Poor Watford had a night just as maddening. Their dreams of beating Plymouth to progress to the next round went up in smoke with a close call in the last few seconds of the match. An even-later last-gasp shot on goal from Edo Kayembe was deflected inches over the bar, leaving Watford fans still shocked. Watford, however, countered with an electric second half performance best described as direct and entertaining. They were unable to turn that superiority into a victory, one they sorely needed to close the five-point chasm to get into the play-off positions. The game, held at Watford’s home turf Vicarage Road, had both teams competing intensely but would finish all level on points.
Watford went into the match looking to continue their solid defense that limited Plymouth’s chances in a scoreless first half. Defensively they were impeccable, not allowing Plymouth to get a single shot on target. This defensive discipline did not come with an accompanying offensive potency for Watford. It wasn’t until injury time of a dismal first half that Rocco Vata finally registered a shot on goal for Watford. Plymouth’s impressive defensive efforts are shown in this moment.
Second Half Surge
In the second half, Watford’s overall performance was much better as they adopted a more offensive strategy. His introduction, along with the energetic Kwadwo Baah, provided the spark that revamped the team’s stagnant offense. Baah’s electric wing play created an opportunity for Vata, whose powerful effort was deflected onto the Plymouth crossbar. The home crowd, on the other hand, was soon growing frustrated as their side underperformed on these chances.
Baah hadn’t relinquished the crown as MNUFC’s top bomber with his blazing speed. He broke past the defender and fired a curling shot keeping Hazard busy in the Plymouth goal. Yet, Watford’s repeated attempts to break through Plymouth’s defense were thwarted. Wiley whipped the ball in and Francisco Sierralta connected with a header. This time it was Vakoun Bayo’s shot that was mishit and blocked bravely by the Plymouth defenders.
Frustration Mounts for Watford
Out of Watford’s failure to turn their second-half dominance into goals came an increasing exasperation from players and supporters. Despite the striker’s good work, even as the ball thudded into the advertising boards wide of Plymouth’s goal, ironic jeers began to greet these misses upon his return. Watford manager Tom Cleverley made no bones about his team’s disappointment following the match.
“It’s a bit of a head scratch how the ball’s not found its way into the net, but that’s the way it’s been going for us at the minute.” – Tom Cleverley
As for Plymouth, they did well to stay in the game with little chance to speak of all game long. Substitute Muhamed Tijani almost stole a win for Plymouth when he sent a low shot narrowly wide following an 87th-minute corner. Earlier in the game, Michael Obafemi had set up Ryan Hardie with a clever pass, resulting in a powerful shot that was expertly parried away by Watford keeper Egil Selvik.
For Watford, a win was important to keep their play-off hopes alive. That unwillingness to push and break down Plymouth’s backline during the first half would prove costly. The two Plymouth strikers linking up spectacularly, with Obafemi more often than not the man doing the creating as opposed to the finishing.
“We were almost perfect in the first half in not allowing Watford a shot on target. And they are a very good team with a fantastic home record so it’s not easy to keep them out.” – Miron Muslic
Imperative Victory Eludes Watford
As the contest entered its closing minutes, Watford found itself with a bit more urgency. Yet for all of their efforts, they left without any spoils. Kayembe’s deflected shot went up and over the bar, dashing their dreams of a win that would have significantly boosted their playoff hopes.
As the match progressed into its final moments, Watford’s urgency increased. However, their efforts remained unrewarded, and Kayembe’s deflected shot over the bar marked the end of their hopes for a win that would have significantly boosted their play-off chances.
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