Watford FC Ladies

Discussion in 'The Hornets' Nest - Watford Chat' started by oxhey67, Aug 24, 2018.

  1. Jossy

    Jossy Reservist

    Oh dear:eek:. They'd have been better off quitting at half time and forfeiting the match 3 or 4 nil. What a waste of time and (very minimal) effort!
     
  2. oxhey67

    oxhey67 Squad Player

    They love a low camera position in Portsmouth don't they. Fratton Park is always an awkward watch on TV but this is terrible. Still, 4-2 to the Golden Girls!!

     
  3. oxhey67

    oxhey67 Squad Player

    Next Fixture: Watford FC v. Gillingham Ladies
    (FA Women's National League South)

    Venue: Kings Langley FC
    (https://www.watfordfc.com/teams/ladies/watford-fc-ladies-information)

    Date: Sunday, September 23rd. Kick-off: 14.00pm
    (match brought forward from Sunday, September 30th)

    Confidence will be sky high within the Watford camp ahead of 10th placed Gillingham's visit this weekend. The Kent club are the only team to take points off current League leaders Coventry City, a 0-0 draw on the season's opening day, though that has been followed by a run of four consecutive League losses. With the Hornets climbing to 2nd on the back of wins in their previous 4 games, the run of form for each side couldn't be more contrasting.

    Katie O'Leary scored her 2nd of the season last time out and with 4 assists, the former Spurs player is proving to be a major threat in the Watford front-line. Combined with Leanne Bell's 1 goal & 4 assists from midfield, Gillingham will do well to cut out their attacking threat while trying to keep an in-form Helen Ward quiet (6 goals in 5 starts).

    Official preview: https://www.watfordfc.com/teams/ladies/ladies-gillingham-preview

    Other news
    Jenny Hughes (Wales) and Alketa Rragami (Albania) have received call ups by their respective countries for the UEFA World Under-19 Qualification Tournament in Yerevan. Rragami is also included for Albania's friendly against Montenegro.

    DnOsKx9X4AAesAL.jpg-large.jpeg
    Helen Ward celebrates scoring her sides fourth goal against Portsmouth last weekend.

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/watfordfcladies
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/watfordfcladies Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/watfordfcladies/

     
  4. oxhey67

    oxhey67 Squad Player

    An excellent performance on Sunday saw Watford turn a 0-1 half-time deficit into a 6-2 victory against Gillingham to go top of the table and record their fifth win on the spin.

    The game was still in doubt up until 10.30am the morning of the match due to persistent overnight rain, but the sun came out with the groundsman's forks and kick-off went ahead at 2pm as planned.
    The Hornets put in a lethargic first-half performance which saw Gillingham lead by a penalty. But a stern half-time talking to by the manager saw Watford come out all guns blazing and the introduction of Spanish ex-Futsol player Andrea Carid was instrumental to turning things around.

    I'll put up the full highlights if/when they're posted.

    Here's the official report from the Watford site;
    https://www.watfordfc.com/teams/ladies/ladies-report-watford-6-2-gillingham

    Goal clips;

    1-1. Left-back Kat Huggins equalises in the 48th minute with a stunning free-kick. Boom.
    https://twitter.com/fc_video/status/1043916745193541632

    2-1. Katie O'Leary scores (51mins) after a lung busting run from inside her own area to put away a parried Leanne Bell shot.
    https://twitter.com/fc_video/status/1043917012773339137

    3-1. 59 minutes in and Laura Baker scores her first of the season from distance. Get in.
    https://twitter.com/fc_video/status/1043917542153162753

    4-1. Katie Akerman continues the trend of scoring from long range with this excellent finish after a neat back-heel from Danielle Scanlon. Bang.
    https://twitter.com/fc_video/status/1043917758503817217

    5-2. Top scorer Helen Ward scores her 7th of the season with this nice run and cool finish. 81 minutes gone.
    https://twitter.com/fc_video/status/1043918243327627266

    6-2. The third of Watford's deadly triumvirate Leanne Bell soars like an eagle to climb above a defender to nod in the sixth on 83 minutes.
    https://twitter.com/fc_video/status/1043918425519730690

    Between them, Leanne Bell, Helen Ward and Katie O'Leary have contributed 12 out of the teams 22 goals so far this season and 11 of the assists.
    Bell has 2 goals & 5 assists, Ward 7 goals & 2 assists and O'Leary 3 goals & 4 assists. I believe the young people would regard that as being on fire.
     
