" Match report Watford v Cardiff 26 Dec 2011 "
Tue Dec 27, 2011 12:09 pm
I felt it was going to be a bit of a struggle for this game. Who wants to spend a Boxing Day at a football ground like Vicarage Road. Well us football fans I suppose. Regardless what ground it is at. This game had a slight deviation for me as this time I was meeting up with a few exiled Bluebirds. I drove from Derby to Luton to meet up with Luton Bluebird (Jules) at his home before collecting Beds Bluebird (Matty) and Gareth.
We made our way to Watford via Kenilworth Rd. It is hard to believe that was once a top flight football ground. We arrived at Watford with plenty of time to spare but I was quite surprise to find our designated pub full of travelling supporters at such an early time. We only had one pint in there before moving onto another pub, I think the waterfall coming from one of the lights convinced us to move on.
It was a good move in the end as the other pub was a bit more quite, in fact empty, but after the episodes of Christmas Day it was what I needed. Another pint and I had started to relax a bit more. Totally renewed it was time to move onto the football ground.
Well over 1,600 travelling supporters filled the away section of the ground. For once Vicarage Road looked a bit more occupied than previous visits. I took my place next to the home supporters who I will say now looked like the best behaved fans we will have this season. There response to us was to just to wave a hand. Well I thought they are going to be fun.
Once again Marshall kept his position in goal with no change in the defence with Taylor, Hudson, Turner and McNaughton. In midfield Cowie lined up with Whittingham, Mason, Kiss and Gunnarson. Upfront once again was the lone striker Miller.
Cardiff started lively and within the first couple of minutes had a couple of shots on goal that were blocked. One of these shots came from Whittingham who looked frustrated as his shot was blocked. It was going to get a lot more frustrating for him as the game went on.
Cardiff pressed forward and on the 7th minute had their first real effort on goal. Down the left Taylor found Whittingham who managed to cross the ball to the far post. Kiss brought the ball under control and set up Cowie whose diving header was acrobatically saved by the home keeper for a corner. From the resulting corner the ball was sent to the far post where Hudson could only head over the bar.
Watford first chance came on the 10 minute mark. They finally managed to break away from their half and one of their strikers tried his luck from 25 yards forcing Marshal down to his left to parry the shot away. Marshall was quick enough to get up and cover the ball as an advancing Watford striker tried to collect the parry.
It was starting to be an end to end stuff game and the atmosphere in the ground responded to this. The home supporters remained in their seat, our stewards would love a job there, while the away support just carried on singing. To encourage this home support into some banter was going to be an achievement.
Cardiff most productive moves were coming from Gunnarsons throws. Each launched throw caused panic within the Watford defence. Although they managed to clear their lines the ball usually ended up at a Cardiff foot just outside the area. One such clearance found Whittngham who in return collected perfectly with one of his famous half volleys only to see his effort deflected over the bar.
From a couple of other Gunnarson throws Cowie went close to scoring on his return to Watford. Each time he got the ball it was met by a crescendo of boos. One effort he sent a looping header over the bar and his next effort a volley that was deflected over.
Gunnarson was controlling the midfield and was picking out Taylor and McNaughton in space down their respected wings. As Cardiff used this advantage the came took a turn as on the 18th minute mark McNaughton had to be substituted. Blake was his replacement and this seemed to allow Watford back into the game.
The home side started to attack down the Blake side as the visitors tried to adapt to the substitution. Blake was left wanting as one of the home wingers cut inside him and from 20 yards sent a powerful low shot down to Marshall right. The keeper managed to get down to the ball to turn it behind for a corner. From the resulting corner a Watford head sent the ball over the bar.
Watford grew in confidence from this and started to look like the home side at last. They started to win the midfield battle with most of the 50 50 going their way. However they failed to break down the Cardiff defence line although their best chances of doing that was attacking the Blake side.
Although it was Watford who were now enjoying most possession it was the visitors who nearly took the lead. Cardiff managed to relieve the pressure as Blake did was he does best and broke down the right wing. The ball was sent into the home area but was poorly cleared. Whittingham was waiting on the 18 yard area where he fired a volley into the crowded defence. The ball took a deflection, hit the post and fell into the grateful home keepers arms.
The game then was played in the midfield for the last 15 minutes of the half. Both midfields seem to counter each other out. However each team just before half time managed to create one more chance on goal.
Once again Blake found himself under attack from some speedy Watford winger. He was left wanting again as he watched this winger send a shot well over the goal.
