" Match Report Watford v Cardiff City 28th Dec 2010 "
Tue Dec 28, 2010 9:50 pm
I got on the road early for this one as I had to get to the Watford ticket office to pick up my ticket as mine had got lost either in the post or perhaps before that. So I was please of myself when I got there in plenty of time so I could pick up my ticket, make my way to the Moon under Water pub and relax. However my ticket was not there. Now I'm told in situations like this the club give the "reprint" tickets to the crew who have to get to the away ground very early. Good idea so why did someone called Wayne, who does not have to get there early, take the tickets himself and not leave them for the early crew. This basically meant I had to return to the ground alot sooner than I intended to. So my thanks go to the backroom staff for making it a bad start to the day. Your influence was to be carried onto a bunch of guys that play for a team called Cardiff City.
When I first got to Watford and parked up the weather was not very nice. Well I hate that fine rain we have and got rather wet when I went to collect my ticket that was not there. Fortunately before the start of the game I did manage to dry up and I did manage to get my ticket after a run around here, there and everywhere. So it was with a relief that I stood in the away end with over 2,500 other Bluebirds. I started to feel a bit better and hoped the day would improve with a great performance from the No 1 team in Wales. I looked up to the roofs of the stadium and notice a bit of fog hanging around. I hope it was not going ot spoil a good performance, little did I realise this was going to be a godsend.
My doubts started to work their way into me when the team lineup was announced. Marshall in goal, still no Heaton? Hudson and MacNaughton were ot cover the right defence area, no problem with that. Naylor and Blake to cover the left side, now that did worry me and I was proved right. McPhail had kept his starting place with Oli in midfield but there was no Bellamy on the wing. He was replaced by Burke, was he not suffering from a virus? Whittingham was placed on the right wing. Chopra partnered Keogh up front, well that showed potential against Coventry so why not. Overall though, things did not feel well.
From the start of the game the Watford attacked the left side, no surprise and they had some quick success. Naylor was left standing on a couple of occasions of which one should have seen the home team take the lead. A cross from the left was met by an umarked yellow shirt who could not direct his header on goal. A wake up call, well not there but definately that left side was.
However the home side were to have an even better chance to take the lead a few moments later. Watford were winning the loose possession in midfield and setting up their attacking formations down that left side. One move saw a looped pass that bounced down the left side of the penalty area. Naylor actually had this covered but was challenged by the Watford winger. Instead of holding his ground Naylor leant against the winger and the obvious fall was about to happen. A few barges from Naylor, too deliberate in my opinion, saw the winger go down. The linesman did not hesitate to put his flag to his chest claiming a penalty. Some might disagree with me but I would say a definate penalty. Naylor should have just held his ground but it was too obvious he was more interested in holding back the winger than doing that.
The penalty was taken and the penalty was saved. It was a well taken penalty and was met by a secure set of hands. Marshall had to go to his right but not that far as the taker had chosen to go for power instead of placing it to either side of him. The ball rebounded back into the intruding players but was safely cleared. The next attack saw Cardiff take the lead.
Cardiff then started to get into the game with ball passing that was witnessed in the last match against Coventry. Starting in the midfield the ball was passed to the right, back to the middle then the right again. From the right a long pass found the ball on the left touchine. This opened up the Watford defnece and a quick pass inside found Whittingham in space just inside the area. His shot was powerful and low into the goal. A great goal against the run of play it must be said. Sadly it did not spur us on.
The goal happened on the 16th minute but just like at QPR the team could not hold onto the lead. Watford kept to their game plan and attacked down the left side again. One attack saw a Naylor header cause more danger than safety. His attacking winger was quick to the ball and sent a far cross to a waiting striker who smashed the ball into the net. Naylor was having a nightmare, again, so much that DJ had him substituted for a guy who our manager has slagged off it public. Adding to Naylors nightmare there was a big cheer from the away supporters when the substitution board went up.
Now I'm all for expressing my view about the team but to actually cheer one of guys when he get substituted is out of order. I actually felt embarrissed and from being annoyed with Naylor to actually feeling sorry for him. So well done to those fans who tried to reverse the situation and shouted for Naylor to do the Ayatollah. For those of you who cheered the substitution...you wankers.
Adam Matthews replaced Naylor so MacNaughton came over to the left and Adam went to the right. Now it has been said Matthews confidence is low. We had a sign of that straight away as he passed the ball back to Marshall but it was so weak our goalkeeper had to come 20 yards out of his area to boot it to safety. The substitution did secure our left side but insecured the right which was to cost us severly.