  5. Diamond

    Diamond First Team

    I understand there are major rows erupting in the youth section regarding winter training venues. Apparently West Drayton was the closest all weather pitches they could find to Watford??
     
  6. CYHSYF

    CYHSYF Academy Graduate

    I heard this as well - given that they train twice a week I am not surprised people are peed off. Not quite sure why they got kicked out of Harefield?
     
  7. oxhey67

    oxhey67 Squad Player

    Sunday's full highlights for table-topping Watford's game against Gillingham.

     
  8. oxhey67

    oxhey67 Squad Player

    Next Fixture: C&K Basildon Ladies v. Watford FC
    (FA Women's National League South)

    Venue: Canvey Island FC
    (https://www.clubwebsite.co.uk/ckbasildonladiesfc/FindUs)

    Date: Wednesday, October 3rd. Kick-off: 19.45pm

    Watford will be looking to strengthen their position at the top of the table on Wednesday when they visit Canvey Island FC, home to C&K Basildon Ladies.
    While a visit to the bottom side would seem like three points are a formality, it's worth remembering the visit of lowly QPR to Kings Langley recently presented Watford with one of the sternest tests in their current five game winning sequence.
    With Helen Ward unavailable due to her inclusion in the latest Welsh squad, it could mean a second start for Anaisa Harney. Despite not scoring in the teams 6-2 win last time out, the young forward will be eager to add to her current tally of two goals in three appearances. Head Coach Armand Kavaja may also opt to play Andrea Carid from the start after having such a positive influence on the second-half turnaround against Gillingham.

    C&K Basildon have struggled at both ends of the field so far with just the six goals scored in the six league games to date, with a rather hefty twenty-four conceded.
    Midfielders Patricia Gimenez & Raquel Murray lead the scoring charts for the Essex side with two goals each.
    The one point Wednesday's hosts have picked up was from the away draw against the only side to beat Watford this season - Loughborough Foxes.

    Official preview: https://www.watfordfc.com/teams/ladies/ladies-ck-basildon-preview

    Other news
    Watford have been drawn at home to Coventry United LFC in the second round of the FAWN League Cup, to be played on Sunday, October 14th.

    There's an interview with Watford defender Lauren Peck currently on the front page of the Women's Soccer Scene website.
    Click this link for the Q&A with Lauren; http://www.womenssoccerscene.co.uk/womens-football-news-2018-2019/180929-12-womens-football-news.htm

    DnyZmPzXgAAGY5L.jpg
    Laura Baker (above), Leanne Bell & Katie O'Leary are the only three players to have played a part in all seven games for Watford this season.
    Photograph courtesy of Neale Blackburn Photography: www.chasdog.com

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/watfordfcladies
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/watfordfcladies Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/watfordfcladies/
     
  9. oxhey67

    oxhey67 Squad Player

    Watford maintained their sensational winning streak last night with a 1-0 away win against C&K Basildon. An 84th minute winner, a turn & shot from edge of the box by Emily Hill following a short corner, was enough to see off the bottom of the table side.

    The Hornets shuffled the pack slightly with Andrea Carid coming in for her second league start and Linda Afuakwah for her fourth. They replaced Anaisa Harney & league ever-present Leanne Bell, with Samantha Hallsworth taking over from Kat Huggins at full-back. Last night also showed the difficulties of managing the squad, particularly for midweek games, as Armand Kavaja was only able to name three substitutes.

    While the goals may not have flowed as in previous games it was the first clean sheet of the season. With the next two games both against league leaders Coventry United it'll be something Watford will be looking to build on, firstly when the teams meet at Kings Langley in the FAWN League Cup on October 14 and then a week later in the league at Butts Park Arena.