Cardiff responded with perhaps their best chance of the game when Gunnarson was allowed space inside the Watford area. With time he could only slide the ball into the arms of the Watford keeper.
The referee then brought the half to a close.
During the break and much to my surprise the half time entertainment was in front of the away supporters. The Watford mascot invited some Cardiff youngsters to take a penalty against him. As this mascot, dressed as a Hornet, made his way to the goal he got hit on the back of the head by a ball. The culprit was Antony Gerrard who was warming up with the Cardiff replacement about 30 yards away from the goal and to our left. Gerrard celebrated as if he had just scored the winning goal in the cup final. This amused us away fans and in fairness to the mascot he took it well.
The second half started with Cardiff now attacking the end where their supporters stood. Within the first couple of minutes they had won a procession of corners. Whittingham seemed to be allowed the freedom of the edge of the 18 yard area where he had a volley goal bound deflected.
The home sides escape avenue was down Blake side again. Their first chance of the half came from a powerful cross from this side that was headed over the Bluebirds crossbar.
Cardiff made their intentions known when Kiss was replaced by Gestede after 58 minutes.
The game was now end to end with Cardiff attacking down the midfield while the home side seemed to be enjoying dominating their left side. Each Cardiff attack ended with a shot being either blocked or deflected. This was now beginning to frustrate the players. However one deflection looked like it hit a Watford arm. The appeals were waved away by the referee and moments later the home side took the lead.
Watford once again attacked down the Blake side. On the bye line Hudson then Whittngham failed to stop the Watford winger who found one of his strikers waiting in the penalty area. From 12 yards the ball was touched into the net to the delight of the home fans. They soon started singing "Malki, Malki whats the score".
Malki responded by bring on Conway for Mason.
This goal seemed to deflate the away team but instead of the home side going for the kill they seemed to be happy to hang onto what they had. However it was sloppy play by the Cardiff midfield that gifted the home side a free kick just outside the area. Fortunately for the away contingent the wall did its job.
Cardiff now stated to use Gestede as a target man instead of trying to go down the home midfield. This had little effect so the away team tried their luck with Conway breaking down the right wing.
As the game went into the last 10 minutes Cardiff did not look like they were going to break down this resilient home defence. Then they finally won a throw in that was in Gunnarsons range.
Now from where I was standing it was a goal before the throw reached any player. Gunnarson took the throw from the left hand side as us away supporters looked. He aimed for Turner who was just inside the 6 yard area near the front post. As the ball travelled to him I saw the Watford keeper come off his line to try and punch the ball away. Well it was obvious he was not going to get to it therefore leaving the goal exposed. The Watford fullback who looked favourite to get to the ball misread the throw and ended up stepping back to head it. Now with the goalkeeper off his line plus the presence of Turner this fullback could only get a slight touch to the ball resulting in him heading it pass his advancing keeper. The ball dropped before the goal line and trickled over the line.
The away fans went mad as you can imagine and started to do what we do best and taunt the opposing fans. However the home fans just remained in their seat non-plus, not even a wave.
Both teams from the restart went for the win. First it was the visitors who went close. Conway broke down the right and from near the corner flag sent a low cross into the Watford area. This was met by Conway just outside the 6 yard area who could only guide the ball pass the far post.
Conway then brought down a Watford winger about 10 yards outside the corner of the Cardiff area. The free kick was whipped in and met by a Watford head but fortunately Marshall made a reflected save to push the ball away.
The final chance of the game went to Miller who working with a Gestede knock on broke into the Watford area with only the keeper to beat. However he struggled to control the ball that seemed to be glued to his feet. The advancing keeper forced Miller wide only for the ball to go out for a goal kick.
The end to end game was brought to an end with the score 1-1.
Summing up: Not too sure if this is points dropped or a point won. The point won was deserved but should we be beating teams like this? Watford are an inform team just like Middlesborough are, just like Brighton were and Ipswich. I think we are playing our fair share of inform teams.
We made our way to Watford via Kenilworth Rd. It is hard to believe that was once a top flight football ground. We arrived at Watford with plenty of time to spare but I was quite surprise to find our designated pub full of travelling supporters at such an early time. We only had one pint in there before moving onto another pub, I think the waterfall coming from one of the lights convinced us to move on.
