotion? If they had only made the play-offs, would he still be there, or does the loan period end at the end of the regular season?
Clutching at straws I know, but am just wondering when Fraizer Campbell returns to Man U from Hull........
Anyone know if Theo Robinson's return from his season-long-loan at Hereford was due to their automatic promotion? If they had only made the play-offs, would he still be there, or does the loan period end at the end of the regular season?
Clutching at straws I know, but am just wondering when Fraizer Campbell returns to Man U from Hull........
Posted by: The enlightened one, Garston on 8:11pm Sun 4 May 08
We haven't got a hope in hell,staggering into the playoffs by the odd goal just confims how bad we have been.No amount of positivity by the fans will make one iota of difference.
We haven't got a hope in hell,staggering into the playoffs by the odd goal just confims how bad we have been.No amount of positivity by the fans will make one iota of difference.
Posted by: WFC & Proud, Watford on 8:39pm Sun 4 May 08
Enlightened - would you rather be a Wolves (7th again), a football purist from Ipswich, etc or in the play-offs?
It's now down to which of the 4 teams involved have the biggest collective set of testicular globes over 3 games.
Enlightened - would you rather be a Wolves (7th again), a football purist from Ipswich, etc or in the play-offs?
It's now down to which of the 4 teams involved have the biggest collective set of testicular globes over 3 games.
Posted by: Dollyhat, Stevenage on 8:53pm Sun 4 May 08
Just got back. Not a classic but the team gave plenty of effort.Reading all these moaners on here,you never go but have all the answers. Its a three game mini season now. For Gods sake we are in the play offs. Get behind the team for once.
Just got back. Not a classic but the team gave plenty of effort.Reading all these moaners on here,you never go but have all the answers. Its a three game mini season now. For Gods sake we are in the play offs. Get behind the team for once.
[quote][bold]John Howard Norfolk[/bold] wrote:
Hendo reminds me of Barry Endean.
Remember him anyone?[/quote] No....Yes.
I think Endeans a lot older.
Don't get it!
John Howard Norfolk wrote:
Hendo reminds me of Barry Endean.
Remember him anyone?
No....Yes.
I think Endeans a lot older.
Don't get it!
[quote][bold]The enlightened one[/bold] wrote:
We haven't got a hope in hell,staggering into the playoffs by the odd goal just confims how bad we have been.No amount of positivity by the fans will make one iota of difference.[/quote] Is your bucket of sh1t half full or half empty?
Stop being such a pessimist!........be
rk.
The enlightened one wrote:
We haven't got a hope in hell,staggering into the playoffs by the odd goal just confims how bad we have been.No amount of positivity by the fans will make one iota of difference.
Is your bucket of sh1t half full or half empty?
Stop being such a pessimist!........be
rk.
Posted by: Mike C, Poole, Dorset on 10:31pm Sun 4 May 08
[quote][bold]John Howard Norfolk[/bold] wrote:
Hendo reminds me of Barry Endean. Remember him anyone?[/quote] Yes I remember Barry Endean.
Only difference is, he used to score goals.
John Howard Norfolk wrote:
Hendo reminds me of Barry Endean. Remember him anyone?
Yes I remember Barry Endean.
Only difference is, he used to score goals.
Posted by: Boris, Elderberry Thatch on 11:40pm Sun 4 May 08
Well done boys!
We ARE in the play-offs, Charlton and Sheff Utd are not - a achievement in itself as we had smaller squads and less money than both of them. They also had Brian Robson at the helm - a guru according to the media. The awful performances at seasons end are behind the team now and this is a whole new ball game. Hendo out could be a blessing, it sounds like he may have been lucky to stay on the field as long as he did. The squad (yes, that means all players) may have a chance now to step up to the plate and suprise a few. We are clearly not favourites to go up - and rightly so, I guess Palace would be the favourites based upon current form. The pressure is off and despite what some think, we do possess a reasonable amount of quality - it's all about who has the guts for it now. Concentrate on the game, not the occasion. I would like to thank Colin for saying we would finish seventh, through his constant predictions we seem to always do something other than what he thinks - and I am glad of that! A crisp new page with hopefully a nice sharp pencil to start all over again. Get in there!