    Goal clip;
    https://twitter.com/fc_video/status/1047618954213117952

    Official match report & full highlights to be posted if/when available.

    With Coventry United Ladies winning their game in hand, it means they now sit top of the table despite Watford's fantastic run of five consecutive league victories.
    Screen Shot 2018-10-04 at 11.22.41.jpg
     
  10. WillisWasTheWorst

    WillisWasTheWorst Its making less grammar mistake's thats important

    Why on earth are they called Coventry United?
     
  11. oxhey67

    oxhey67 Squad Player

    I wondered that so looked up their website.

    Apparently, when Coventry City (men) were having financial troubles, ground troubles and, in general, troubles, a group of supporters set up non-league side Coventry United (in 2013), much in the same way disgruntled Manchester United supporters set up FC United of Manchester.

    In 2015 the then Coventry City Ladies merged with the non-league Coventry United.

    http://www.coventryunited.co.uk/about-us/who-are-we/
     
  12. oxhey67

    oxhey67 Squad Player

  13. oxhey67

    oxhey67 Squad Player

    Next Fixture: Watford FC v. Coventry United FC
    (FA Women's National League Cup)

    Venue: Kings Langley Football Club
    (https://www.watfordfc.com/teams/ladies/watford-fc-ladies-information)

    Date: Sunday, October 14th. Kick-off: 3pm

    The top two teams in the Southern Premier Division do battle in the Cup this weekend. Coventry sit proudly atop the table with Watford just 2 points behind.
    Helen Ward should be back for the Hornets and they'll be hoping influential midfielder Leanne Bell will be fit after missing out last week.

    The weather looks to be on the wet side with rain due to fall all day so the tie could be decided by who copes with conditions best.

    Official preview: https://www.watfordfc.com/teams/ladies/ladies-coventry-united-preview

    football-509818.jpg

    The forecast isn't good for Sunday and the CRY Community Stadium may well resemble a swimming pool come kick-off.

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/watfordfcladies
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/watfordfcladies Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/watfordfcladies/
     
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  14. oxhey67

    oxhey67 Squad Player

    Sadly the Cup dreams are over for Watford this season after falling to a hard fought 3-2 defeat against Coventry United on Soggy Sunday.

    I got to the ground earlier than expected and was taken aback that the Midlands side were already out warming up. That's the first time I've seen an away side out before WFC this season and their warm-ups looked organised, focused and professional. This, again, was a marked difference to all other visiting sides so far. QPR for instance barely had time to get to their end, do a few shuttle runs and stretches before being called back inside by the referee so he could get them back outside in time for kick-off!

    Watford were pretty tepid early on in the first-half and had keeper Weronica Baranowska to thank for staying in the game with a couple of superb close range saves and generally keeping the Hornets goal in tact. United did make the breakthrough after 20 minutes (I've blocked it from my memory) and despite Watford creating good chances as the half went on, the score stayed 0-1 after 45 minutes.

    Coventry scored soon after the break but Watford were the team looking more threatening now. Not only playing with a quicker tempo, they were chasing down better and keeping the ball for longer thus starving a very competent Coventry midfield of the ball. The Hornets also became much more physical and centre back Georgie O'Halloran made two crunching tackles which Eric Dier can only have dreamed of making on Sergio Ramos. The home side made their possession tell after 64 minutes with a superb through ball from Katie O'Leary setting Welsh international Helen Ward free to dink over the oncoming stopper. 1-2 and game very much on.

    Coventry currently sit top of the league and they showed that quality by coming back into the game and scoring an absolute belter from distance. 70 minutes in and Jade Formaston stuck one in the top left corner from distance with the ball nestling in the stanchion. Beautiful. Not to be deterred, Watford took just four minutes to reduce the deficit once more with a cross by Samantha Hallsworth bundled in off the stomach of Katie O'Leary and then the right hand post to bring the game back within reach at 2-3.

    Despite opportunities at both ends the game petered out somewhat with Watford unable to take advantage of any half chances created in the remaining minutes. They'll be kicking themselves they didn't start the game like they did the second half but will be able to exact revenge this coming weekend as Coventry play host to Watford in the league on Sunday, a first versus second encounter.

