Hornet’s unlucky in Toon defeat

Those expecting Watford to travel up to St James’ Park and politely roll over and die for the big-boys of the Championship were sadly wrong, and it wasn’t until after the 80th minute that the points were wrapped up for the Toon Army.

Watford made one change with Don Cowie fit again, Jon Harley dropping out down the left to accomodate the Highlander.

Watford made the brighter start to the game and Henri Lansbury’s inch-perfect through ball coupled with Danny Graham’s determination deserved an opener, by the Teeside-born striker saw his shot hooked off the line by Steven Taylor having rounded ‘keeper Steve Harper.

The Hornet’s were made to pay for not taking their chances and Newcaslte showed the ‘Orns how when they took advantage of a Craig Cathcart mistake.

Ulsterman Cathcart saw his short backpass put Scott Loach in trouble and Marlon Harewood spotted the danger sliding in to rob Loach of the ball and picking out strike partner Peter Lovenkrands. The Danish forward left with the simple task of planting the ball into an empty net with Loach left crumpled on the byline.

Half Time: 1-0

Just four minutes after half time though, Watford were given a golden opportunity to peg the Toon back as midfielder Kevin Nolan was sent off for a second poor challenge. The former Bolton skipper clattering Lansbury from behind, some forty yards from goal.

However due to a lack of luck in front of the goal and good keeping for stalwart Steve Harper Watford were unable to grab the leveller their play deserved.

In the 83rd minute, winger Fabrice Pancrate scored a stunner to leave all three points in the North East.

Apparently stuck between two Hornet’s defenders the Frenchman rolled the ball behind himself and between the two, bursting through to lash past Loach and into the roof of the net from twelve yards.

Full Time: 2-0

Could’ve been better, but then after the way Swansea folded at St James’ last week, it could have been a lot, lot worse.

NEWCASTLE UNITED: Harper; Simpson, Coloccini, S Taylor, Enrique; Guthrie (Pancrate 71), Nolan, Smith (c), Gutierrez; Lovenkrands (Butt 65), Harewood (Carroll 56). Subs: Krul (gk), R Taylor, Ranger, Khizanishvili.

WATFORD: Loach; Hodson, Cathcart, Mariappa (c), Doyley; Cleverley, Lansbury (Henderson 84), Eustace, Cowie; Helguson, Graham (Ellington 77). Subs: Lee (gk), Bennett, Harley, Severin, DeMerit.