It as Watford who dominated the reminder of the first half with their fast counter attacking football. One such attack they should have had a penalty. Blake was left standing as he chased a ball that made its way into the penalty area. He looked like he clipped the Watford guy who had the better of him. The guy went down, the ball went out of play and the referee who had a perfect view of play pointed for a goal kick. You could feel the relief in the away end and that relief grew bigger as we got to half time all square.
The fog started to drop into the ground during the break. The feeling amongst the supporters was one of nerviousness. We would have all taken the draw there and then. However we felt the fog was going to save our day. It was going to play a big part in the second half and save us alot of agony.
Cardiff attacked the goal in the second half where the away supporters were located. It was our chance have a closer look at our formiddable attacking line. First thing that caught my attention was Burke. He was left with quite a bit of space on the wing, the right wing as we looked at it. However he did not seem to have the pace to take his man on like we know he can do. We started to feel we had a wounded army playing out there and we were into an unpleasant half.
However it was Burke that had the first chance. From the right wing he cut inside his marker and made some space for himself just outside the area. He curled the ball to the far post and us away fans had a perfect view of his effort. It was obvious it was not going to curl as the ball just went wide. The effort got us fans going again but it did feel like we were on our last legs.
By now the fog had dropped heavily onto the pitch and we all struggled to sight the far side of the pitch. On the 57th minute the ball was with a Watford striker at the other end of the pitch. It looked like he had the whole Cardiff defence between him and the goal. He had his back to the goal but turned forwards the Blake Matthews side and seems to go between them. Next thing we heard the away fans cheers and w ewatched the Watford players run to the far corner to celebrate a goal. Seven minutes later we saw the ball go down the Matthews side, then what looked like a cross as we saw a couple of players move near the Cardiff goal as they looked like they were challenging for this ball then once again we heard the home support cheer as we witnessed the same Watford players celebrating in the same corner. Was the fog our enemy? Well no because if we had seen the last 7 minutes clearly then it would have been the old same same that we all hate seeing.
By now Cardiff looked a jaded side. Koumas came on for Burke, no surprise there but why are we having to field an injured players? Koumas first touch summed up his return to us. It was a Whittingham corner that was headed away. Koumas picked up the ball and his obvious choice was a return pass ot Whitts who was in the clear. Koumas kicked the ball straight to a Watford defender who then started another attack against us. Fortunately the fog saved us the agony of watching our players defend desperately.
In fairness Cardiff did try to attack but most of the time the ball got as far as the Watford penalty area only for us to lose possession too easily and see us counter attacked by the home side. However one such attack by us summed it all up. Chopra from about 20 yards managed ot get a curled shot in. It should have been handled firmely by the Watford keeper but somehow instead of getting his palms around the ball he thumbled it with his fingers. The ball deluded him as it went over his head but instead of dropping below the bar it went over and settled on top of the net.
By now everyone one of us just wanted this all to stop but we had one more moment to live thorough, a penalty of the Watford that we could not see. Cardiff attacked again but the Watford easily broke up their play and counter attack with speed. As the play disappeared into the other half we heard the shout of a claim then a cheer. It was a penalty for the home side. A few moments later we heard the cheer of a goal scored and just figured out some players celebrating.
The game was brought to an end after the worse performance from a Cardiff side this season. Another bad day at the office just like the other one and the other one. In fairness the away fans were upbeat. Some sang "we lost but who cares we are Cardiff and we are going up". I dont think that now.
Summing up. I dont want to sum up the game, the report says enough. However tihs is not a one off now and its getting serious. 8 points from 27 is relegation form. Forget 2nd place with a game in hand. Our extra game means nothing, who honestly thinks we will get something from it. More likely we will suffer from another heavy defeat that will wide out our goal difference advantage therefore dropping a few places.
I personally think we are in a situation now looking at our current form that Sunderland were in before Keane took over and also Palce before Ian Dowie became their manager. Both clubs were playing like us, both clubs got their new managers in and both clubs went up. Thing was they were in a relegation before appointing their new managers. However they had time to turn it around, that is they had alot more games to do something about it than what we have now. We have the advantage of being up there though so that cancells that bit out. So with all that in mind something needs to be done soon else going on our present form our season could be over after the January window closes.
When I first got to Watford and parked up the weather was not very nice. Well I hate that fine rain we have and got rather wet when I went to collect my ticket that was not there. Fortunately before the start of the game I did manage to dry up and I did manage to get my ticket after a run around here, there and everywhere. So it was with a relief that I stood in the away end with over 2,500 other Bluebirds. I started to feel a bit better and hoped the day would improve with a great performance from the No 1 team in Wales. I looked up to the roofs of the stadium and notice a bit of fog hanging around. I hope it was not going ot spoil a good performance, little did I realise this was going to be a godsend.
