Watford Battle To First Win In Nine

Malky Mackay celebrated his new contract as Watford recorded their first win in nine games after battling to a hard fought victory over Millwall.

Watford made three changes from their last outing against Doncaster with Jenkins, Deeney and Buckley replacing Whichelow, Eustace and McGinn.

Watford started brightly and forced some early corners the last of which found Lee Hodson on the edge of the box and his vicious shot was blocked.

Millwall also produced some good early chances. First, Liam Trotter played a one-two with Steve Morison but put his effort over the bar. Danny Schofield also missed a good chance when he blazed over after Loach had parried Morison’s cross.

Watford’s goal continued to lead a charmed life as the robust Millwall continued carving out chances. James Henry found space on the left and his low cross bobbled around in the Watford area before Trotter’s header was deflected onto the bar and was cleared away.

Watford finished the half strongly with Weimann having a good effort saved and had a strong penalty appeal turned away when Martin Taylor was wrestled to the ground from a corner.

Half Time

Second Half

Millwall started the second half strongly and nearly took the lead within 60 seconds of the restart but Loach saved expertly from Henry.

Watford took the lead on 51 minutes when following a thrown in Don Cowie picked out Danny Graham with a defence splitting pass and striker fired under David Forde at the near post.

Watford defended strongly and looked dangerous on the break with Andy Weimann, who got the ball on halfway and ran through to the edge of the box but fired over. Millwall were also lucky to escape having a player sent off when Will Buckley beat Darren Purse to a lofted clearance with the defender wrestling Buckley to the ground but the referee waved away appeals for a free kick.

Millwall mustered one last chance for an equalizer when substitute Kevin Lisbie poked the ball through the Watford defence for Steve Morison but a combination of substitute Dale Bennett and Scott Loach got the ball away.