    The goals;
    Helen Ward makes it 1-2 after a perfect through ball from Katie O'Leary. Ward didn't even have to break stride. Perfect.
    https://twitter.com/fc_video/status/1051533922629312512

    From goal provider to goal poacher, O'Leary humps the ball in off her stomach after a pinpoint cross from defender Samantha Hallsworth. 2-3.
    https://twitter.com/fc_video/status/1051534400616321025

    Goal of the game, Coventry's 3rd and a goal worthy of deciding any game by Jade Formaston.
    https://twitter.com/fc_video/status/1051534173410873354

    The saves;
    Watford goalkeeper Weronica Baranowska had an excellent game and here are some highlights
    https://twitter.com/fc_video/status/1051905965501624321

    Full highlights;
     
    Diamond likes this.
  15. oxhey67

    oxhey67 Squad Player

    Next Fixture: Coventry United FC v. Watford FC
    (FA Women's National League South)

    Venue: Daventry Town FC

    Date: Sunday, October 21st. Kick-off: 2pm


    Coventry came out on top in last weekends cup game but all the talk on twitter from the Watford players is of revenge.
    Well, maybe talk from several of them is of revenge. Others have been tweeting about the weather, star signs, Josh & Megan (who?) and freaks who keep pet snakes but I'm convinced they were thinking about revenge when they posed for the Show Racism The Red Card photograph below.
    Talk is cheap of course but if Watford play the whole game as they did the 2nd half last week then they'll be sitting in 1st come 3.45pm Sunday afternoon.
    Come on you Golden Girls!!

    Official preview: https://www.watfordfc.com/teams/ladies/ladies-coventry-united-preview-0

    Dp3IvoaWwAAnn8u.jpg

    Show racism the red card. 'Nuff said.

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/watfordfcladies
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/watfordfcladies Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/watfordfcladies/
     
  16. PhilippineOrn

    PhilippineOrn First Team

    Interesting you could hear 'man on' being clearly yelled in the build up to Coventry's third goal.

    Of course, now I'm asking myself why should it be interesting when obviously 'woman on' takes too long to say.
     
  17. oxhey67

    oxhey67 Squad Player

    So, err. Yeah. That juggernaut Watford were driving during August seems to have lost wheels, direction and hope after Sunday.

    0-4 to Coventry. Do you need details? Surely that scoreline is detail enough!? I can't bring myself to read it but if you want to gawp at what is left of the souls of these players then please, by all means, read the official report. I'm going to have a little cry into a plastic cup so I can donate my tears to the SWOT charity, Sob WithOut Tears. If you send your sad outpourings to them in the self-sealing sachet they provide on their website, www.SWOT4ALL.com, then they'll pass them on to people who are unable to produce tears of their own. It's all anonymous so, you know, give it a go if you ever feel yourself welling up at anytime.

    https://www.watfordfc.com/teams/ladies/ladies-report-coventry-united-4-0-watford

    Thankfully there are no video highlights around at the moment. Not on the sites I've been looking at anyway.
     
    Pob likes this.
  18. I Blame Pozzo

    I Blame Pozzo First Team

  19. Diamond

    Diamond First Team

    Reading the report it sounds as though the difference was the finishing. Like the mens first team, we'll see how good they are in the next game if there's a reaction.
     
  20. oxhey67

    oxhey67 Squad Player

    In the games I've seen them play the one constant has been the ability to create chances. Often it will be on the counter or by playing the ball behind a full-back and outpacing the defence but the chances are always there. The team will be fine, I'm sure. The one thing that we don't have is a dominant central midfielder who can put their foot on the ball and dictate for periods of the game. A few of the other sides have done and it's increased the pressure on the Watford defence, but if that player isn't there then there's not a lot can be done about it.

    No game until the 11th of November now and hopefully a few of the knocks will have healed. I think Leanne Bell has been sorely missed in the two games versus Coventry and O'Leary only started on the bench this week - they're two of our creators & scorers so are a big miss when both are off the field.