My doubts started to work their way into me when the team lineup was announced. Marshall in goal, still no Heaton? Hudson and MacNaughton were ot cover the right defence area, no problem with that. Naylor and Blake to cover the left side, now that did worry me and I was proved right. McPhail had kept his starting place with Oli in midfield but there was no Bellamy on the wing. He was replaced by Burke, was he not suffering from a virus? Whittingham was placed on the right wing. Chopra partnered Keogh up front, well that showed potential against Coventry so why not. Overall though, things did not feel well.
From the start of the game the Watford attacked the left side, no surprise and they had some quick success. Naylor was left standing on a couple of occasions of which one should have seen the home team take the lead. A cross from the left was met by an umarked yellow shirt who could not direct his header on goal. A wake up call, well not there but definately that left side was.
However the home side were to have an even better chance to take the lead a few moments later. Watford were winning the loose possession in midfield and setting up their attacking formations down that left side. One move saw a looped pass that bounced down the left side of the penalty area. Naylor actually had this covered but was challenged by the Watford winger. Instead of holding his ground Naylor leant against the winger and the obvious fall was about to happen. A few barges from Naylor, too deliberate in my opinion, saw the winger go down. The linesman did not hesitate to put his flag to his chest claiming a penalty. Some might disagree with me but I would say a definate penalty. Naylor should have just held his ground but it was too obvious he was more interested in holding back the winger than doing that.
The penalty was taken and the penalty was saved. It was a well taken penalty and was met by a secure set of hands. Marshall had to go to his right but not that far as the taker had chosen to go for power instead of placing it to either side of him. The ball rebounded back into the intruding players but was safely cleared. The next attack saw Cardiff take the lead.
Cardiff then started to get into the game with ball passing that was witnessed in the last match against Coventry. Starting in the midfield the ball was passed to the right, back to the middle then the right again. From the right a long pass found the ball on the left touchine. This opened up the Watford defnece and a quick pass inside found Whittingham in space just inside the area. His shot was powerful and low into the goal. A great goal against the run of play it must be said. Sadly it did not spur us on.
The goal happened on the 16th minute but just like at QPR the team could not hold onto the lead. Watford kept to their game plan and attacked down the left side again. One attack saw a Naylor header cause more danger than safety. His attacking winger was quick to the ball and sent a far cross to a waiting striker who smashed the ball into the net. Naylor was having a nightmare, again, so much that DJ had him substituted for a guy who our manager has slagged off it public. Adding to Naylors nightmare there was a big cheer from the away supporters when the substitution board went up.
Now I'm all for expressing my view about the team but to actually cheer one of guys when he get substituted is out of order. I actually felt embarrissed and from being annoyed with Naylor to actually feeling sorry for him. So well done to those fans who tried to reverse the situation and shouted for Naylor to do the Ayatollah. For those of you who cheered the substitution...you wankers.
Adam Matthews replaced Naylor so MacNaughton came over to the left and Adam went to the right. Now it has been said Matthews confidence is low. We had a sign of that straight away as he passed the ball back to Marshall but it was so weak our goalkeeper had to come 20 yards out of his area to boot it to safety. The substitution did secure our left side but insecured the right which was to cost us severly.
It as Watford who dominated the reminder of the first half with their fast counter attacking football. One such attack they should have had a penalty. Blake was left standing as he chased a ball that made its way into the penalty area. He looked like he clipped the Watford guy who had the better of him. The guy went down, the ball went out of play and the referee who had a perfect view of play pointed for a goal kick. You could feel the relief in the away end and that relief grew bigger as we got to half time all square.
The fog started to drop into the ground during the break. The feeling amongst the supporters was one of nerviousness. We would have all taken the draw there and then. However we felt the fog was going to save our day. It was going to play a big part in the second half and save us alot of agony.
Cardiff attacked the goal in the second half where the away supporters were located. It was our chance have a closer look at our formiddable attacking line. First thing that caught my attention was Burke. He was left with quite a bit of space on the wing, the right wing as we looked at it. However he did not seem to have the pace to take his man on like we know he can do. We started to feel we had a wounded army playing out there and we were into an unpleasant half.
However it was Burke that had the first chance. From the right wing he cut inside his marker and made some space for himself just outside the area. He curled the ball to the far post and us away fans had a perfect view of his effort. It was obvious it was not going to curl as the ball just went wide. The effort got us fans going again but it did feel like we were on our last legs.