It was a good move in the end as the other pub was a bit more quite, in fact empty, but after the episodes of Christmas Day it was what I needed. Another pint and I had started to relax a bit more. Totally renewed it was time to move onto the football ground.
Well over 1,600 travelling supporters filled the away section of the ground. For once Vicarage Road looked a bit more occupied than previous visits. I took my place next to the home supporters who I will say now looked like the best behaved fans we will have this season. There response to us was to just to wave a hand. Well I thought they are going to be fun.
Once again Marshall kept his position in goal with no change in the defence with Taylor, Hudson, Turner and McNaughton. In midfield Cowie lined up with Whittingham, Mason, Kiss and Gunnarson. Upfront once again was the lone striker Miller.
Cardiff started lively and within the first couple of minutes had a couple of shots on goal that were blocked. One of these shots came from Whittingham who looked frustrated as his shot was blocked. It was going to get a lot more frustrating for him as the game went on.
Cardiff pressed forward and on the 7th minute had their first real effort on goal. Down the left Taylor found Whittingham who managed to cross the ball to the far post. Kiss brought the ball under control and set up Cowie whose diving header was acrobatically saved by the home keeper for a corner. From the resulting corner the ball was sent to the far post where Hudson could only head over the bar.
Watford first chance came on the 10 minute mark. They finally managed to break away from their half and one of their strikers tried his luck from 25 yards forcing Marshal down to his left to parry the shot away. Marshall was quick enough to get up and cover the ball as an advancing Watford striker tried to collect the parry.
It was starting to be an end to end stuff game and the atmosphere in the ground responded to this. The home supporters remained in their seat, our stewards would love a job there, while the away support just carried on singing. To encourage this home support into some banter was going to be an achievement.
Cardiff most productive moves were coming from Gunnarsons throws. Each launched throw caused panic within the Watford defence. Although they managed to clear their lines the ball usually ended up at a Cardiff foot just outside the area. One such clearance found Whittngham who in return collected perfectly with one of his famous half volleys only to see his effort deflected over the bar.
From a couple of other Gunnarson throws Cowie went close to scoring on his return to Watford. Each time he got the ball it was met by a crescendo of boos. One effort he sent a looping header over the bar and his next effort a volley that was deflected over.
Gunnarson was controlling the midfield and was picking out Taylor and McNaughton in space down their respected wings. As Cardiff used this advantage the came took a turn as on the 18th minute mark McNaughton had to be substituted. Blake was his replacement and this seemed to allow Watford back into the game.
The home side started to attack down the Blake side as the visitors tried to adapt to the substitution. Blake was left wanting as one of the home wingers cut inside him and from 20 yards sent a powerful low shot down to Marshall right. The keeper managed to get down to the ball to turn it behind for a corner. From the resulting corner a Watford head sent the ball over the bar.
Watford grew in confidence from this and started to look like the home side at last. They started to win the midfield battle with most of the 50 50 going their way. However they failed to break down the Cardiff defence line although their best chances of doing that was attacking the Blake side.
Although it was Watford who were now enjoying most possession it was the visitors who nearly took the lead. Cardiff managed to relieve the pressure as Blake did was he does best and broke down the right wing. The ball was sent into the home area but was poorly cleared. Whittingham was waiting on the 18 yard area where he fired a volley into the crowded defence. The ball took a deflection, hit the post and fell into the grateful home keepers arms.
The game then was played in the midfield for the last 15 minutes of the half. Both midfields seem to counter each other out. However each team just before half time managed to create one more chance on goal.
Once again Blake found himself under attack from some speedy Watford winger. He was left wanting again as he watched this winger send a shot well over the goal.
Cardiff responded with perhaps their best chance of the game when Gunnarson was allowed space inside the Watford area. With time he could only slide the ball into the arms of the Watford keeper.
The referee then brought the half to a close.
During the break and much to my surprise the half time entertainment was in front of the away supporters. The Watford mascot invited some Cardiff youngsters to take a penalty against him. As this mascot, dressed as a Hornet, made his way to the goal he got hit on the back of the head by a ball. The culprit was Antony Gerrard who was warming up with the Cardiff replacement about 30 yards away from the goal and to our left. Gerrard celebrated as if he had just scored the winning goal in the cup final. This amused us away fans and in fairness to the mascot he took it well.
The second half started with Cardiff now attacking the end where their supporters stood. Within the first couple of minutes they had won a procession of corners. Whittingham seemed to be allowed the freedom of the edge of the 18 yard area where he had a volley goal bound deflected.