    Still a long way to go in the season though and one bad result doesn't define it. Until next time...
     
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  21. Pob

    Pob Reservist

    I’ve finally caught up with this thread and it been an interesting read, thank you. I’ve enjoyed reading it sequentially without prior knowledge.

    I like how they play z cars for the ladies too, it somehow makes it more real for me.

    I wonder why all of the teams are “ladies” but Oxford are “women”. Maybe it’s not important but I can’t help wondering why.
     
    oxhey67 likes this.
  22. oxhey67

    oxhey67 Squad Player

    Many of the sides in women's football have dropped the 'Ladies' tag in the last season for two specific reasons.

    Firstly, the bigger clubs such as Arsenal & Chelsea are re-branding the sides. For example, at the Emirates, when possible, the women's team will be referred to as Arsenal Football Club, in line with not calling the men's side Arsenal Men's Football Club. It will hopefully bring an equality to the side rather than being seen as an add-on to a mens club.

    Secondly, this paragraph from the Chelsea site explains the modern view of women and behaviour within a sporting context.

    "Ladies" might seem like just a polite term for women, but it implies ladylike behaviour, so in other words, contains coded instructions about how women should behave. As per the Collins dictionary: "If you say that a woman is a lady, you mean that she behaves in a polite, dignified, and graceful way". Whereas, "woman" is defined in more neutral terms as "an adult human female." It seems right to me that when we talk about women playing sport, we should do so without any implicit suggestions of how they should behave while doing it.
     
  23. Pob

    Pob Reservist

    I hate to say it but I completely agree with the Chelsea view. I’ve never liked the term lady or gentleman. In the spirit of sexual equality I am also going to try really hard not to make any jokes about women liking it up the Arsenal.

    It’s amazing how you have embraced (not literally) the women’s team. You must really get to know the set up and the people involved. You have even inspired me to contemplate going to the Chichester away game.

    (I wanted to end this post by saying “COME ON THE WATFORD WOMEN” but this would have probably sounded inappropriate.)
     
  24. oxhey67

    oxhey67 Squad Player

    I've tried to use the word 'Ladies' as little as possible in the posts on this thread based on the same principle Chelsea outlined. It really is an outdated term when associated with sport though it still works in certain areas of life, as does 'Gentlemen'.

    As for embracing the women's team, to a point yes I have. I used to be interested some years back (when Doncaster Belles seemingly won everything) but I was still heavily into the mens game back then, travelling all over the place to watch certain players and teams. Now I'm put off the mens game to a large degree by the hyperbole surrounding it. Honestly, not every goal is a world class finish and not every player does remarkable things while the football itself can be decidedly average at times. Then there's the expense of going to games which for my limited budget far exceeds value for money. I also get more out of watching the development players than the 1st XI these days too.
    My interest was piqued once again this season in the women's game when I saw Watford signing lots of players in a very short space of time. That and the elite/top division once more being promoted and advertised due to its re-branding and the relative progression of Englands national side over a number of years now.

    I've no idea of the set up at Watford but the players are engaging individuals off the pitch and damned fine competitors on it. They also play with a smile, actually looking as if they enjoy doing what they do and for me personally, that makes for a better watch rather than the scowling, posturing nature of the mens game or the rolling on the floor when they've not been touched. The football can be frenetic at times but the skill is there and it's played at a pretty good pace too. Despite being the same sport it is a different spectacle to the male version but is just as enjoyable as long as you don't compare like for like. It's women playing football, not women trying to copy men playing football.

    Chichester are now top so it'll be a stern test for Watford but if you go you should see plenty of chances if not goals.
     
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  25. oxhey67

    oxhey67 Squad Player

  26. oxhey67

    oxhey67 Squad Player

    Next Fixture: Watford FC v. MK Dons Ladies
    (FA Women's National League South)

    Venue: Kings Langley Football Club
    (https://www.watfordfc.com/teams/ladies/watford-fc-ladies-information)

    Date: Sunday, November 11th. Kick-off: 3pm


    It seems so long since Watford played away at Coventry I thought the season had finished.