Well done boys!
We ARE in the play-offs, Charlton and Sheff Utd are not - a achievement in itself as we had smaller squads and less money than both of them. They also had Brian Robson at the helm - a guru according to the media. The awful performances at seasons end are behind the team now and this is a whole new ball game. Hendo out could be a blessing, it sounds like he may have been lucky to stay on the field as long as he did. The squad (yes, that means all players) may have a chance now to step up to the plate and suprise a few. We are clearly not favourites to go up - and rightly so, I guess Palace would be the favourites based upon current form. The pressure is off and despite what some think, we do possess a reasonable amount of quality - it's all about who has the guts for it now. Concentrate on the game, not the occasion. I would like to thank Colin for saying we would finish seventh, through his constant predictions we seem to always do something other than what he thinks - and I am glad of that! A crisp new page with hopefully a nice sharp pencil to start all over again. Get in there!
Dollyhat, I was at the game, and tonite residing in Birmigham on my way back south.
Its a bit unfair to say get behind the team for once (??). I think most have got behind the team but they have been rewarded with crap.
Beating Hull over two legs is unfortunately not going to happen.
Dollyhat, I was at the game, and tonite residing in Birmigham on my way back south.
Its a bit unfair to say get behind the team for once (??). I think most have got behind the team but they have been rewarded with crap.
Beating Hull over two legs is unfortunately not going to happen.
Posted by: Peter Reason, California on 7:14am Mon 5 May 08
I recall Barry Endean, very little skill but a knack for scoring goals, something no present Watford striker has the ability to do. I seem to recall he scored 30 one season and I certainly recall he got the only goal of the game against Liverpool during our FA cup run to our first semi final. Henderson reminds me of Rodney Green who was equally inept. Anyone remember Rodney?
I recall Barry Endean, very little skill but a knack for scoring goals, something no present Watford striker has the ability to do. I seem to recall he scored 30 one season and I certainly recall he got the only goal of the game against Liverpool during our FA cup run to our first semi final. Henderson reminds me of Rodney Green who was equally inept. Anyone remember Rodney?
Posted by: JohnBoy, Watford on 7:55am Mon 5 May 08
I don't understand why Boothroyd didn't replace Henderson with Priskin at half time. It was obvious to me that Darius was going to get himself sent off. Some of Boothroyds decisions do seem strange.
I don't understand why Boothroyd didn't replace Henderson with Priskin at half time. It was obvious to me that Darius was going to get himself sent off. Some of Boothroyds decisions do seem strange.
Posted by: Hexham Hornet, Hexham on 9:59am Mon 5 May 08
[quote][bold]JohnBoy[/bold] wrote:
I don't understand why Boothroyd didn't replace Henderson with Priskin at half time. It was obvious to me that Darius was going to get himself sent off. Some of Boothroyds decisions do seem strange.[/quote] Just as well he didn't as we might not have gone on to score. TS took responsibility, whereas if we still had 11 on the pitch he would not have felt he needed to. Maybe AB should start with 10 and tell the players to play with that committment.
JohnBoy wrote:
I don't understand why Boothroyd didn't replace Henderson with Priskin at half time. It was obvious to me that Darius was going to get himself sent off. Some of Boothroyds decisions do seem strange.
Just as well he didn't as we might not have gone on to score. TS took responsibility, whereas if we still had 11 on the pitch he would not have felt he needed to. Maybe AB should start with 10 and tell the players to play with that committment.