The home sides escape avenue was down Blake side again. Their first chance of the half came from a powerful cross from this side that was headed over the Bluebirds crossbar.
Cardiff made their intentions known when Kiss was replaced by Gestede after 58 minutes.
The game was now end to end with Cardiff attacking down the midfield while the home side seemed to be enjoying dominating their left side. Each Cardiff attack ended with a shot being either blocked or deflected. This was now beginning to frustrate the players. However one deflection looked like it hit a Watford arm. The appeals were waved away by the referee and moments later the home side took the lead.
Watford once again attacked down the Blake side. On the bye line Hudson then Whittngham failed to stop the Watford winger who found one of his strikers waiting in the penalty area. From 12 yards the ball was touched into the net to the delight of the home fans. They soon started singing "Malki, Malki whats the score".
Malki responded by bring on Conway for Mason.
This goal seemed to deflate the away team but instead of the home side going for the kill they seemed to be happy to hang onto what they had. However it was sloppy play by the Cardiff midfield that gifted the home side a free kick just outside the area. Fortunately for the away contingent the wall did its job.
Cardiff now stated to use Gestede as a target man instead of trying to go down the home midfield. This had little effect so the away team tried their luck with Conway breaking down the right wing.
As the game went into the last 10 minutes Cardiff did not look like they were going to break down this resilient home defence. Then they finally won a throw in that was in Gunnarsons range.
Now from where I was standing it was a goal before the throw reached any player. Gunnarson took the throw from the left hand side as us away supporters looked. He aimed for Turner who was just inside the 6 yard area near the front post. As the ball travelled to him I saw the Watford keeper come off his line to try and punch the ball away. Well it was obvious he was not going to get to it therefore leaving the goal exposed. The Watford fullback who looked favourite to get to the ball misread the throw and ended up stepping back to head it. Now with the goalkeeper off his line plus the presence of Turner this fullback could only get a slight touch to the ball resulting in him heading it pass his advancing keeper. The ball dropped before the goal line and trickled over the line.
The away fans went mad as you can imagine and started to do what we do best and taunt the opposing fans. However the home fans just remained in their seat non-plus, not even a wave.
Both teams from the restart went for the win. First it was the visitors who went close. Conway broke down the right and from near the corner flag sent a low cross into the Watford area. This was met by Conway just outside the 6 yard area who could only guide the ball pass the far post.
Conway then brought down a Watford winger about 10 yards outside the corner of the Cardiff area. The free kick was whipped in and met by a Watford head but fortunately Marshall made a reflected save to push the ball away.
The final chance of the game went to Miller who working with a Gestede knock on broke into the Watford area with only the keeper to beat. However he struggled to control the ball that seemed to be glued to his feet. The advancing keeper forced Miller wide only for the ball to go out for a goal kick.
The end to end game was brought to an end with the score 1-1.
Summing up: Not too sure if this is points dropped or a point won. The point won was deserved but should we be beating teams like this? Watford are an inform team just like Middlesborough are, just like Brighton were and Ipswich. I think we are playing our fair share of inform teams.
Re: Match report Watford v Cardiff 26 Dec 2011
Tue Dec 27, 2011 1:46 pm
Great write up mate, and a great report!!
I purposely drove past Kenilworth Rd just so Vicarage Rd seemed like Wembley in comparison!!
Great seeing u again matey!!
Glad u got home safely from luxurious Luton!!
We didn't half see some nice places on the way didn't we, (not)
I purposely drove past Kenilworth Rd just so Vicarage Rd seemed like Wembley in comparison!!
Great seeing u again matey!!
Glad u got home safely from luxurious Luton!!
We didn't half see some nice places on the way didn't we, (not)
Re: " Match report Watford v Cardiff 26 Dec 2011 "
Tue Dec 27, 2011 2:35 pm
Thank you Ian for once again given us all an interesting match report.
Re: " Match report Watford v Cardiff 26 Dec 2011 "
Tue Dec 27, 2011 7:55 pm
Nice report.
Fair play to Conway though. what a player....
'Conway broke down the right and from near the corner flag sent a low cross into the Watford area. This was met by Conway just outside the 6 yard area who could only guide the ball pass the far post.'
Fair play to Conway though. what a player....
'Conway broke down the right and from near the corner flag sent a low cross into the Watford area. This was met by Conway just outside the 6 yard area who could only guide the ball pass the far post.'