    Watford welcome Milton Keynes on Remembrance Sunday in their first fixture since October 21st.
    Last years WPL South East Division One champions come to Kings Langley after enduring a tough start to the season and currently sit fourth from bottom, winning just two of their eight games so far. With Watford losing their last two matches both sides will see this as an opportunity to kick start their season.

    Official preview: https://www.watfordfc.com/teams/ladies/ladies-mk-dons-preview

    1064606.jpg

    Lest we forget.

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/watfordfcladies
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/watfordfcladies Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/watfordfcladies/
     
  27. oxhey67

    oxhey67 Squad Player

    A bit of a non-event over at Kings Langley this afternoon with Watford losing 0-3 to a spirited MK Dons.

    Missing a number of players through injury and Helen Ward away with the Welsh squad, a very youthful Hornets failed to find any rhythm whatsoever. MK's keeper was rarely troubled in the first half and was equal to anything coming her way in the second.

    Neither side showed any real quality and when it did rear its head it wasn't sustained for long.

    I spoke to England aged group player Charlotte Owen, currently at Lewes FC, during the latter stages and she described the standard of football on show as "messy". She was being very kind. For quality of football, this was the worst performance from Watford I've seen so far. The effort was there but for some reason the ability to string passes together seems to be diminishing as the season progresses.

    Skipper for the day Emily Hill looked majestic at times bringing the ball out of defence but would then give the ball away cheaply. Similarly, Andrea Carid often had the tricks to create space for herself in midfield but either held on to the ball too long or couldn't find a team mate.

    Afiya Johnson made her first start for the 1st XI playing at right back and is a superb athlete, quick and tremendously fit. But, for today at least, she was unable to make good use of the ball. Over at left back young Hattie Kettle, normally a centre half, acquitted herself well and looked very composed. I was particularly impressed with her ability to find a fellow Hornet with headed passes, something too rarely seen in both women's and men's football.

    I did like how there was less reliance on long passes down the wings as the first choice ball out. Instead centre backs Hill & Edwards (nee O'Halloran) looked to pass to Carid, Danielle Scanlon or Alysha Stojko-Down in midfield to try and pass the ball on but, again, either the passes were wayward or Katie O'Leary, Anaisa Harney or Linda Afuakwah failed to control the ball properly. In Harney's case, playing at the head of a front three, far too often she tried fancy flicks or went for the magic pass instead of a simple control and lay off. She was subbed off after about 35 minutes. Leanne Bell replaced her with O'Leary moving to a central role and the team looked more cohesive because of it.

    As I said, I liked the way the team tried to pass the ball through midfield and looked to address something I mentioned in a previous post - the lack of a Watford player willing to put their foot on the ball and control the game from the middle of the park. Sadly the movement of the ball today was just too slow or too sloppy to be effective but I personally think it's a tactic to persevere with going forward because in Scanlon, Bell and Stojko-Down the players are there to implement it. Possibly playing a 4-5-1 formation would help the team as well because as it is the midfield is often easily outnumbered with the two wide forwards unable to support the team effectively often enough when tracking back.

    Anyway, enough of the inept tactical ramblings of a middle-aged bloke who is more beard than brain.

    I also managed to have a conversation with new General Manager Grace Williams. A very engaging and clear sighted individual with Watford FC close to her heart. I asked what her job entailed and as well as over seeing pretty much everything, as the title general manager would suggest, Grace really wants to pull the club together so there is a clear path from the youngest age groups to the first team. She said there is quite a drop off in numbers when the girls reach 14 or so while there is also a gap within the club between early to mid teens to the under 23 side. I think I've remembered that correctly anyway!
    It also seems the club will look to drop the term 'Ladies' next season and adopt the more modern title of 'Women', which I think is an excellent move. Apparently they were looking to do it for this season but it was never put forward in time due to staffing changes before the start of the season and cannot be implemented mid-term.

