‘Orns sting Bees (Groan!)

Pretty it was not, for large chunks, effective it was not either, but in the end Watford`s [for now] Championship ‘class` shone through as Malky Mackay`s side recorded their first victory under the new gaffer. And let me tell you, it was not pretty.

Extra time goals from captain for the night Mike Williamson and new-boy Scott Severin did for a Barnet side that scrapped well for 120 minutes and even managed to carve out some of the games best chances.

The first half saw both sides struggle to create anything, the ball going backwards and forwards with little quality in between. Barnet did create one good opening as Albert Adomah was slipped through but his effort dipped just over Richard Lee`s crossbar. Watford responded with a swerving shot which Scott Severin leant in to before lashing over the bar.

Watford reverted to long ball for much of the first half presumably leaving Danny Graham with a sore neck as he chased after hopeful punts from hoofer -in-chief, Aidy Mariappa. Indeed Mariappa it was who created Barnet`s best openings, falling over once in particular leaving Paul Furlong clean through on goal. The referee came down harshly on Barnet awarding the Hornets a free kick when it looked more the case that Mariappa had simply stumbled leaving Furlong with the goal gaping.

With full-time closing in the Hornets nearly snatched victory with Lloyd Doyley of all players bursting into the penalty area to latch onto a flick which for any other player would`ve been comprehensively volleyed home. However, this was Lloyd Doyley and newfound bias of cult status aside, did anyone expect him to take his chance? Though not?

Extra time loomed but still Watford did their best to lose the game, Albert Adomah again proving too tricky for the Hornets back line, lashing a shot goalwards for Lee to parry away for a corner.

Finally in extra time Watford`s Championship status started to show as the Hornets camped in the Barnet half. Mike Williamson eventually grabbed a scrappy header from McAnuff`s cross. It was a rare contribution from McAnuff who had only previously been noticeable for his exciting run and comical collapse at the last.

Before any of that however, Paul Furlong had planted a tame header straight down into the palms of Richard Lee after a pinpoint Albert Jarrett cross.

The second owed as much to the clumsy ‘keeping of former Q.P.R stopper Jake Cole as it did the ambitious nature of Scott Severin. The fourteen cap Scot smashed in a half volley from the edge of the area which Cole managed to spill through his open legs.

Full Time 0-2

Barnet Starting XI
Cole; O`Neill, Yakubu, Leach, Gillett; Adomah, Hyde (c), Hughes, Jarrett; Furlong & Bolasie.

Player Ratings

Richard Lee – 6
One clanger, but otherwise safe hands.

Lee Hodson – 7
Didn’t put a foot wrong. Solid and dependable on first start.

Aidy Mariappa – 6
Appeard to be running on ice.

Mike Williamson – 7
Skippers goal, battled well against Furlong.

Lloyd Doyley – 6
Unlucky not score, solid.

Don Cowie – 6
Nothing of note before injury.

John Eustace – 8
Worked as hard as ever, NOT booked (!), calming influence in middle.

Scott Severin – 6
Faded into the background, but used ball well. Speculative goal.

Jobi McAnuff – 5
One driving run. Otherwise bottled challenges and beat nobody.

Tommy Smith – 5
Looked disinterested and recieved little support.

Danny Graham – 7
Strong as an Ox, worked hard, took a whack or several for the team and full of running.

Nathan Ellington – 8
Beefed up. Worked hard, run further than McAnuff [at a guess], made things happen, unlucky not to score.

Jon Harley – 6
Solid and unspectacular as ever.
Looked bright.

Manager Rating
Malky Mackay –

Football was negative, however introduction of Ellington good move. [6]

Opponent Rating
Ian Hendon –

Sent out a first team, set side up well to contain Hornets pressure. [8]