Watford prove a point at Reading

A striker who cost Watford less than a 25% of the Brendan Rodgers compensation they received from Reading paid dividends as ‘Golden` Graham netted a priceless equaliser to earn a point at the Mad Stad.


The Hornets will go away happy with a 1-1 draw from the right royal shower in Berkshire after a rousing 2nd half performance that showed the empty home stands just what they are missing at Reading – team spirit!

Yes, Reading were flying in the first 20 minutes and how the Hornets managed to ride out an all out assault – led by Rasiak, Mc`NotGood`Anuff and Sigurdsson – with only a 1 goal deficit at the break will show just what Malky Mackay means when he talks about ‘warriors` and ‘courage`.

Buzz words of the Hornets gaffer they might be but Braveheart has installed confidence and commitment in his side and that showed in abundance as Watford bossed the 2nd half (55% possession says it all really).

Howard, Sigurdsson and Rasiak had all caused problems for Loach with efforts on goal even before ol` Grzgorz was given the freedom of Berkshire to fire home inside the 6 yard box to put the hosts ahead after just 7 minutes.

And it could have gotten worse – Howard`s classy drive just flew over, Rasiak`s aerial threat was outstanding and Loach did ever so well to deal with a corker of a Kebe cross but it was Gyarli Sigurdsson who was the home side`s catalyst – grazing the post.

Watford, however, looked toothless without their own Iceman up front (H is doubtful now for Cov) and had only a Mariappi header and Golden Graham effort to show in the first 45.

But just like Leicester, it was a different story after the break. Watford were faster, sharper, quicker an eager, er . Brendan Who? reckons Reading “went on to relax” too much but we are having none of that here at VitalWatford Towers.

Eustace saw an effort deflected (somehow) onto the bar by Federici and then dear John was muscled out on the rebound – on another day (and if ref Haywood hadn`t been such a homer), it would have been a spot kick…both the BBC and Sky think so anyway!!!

Even the Reading ‘fficial site reckons the right royal shower “had a little luck”!

Still, it didn`t take long for the equaliser to come on 66. Clever Tom and Cowie worked well to feed Eustace, who`s gorgeous cross-cum-chip left Ingamarsson leaping into thin air and Federici flapping like a baby seal, only for ol` Danny Boy to expertly nip in and cushion a cute lil` header into an empty net.

Cue mayhem amongst the swarms of Hornets all of whom will be hoarse in the morning after ‘booo`ing for 95 minutes.

That`s Golden Graham`s 6th of the season so no doubt Portsmouth will want to sign him in January!!!

It could have gotten better too – Ellington (on for Hooray Henri) warmed Federici`s hands with a pacy drive and Clever Tom fired wide when well placed.

Sure there were scares – Mc`NotGood`Anuff showed just why Watford fans don`t miss him – shooting high, wide and indeed, not very handsome when he had other decent options (such a shame he was subbed) and Rasiak headed onto the roof of the net after good work by Karacan(racanaracan).

And of course Watford almost shot themselves in the foot with 6 to go as Ellington saw red for 2 challenges (only 1 of which was worthy of a yellow) but ‘cool as` Craig Cathcart did brilliantly to deny Robson-Kanu (not as good as the name suggests) from stealing all 3 points deep into injury time – yes all heart thumping 5 minutes of it!

Still a point`s a point (especially at the Mad Stad, where let us remember Brendan`s Rodgers Watford revolution was thumped 4 -0 9 months ago) … in fact (if it wasn`t for a win v Wolves the week after) that would have been the last time Reading won at home.

Makes the point even more precious huh!?!