    One final thing and this is a personal view and impression after seeing the side play a number of times now. With three losses in three games the side needs leaders on the pitch. When any team is winning things come naturally and this side has bullied the opposition with their pace and persistence going forward. Now it isn't coming so easy a more vocal representation on the field is needed. Encouragement, cajoling and an audible presence so the opposition know you're there and are coming for them even when you're not at your best. At the moment this is a very quiet team. They talk but it comes across as timid and right now they need to be big and brash so even if the football doesn't trouble the opposition, at least they'll know you're on the pitch and putting up a fight. They're at home again next Sunday, let's hope the season restarts then.
     
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  28. I Blame Pozzo

    I Blame Pozzo First Team

    Excellent report Oxhey but I hope you haven't summoned the demon that is MK Donny?!
     
  29. oxhey67

    oxhey67 Squad Player

    As long as they're not mentioned in three consecutive posts we should be alright. Just a quick count back... oh damn!
     
  30. Diamond

    Diamond First Team

    With the new Watford Ladies setup there is a very clear pathway from u9's all the way up to U18's, then to U23's and first team. Don't see that as anything that needs fixing right now.
    The dropoff in players when they get to 14 only applies to those that really aren't bothered with the game anyway. The decent players definitely don't drop off.
     
  31. oxhey67

    oxhey67 Squad Player

    Grace did see the losing of girls around the 14/15 age bracket as a thing she wanted to stem, citing her own history as an example.

    I don't know what age brackets there are in the current set up but it seems quite a leap between U18 to U23 with the latter effectively being the reserve side.
    They play in the Reserves South/South East Division (see the link below) and are the only U23 side team listed with all the others either Development or Reserve teams. It may be just a name thing with players being of a similar age across the board but if the budget allowed then possibly have U18, U21 and a reserve side?

    (http://fulltime-league.thefa.com/Pr...SelectedCompetition=0&psSelectedLeague=872938)

    Yesterday also saw the second 'Buddy Club', Tring Tornadoes, get time on the pitch and whatever that entails (I didn't ask and she didn't expand) that looks to be something they want to develop also. At the moment Helen Ward is behind that initiative.

    It was a pretty good atmosphere yesterday with a lot more in the ground with Tring being there. There were flags, banners and good old Harry Hornet entertained the girls too. It felt more of a party/carnival and maybe that could be replicated on a semi regular basis. There's plenty of room next to the main pitch to keep families occupied during an afternoon and could really draw people in on match days to the benefit of both WFC and Kings Langley, again budget permitting.
     
  32. oxhey67

    oxhey67 Squad Player

    Sundays official match report;
    https://www.watfordfc.com/teams/ladies/ladies-report-watford-0-3-mk-dons

    For those of you who like to drive slowly when passing car crashes;
    0-1 https://twitter.com/fc_video/status/1061735434491965440
    0-2 https://twitter.com/fc_video/status/1061735677942026241
    0-3 https://twitter.com/fc_video/status/1061735939800817664

    Cup draw.

    Watford have been drawn at home to Buckland Athletic Ladies in Round 2 of the SSE Women's FA Cup.
    https://www.watfordfc.com/teams/ladies/ladies-hornets-handed-buckland-cup-draw
     
    Last edited: Nov 12, 2018
  33. oxhey67

    oxhey67 Squad Player

    Next Fixture: Watford FC v. Chichester City Ladies
    (FA Women's National League South)

    Venue: Kings Langley Football Club
    (https://www.watfordfc.com/teams/ladies/watford-fc-ladies-information)

    Date:
    Sunday, November 18th. Kick-off: 3pm


    Are your sleeves rolled up, is your hair tied back and have you applied deep heat to those areas left bare on these chilly autumnal days? Good.
    We're ready to go again (sigh) and hopefully wrestle back forward momentum after several disappointing results.

    Following last weeks loss to lowly MK Dons the Hornets will entertain league leaders Chichester City on Sunday.
    The West Sussex club currently have a 2 point lead over Coventry United and are 9 points ahead of Watford although they have played a game more than both.

    If Watford are still entertaining the idea of promotion this season then a victory is very much needed but it will be an uphill battle against a team with nine league victories from ten games. To help the cause Watford are looking to field a more experienced side this weekend with players returning both from injury and international games.
    Watford can ill afford to continue being so wasteful in front of goal so the finishing abilities of the (hopefully) returning Helen Ward will be much needed against a side who have conceded just two goals away from home in the league so far.