By now the fog had dropped heavily onto the pitch and we all struggled to sight the far side of the pitch. On the 57th minute the ball was with a Watford striker at the other end of the pitch. It looked like he had the whole Cardiff defence between him and the goal. He had his back to the goal but turned forwards the Blake Matthews side and seems to go between them. Next thing we heard the away fans cheers and w ewatched the Watford players run to the far corner to celebrate a goal. Seven minutes later we saw the ball go down the Matthews side, then what looked like a cross as we saw a couple of players move near the Cardiff goal as they looked like they were challenging for this ball then once again we heard the home support cheer as we witnessed the same Watford players celebrating in the same corner. Was the fog our enemy? Well no because if we had seen the last 7 minutes clearly then it would have been the old same same that we all hate seeing.
By now Cardiff looked a jaded side. Koumas came on for Burke, no surprise there but why are we having to field an injured players? Koumas first touch summed up his return to us. It was a Whittingham corner that was headed away. Koumas picked up the ball and his obvious choice was a return pass ot Whitts who was in the clear. Koumas kicked the ball straight to a Watford defender who then started another attack against us. Fortunately the fog saved us the agony of watching our players defend desperately.
In fairness Cardiff did try to attack but most of the time the ball got as far as the Watford penalty area only for us to lose possession too easily and see us counter attacked by the home side. However one such attack by us summed it all up. Chopra from about 20 yards managed ot get a curled shot in. It should have been handled firmely by the Watford keeper but somehow instead of getting his palms around the ball he thumbled it with his fingers. The ball deluded him as it went over his head but instead of dropping below the bar it went over and settled on top of the net.
By now everyone one of us just wanted this all to stop but we had one more moment to live thorough, a penalty of the Watford that we could not see. Cardiff attacked again but the Watford easily broke up their play and counter attack with speed. As the play disappeared into the other half we heard the shout of a claim then a cheer. It was a penalty for the home side. A few moments later we heard the cheer of a goal scored and just figured out some players celebrating.
The game was brought to an end after the worse performance from a Cardiff side this season. Another bad day at the office just like the other one and the other one. In fairness the away fans were upbeat. Some sang "we lost but who cares we are Cardiff and we are going up". I dont think that now.
Summing up. I dont want to sum up the game, the report says enough. However tihs is not a one off now and its getting serious. 8 points from 27 is relegation form. Forget 2nd place with a game in hand. Our extra game means nothing, who honestly thinks we will get something from it. More likely we will suffer from another heavy defeat that will wide out our goal difference advantage therefore dropping a few places.
I personally think we are in a situation now looking at our current form that Sunderland were in before Keane took over and also Palce before Ian Dowie became their manager. Both clubs were playing like us, both clubs got their new managers in and both clubs went up. Thing was they were in a relegation before appointing their new managers. However they had time to turn it around, that is they had alot more games to do something about it than what we have now. We have the advantage of being up there though so that cancells that bit out. So with all that in mind something needs to be done soon else going on our present form our season could be over after the January window closes.
Re: Match report Watford v Cardiff City 28 Dec 2010
Tue Dec 28, 2010 9:56 pm
Absolutely Brilliant match report Ian 
I must admit though, I was pleased to see Naylor go off, thought he had a shocker. 
...
I must admit though, I was pleased to see Naylor go off, thought he had a shocker. ...
Re: Match report Watford v Cardiff City 28 Dec 2010
Tue Dec 28, 2010 9:58 pm
Marc wrote:Absolutely Brilliant match report Ian
Cheers Mark.
It was the right thing to do replacing Naylor. However, booing him, what does that achieve? Think it has done more damage than good.
Re: Match report Watford v Cardiff City 28 Dec 2010
Tue Dec 28, 2010 10:01 pm
Bakedalasker wrote:Marc wrote:Absolutely Brilliant match report Ian
Cheers Mark.
It was the right thing to do replacing Naylor. However, booing him, what does that achieve? Think it has done more damage than good.
Ian, although he had a bad game, I will still give him my support 100%...
Re: "Match Report Watford v Cardiff City 28th Dec 2010"
Tue Dec 28, 2010 10:07 pm
Ian, Spot on Match report and as usual the truth, CHEERS
Also Thanks for taking so much time to write it up.
Also Thanks for taking so much time to write it up.
Re: "Match Report Watford v Cardiff City 28th Dec 2010"
Tue Dec 28, 2010 10:11 pm
Forever Blue wrote:Ian, Spot on Match report and as usual the truth, CHEERS
Cheers Annis. The truth hurts and its hurting me at the moment.
Re: "Match Report Watford v Cardiff City 28th Dec 2010"
Tue Dec 28, 2010 10:11 pm
Forever Blue wrote:Ian, Spot on Match report and as usual the truth, CHEERS
I'll summarise the report.