[quote][bold]Hexham Hornet[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]JohnBoy[/bold] wrote: I don't understand why Boothroyd didn't replace Henderson with Priskin at half time. It was obvious to me that Darius was going to get himself sent off. Some of Boothroyds decisions do seem strange.[/quote] Just as well he didn't as we might not have gone on to score. TS took responsibility, whereas if we still had 11 on the pitch he would not have felt he needed to. Maybe AB should start with 10 and tell the players to play with that committment.[/quote] ???
maybe you should be Aidy's No. 2
Hexham Hornet wrote:
JohnBoy wrote: I don't understand why Boothroyd didn't replace Henderson with Priskin at half time. It was obvious to me that Darius was going to get himself sent off. Some of Boothroyds decisions do seem strange.
Just as well he didn't as we might not have gone on to score. TS took responsibility, whereas if we still had 11 on the pitch he would not have felt he needed to. Maybe AB should start with 10 and tell the players to play with that committment.
Posted by: Hexham Hornet, Hexham on 2:08pm Mon 5 May 08
GC the point was that it took TS into the middle, we did not feel we had to belt the ball up to a target man and we ran at defenders who as a result were put on the back foot. If Priskin had come on TS would have stayed wide, might have got the cross in and would have to rely on someone in the middle finishing it off. Tommy Smith has been our best player nearly all season and he stepped up to the plate in a way that the team has been lacking for much of the last 14 games. It is difficult to see where the goals are going to come from as so many strikers are out of form. The only two regulars strikers in touch at the club at the moment are Theo Robinson and Liam Henderson, but if TS plays in the centre (either as a striker or attacking midfielder) that could make a big difference.
GC the point was that it took TS into the middle, we did not feel we had to belt the ball up to a target man and we ran at defenders who as a result were put on the back foot. If Priskin had come on TS would have stayed wide, might have got the cross in and would have to rely on someone in the middle finishing it off. Tommy Smith has been our best player nearly all season and he stepped up to the plate in a way that the team has been lacking for much of the last 14 games. It is difficult to see where the goals are going to come from as so many strikers are out of form. The only two regulars strikers in touch at the club at the moment are Theo Robinson and Liam Henderson, but if TS plays in the centre (either as a striker or attacking midfielder) that could make a big difference.
[quote][bold]JohnBoy[/bold] wrote:
I don't understand why Boothroyd didn't replace Henderson with Priskin at half time. It was obvious to me that Darius was going to get himself sent off. Some of Boothroyds decisions do seem strange.[/quote] Basically JOHNBOY we would have been playing with ten men anyway if that total waste of space Priskin had been anywhere near the team ,it is time people woke up and realised this !
Although i concede your point it was obvious Hendo was going to be sent off ! Should have brought on John Joe and had five across midfield
JohnBoy wrote:
I don't understand why Boothroyd didn't replace Henderson with Priskin at half time. It was obvious to me that Darius was going to get himself sent off. Some of Boothroyds decisions do seem strange.
Basically JOHNBOY we would have been playing with ten men anyway if that total waste of space Priskin had been anywhere near the team ,it is time people woke up and realised this !
Although i concede your point it was obvious Hendo was going to be sent off ! Should have brought on John Joe and had five across midfield
Posted by: Hexham Hornet, Hexham on 4:41pm Mon 5 May 08
You are right, Nursie, I was working, so only have the tv highlights to go by. The fact is that the goal came from Tommy Smith picking it up in the middle and going at defenders. It did not come from a lob up the centre of the pitch to a player who then knocks it down and it isn't picked up by the supporting players. We need to keep the ball down next week - if Tommy Smith spent more time in the middle and did more runs like this then just think how mch more successful he could be. As I said if Priskin had been on then TS would not have been in that position to collect the ball and then score.
You are right, Nursie, I was working, so only have the tv highlights to go by. The fact is that the goal came from Tommy Smith picking it up in the middle and going at defenders. It did not come from a lob up the centre of the pitch to a player who then knocks it down and it isn't picked up by the supporting players. We need to keep the ball down next week - if Tommy Smith spent more time in the middle and did more runs like this then just think how mch more successful he could be. As I said if Priskin had been on then TS would not have been in that position to collect the ball and then score.
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