    Nobody said this division was going to be easy.

    Official preview: https://www.watfordfc.com/teams/ladies/ladies-chichester-city-preview
    League table: http://fulltime-league.thefa.com/Table.do?divisionseason=213307451

    watford_AWI.jpg

    Midfielder Andrea Carid (#15) will be looking to link up with forwards Helen Ward (#10) and Katie O'Leary in Sundays game against Chichester City.

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/watfordfcladies
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/watfordfcladies Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/watfordfcladies/

     
  34. Pob

    Pob Reservist

    Great result against the leaders. Although I do quite like the fact that a place like Chichester, with no traditional men’s footballing pedigree, can have a successful women’s team.
     
    oxhey67 likes this.
  35. oxhey67

    oxhey67 Squad Player

    An icy blue sky tinged yellow by a fading sun crowned a sparse Kings Langley. Golden leaves were spread upon the field of battle and the players performed as heroes.

    But we weren't here for the sport. Today, huddled along one side of the stretch of green and gold we were merely spectators to the powerful sight of the raging Chichester Lily-white, the rarest of species on one of its infrequent visits to Hertfordshire.

    Its very name is a misnomer. Black from head to foot with just a white face showing any relation to its title. A crest sits upon the left breast but is with so little colour one wonders of its use. But what it lacks in colour, this energetic creature more than makes up for in voice.

    At the start of the afternoon it was happy to walk among the people barking out what sounded like instructions and kept to one half of the field, preferring to stay close to those dressed in green or white. After disappearing briefly inside it returned with more of its kind and took a place on the far side on a bench marked 'Away Team'. The crowds had swollen by now and despite the coldness biting at bare skin those that were present felt just excitement at the prospect of what was to be displayed.

    We had to wait barely 20 minutes before the first signs. A dominant male of the species paraded in the middle of the field, its shrill whistle piercing the air intermittently. But when it called, the younger, showier Lily-whites began to emit their own cry. And did they cry.

    To attract the attention of the older specimen the younger ones on the side-lines began their ritual. Seemingly at random these young black clad Chichester's would start by standing, a muttering of 'referee' barely audible. Then they would lift themselves onto their toes, almost in unison, 'Referee!' called out louder. It carried on like this for another 30 minutes or so until we were treated to a full display.

    Half a dozen would stand as one. 'Ref'. The feet would arch as weight bore down on the toes. 'Referee!' Now the arms would be raised horizontal to the ground, fingers outstretched. The jaw jutted forward, both eyes swollen and their chests puffed. Here it came. We held our collective breath; 'REFEREEEE! REFEREEEE!' in a twee, whiny voice reminiscent of the Pasquale. Then louder; 'REFEREEEE!' before one final orgasmic call 'REFFF-ERRR-REEEEEEEE!!!' to garner the attention of anybody who'd listen.

    We listened, we smiled and when their puerile calls remained unanswered; oh, how we laughed.

    Or, to put it another way, Chichester Ladies coaching staff are the most childish, petulant bunch I've so far witnessed with hissy-fits thrown further than a Steve Backley javelin. Non-existent fouls demanded to be punished, actual fouls wanted to be carded and random calls for punishment that made no sense at all. They were embarrassing. It transmitted onto the pitch as the players began arm waving when decisions were correctly given against them with the same howls of disbelief filling the air. Awful. Just awful to see.

    Watford on the other hand didn't respond to the baiting other than to defend their lead with doggedness, enthusiasm, energy and sheer guts. It was a victory made from desire if not skill, of determination if not flair and a victory worth the same three points as one gained by flawless passing and panache. Celebrated with wine just as defeat was greeted with insufferable whining.

    I loved it.

    Official report; https://www.watfordfc.com/teams/ladies/ladies-report-watford-1-0-chichester-city

     
    Last edited: Nov 19, 2018
    Pob, Bwood_Horn, zztop and 1 other person like this.

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