We started off shit and they missed a penalty. We scored. They equalised thanks to crap defending. We were lucky to be level at ht.
We started the 2nd half well. They broke and scored. We gave up and they scored 2 more. It got very foggy.
3 players came over to thank us for our good support.
Re: Sticky:"Match Report Watford v Cardiff City 28th Dec 2010"
Tue Dec 28, 2010 11:02 pm
Thanks Ian i enjoyed reading that as i was at work and i managed to listen to 3/4 of the game on the radio. I was fuelling the Reactor whilst listening to the game. It must of been a sight as me sat at the desk shouting and swearing at the radio 
my boss came in just as Watford scored there second and left as they got there third he was laughing his head off. At the mo i have to laugh as all i want to do is go into a rant and if i start i wont stop. 
my boss came in just as Watford scored there second and left as they got there third he was laughing his head off. At the mo i have to laugh as all i want to do is go into a rant and if i start i wont stop.
Re: Sticky:"Match Report Watford v Cardiff City 28th Dec 2010"
Wed Dec 29, 2010 12:19 am
From FACEBOOK
Nigel Pepper Great report, worrying state of affairs.
about an hour ago · Unlike · 1 person
Dave Stubbs Any other club would have axed their manager by now,so why havent we?What people fail to grasp is the 5 sigings jones brought to the club were not first team players and it really shows.Cardiff city football club has out grown this guy!!
13 minutes ago · Like
Nigel Pepper Great report, worrying state of affairs.
about an hour ago · Unlike · 1 person
Dave Stubbs Any other club would have axed their manager by now,so why havent we?What people fail to grasp is the 5 sigings jones brought to the club were not first team players and it really shows.Cardiff city football club has out grown this guy!!
13 minutes ago · Like
Re: Sticky:" Match Report Watford v Cardiff City 28th Dec 2010 "
Wed Dec 29, 2010 8:23 am
sorry ian.but didnt rae replace burke,i think koumas replaced mcphail very strange correct me if im wrong anyway great report thanks; robbie
Re: Sticky:" Match Report Watford v Cardiff City 28th Dec 2010 "
Wed Dec 29, 2010 10:00 am
beddau blue wrote:sorry ian.but didnt rae replace burke,i think koumas replaced mcphail very strange correct me if im wrong anyway great report thanks; robbie
Yes you are right. I was ahead of myself as I was writing. I wanted to say that Rae replaced Burke to shore up the midfield and stop the goals going in. However this did not work as give gave away the penalty.
Koumas replace McPhail and his first touch just about summed up his return to us where he gave the ball away from what should have been a simple pass back to Whitts.
Re: Sticky:" Match Report Watford v Cardiff City 28th Dec 2010 "
Wed Dec 29, 2010 11:13 am
that must have been one hard report to write........ could have summed it up with a few words...... crap, lazy, over rated and over paid....
hopefully the bristol game with be better for ya
hopefully the bristol game with be better for ya
Re: Sticky:" Match Report Watford v Cardiff City 28th Dec 2010 "
Wed Dec 29, 2010 4:10 pm
Hope you had a safe journey home Ian. Match report is pretty much spot on, shambolic display. Wilts you are also spot on, hardly any players came over yet again.
I thought Annis said before the game that he was confident they would all come and clap us
I thought Annis said before the game that he was confident they would all come and clap us
Re: Sticky:" Match Report Watford v Cardiff City 28th Dec 2010 "
Thu Dec 30, 2010 7:39 am
Ian, thanks again for your match report.
Re: Sticky:" Match Report Watford v Cardiff City 28th Dec 2010 "
Thu Dec 30, 2010 8:43 am
chris_ccfc wrote:Hope you had a safe journey home Ian. Match report is pretty much spot on, shambolic display. Wilts you are also spot on, hardly any players came over yet again.
I thought Annis said before the game that he was confident they would all come and clap us
Chris, 7 players Clapped us after that Defeat and they had a Bonus ion their Wages for doing so Chris
Re: Sticky:" Match Report Watford v Cardiff City 28th Dec 2010 "
Thu Dec 30, 2010 11:23 am
Forever Blue wrote:chris_ccfc wrote:Hope you had a safe journey home Ian. Match report is pretty much spot on, shambolic display. Wilts you are also spot on, hardly any players came over yet again.
I thought Annis said before the game that he was confident they would all come and clap us
Chris, 7 players Clapped us after that Defeat and they had a Bonus ion their Wages for doing so Chris
Re: " Match Report Watford v Cardiff City 28th Dec 2010 "
Sat Jan 01, 2011 8:10 pm
Cheers Ian