Re: " Match report Watford v Cardiff 26 Dec 2011 "
Tue Dec 27, 2011 8:36 pm
Lawnmower wrote:Nice report.
Fair play to Conway though. what a player....
'Conway broke down the right and from near the corner flag sent a low cross into the Watford area. This was met by Conway just outside the 6 yard area who could only guide the ball pass the far post.'
Another classic statement from me. Reckon Annis should do a book on them.
Re: " Match report Watford v Cardiff 26 Dec 2011 "
Tue Dec 27, 2011 8:42 pm
Lawnmower wrote:Nice report.
Fair play to Conway though. what a player....
'Conway broke down the right and from near the corner flag sent a low cross into the Watford area. This was met by Conway just outside the 6 yard area who could only guide the ball pass the far post.'
LOL
Re: Match report Watford v Cardiff 26 Dec 2011
Tue Dec 27, 2011 8:45 pm
LutonBluebird wrote:Great write up mate, and a great report!!
I purposely drove past Kenilworth Rd just so Vicarage Rd seemed like Wembley in comparison!!
Great seeing u again matey!!
Glad u got home safely from luxurious Luton!!
We didn't half see some nice places on the way didn't we, (not)
Yeah well it would be wouldn't it Jules !!.....................You had a mention !! ...lover Boy
Re: " Match report Watford v Cardiff 26 Dec 2011 "
Tue Dec 27, 2011 9:13 pm
Cheeky fucker 
Re: " Match report Watford v Cardiff 26 Dec 2011 "
Wed Dec 28, 2011 1:36 pm
Cheers Ian ....good write up ...
....good write up ...
Re: " Match report Watford v Cardiff 26 Dec 2011 "
Wed Dec 28, 2011 2:07 pm
Good report, and very fair. Thought you were a bit hard on Darcy, though!
Long day; left my parents' house in Carmarthen at 4.45am
to catch the supporters' club coach at 6.50 from the CCS. Why a noon kick off? Anybody know? Probably just because we are Cardiff City My 15 year old niece came with me to her first away game. She enjoyed it, as did I. Better trip home after the late equaliser, though.
Point gained, I reckon. Bit old school me, always settle for a point away from home
Long day; left my parents' house in Carmarthen at 4.45am
to catch the supporters' club coach at 6.50 from the CCS. Why a noon kick off? Anybody know? Probably just because we are Cardiff City My 15 year old niece came with me to her first away game. She enjoyed it, as did I. Better trip home after the late equaliser, though.Point gained, I reckon. Bit old school me, always settle for a point away from home
Re: " Match report Watford v Cardiff 26 Dec 2011 "
Wed Dec 28, 2011 4:57 pm
Report sounds about right, I think both sets of fans are glad they didn't lose......
Regarding the home fans, those in the end next to the away fans are actually the family season ticket holders (had to be moved after the East Stand was condemned). We've never been noted for our fervour anyway - apathy is our strongest feature. It's been even quieter since the club decided to switch the home end to the Rookery.
As for Kenilworth Road, it suits that lot's current status, and long may it last!
Regarding the home fans, those in the end next to the away fans are actually the family season ticket holders (had to be moved after the East Stand was condemned). We've never been noted for our fervour anyway - apathy is our strongest feature. It's been even quieter since the club decided to switch the home end to the Rookery.
As for Kenilworth Road, it suits that lot's current status, and long may it last!
Re: " Match report Watford v Cardiff 26 Dec 2011 "
Wed Dec 28, 2011 8:01 pm
anotherhornet wrote:Report sounds about right, I think both sets of fans are glad they didn't lose......
Regarding the home fans, those in the end next to the away fans are actually the family season ticket holders (had to be moved after the East Stand was condemned). We've never been noted for our fervour anyway - apathy is our strongest feature. It's been even quieter since the club decided to switch the home end to the Rookery.
As for Kenilworth Road, it suits that lot's current status, and long may it last!
Our family stand is next to the away supporters. Sorry chap but we could neve rbe that subdued even amongst us familys.
Re: " Match report Watford v Cardiff 26 Dec 2011 "
Wed Dec 28, 2011 8:09 pm
Thanks for the report Ian, gutted I couldn't make this trip, hopefully see you soon, it's been a while since we have had a chat.
Re: " Match report Watford v Cardiff 26 Dec 2011 "
Fri Dec 30, 2011 1:25 pm
Cheers Ian, Look forward to your Forest report.