Watford complete the win with last minute stunner

The match began with a very fast tempo with Watford on the front foot, quickly settling into the game, the girls were able to shift the ball from one side of the pitch to the other, which soon developed into some neat attacking play creating chances. Opportunities kept coming, especially down the wings. However, Watford were soon caught out on the break with a ball over the top, Garston’s rapid and prolific striker calmly slotted the ball past Abi to give them a 1-0 lead. Iva played a vital role in keeping Watford in the game during this period with her excellent recovery runs, putting her body on the line at times. Nevertheless, once again Watford switched off and a misplaced pass played Garston through on goal - their winger made no mistake and punished Watford. Although the 2-0 score line seemed very harsh, Watford didn’t let their heads drop at this time and once again with Saf’s dancing feet going down the right wing. She just managed to squeeze in a cross that was poked in at the back post by Eva putting Watford right back in the game. Watford had again started with 10, then Aliyah entered proceedings putting Watford on the up once again. The midfield worked the ball well to the wings with Saf and Maya O. Unfortunately once again, Watford were just unable to convert their chances when the ball was played into the box. With the continued pressure and following some intricate passes Simi was taken down in the box and Watford were awarded a penalty. Simi stood up and slotted the ball calmly into the bottom left corner. With half time nearing, Abbie made a crucial 1 v 1 save to try to keep Watford level at the break. To her disappointment, following another ball over the top their striker chased the ball down and just about reaching it, fired it into the back of the net. Watford were 3-2 down at the break.

The 2nd half started the same way as they began the 1st. Relentless pressure was building up with opportunities being created left, right and centre, the most clear opportunity came from Simi’s cross to Eva who stabbed at the ball - just unable to make enough contact to take it past the goalkeeper. The game was proving that Watford were not clinical enough and tensions were filling the Watford camp. Settling into a period of the game that was even, Watford were made to work even harder to create chances as Garston looked to close out the game. However a throw in on the left from Pippa, allowed Maya S to swing a lovely ball into the box that was taken down with exquisite control from Simi and smashed passed the keeper, 3-3 game on! With 10 minutes to go, and both teams going for the win Abi was called into action numerous times, keeping Watford just about in the game. Many corners came Watford’s way, but no one was able to get their head on the deliveries. With the need to score a goal quickly, Saf delivered a throw in to Florence who attempted to return the ball to Saf but this was intercepted, the Garston clearance fell to Iva. With not many options and Watford desperately needing a goal, she smashed the ball from mid-way inside the Garston half towards the goal. It looped over the keeper and into the back of the net - an absolute worldie! However, the match was not over yet, in the last minute of the game Abi made an astonishing 1 v 1 save to complete a vital win for Watford. What a game!
Player of the Match : Iva