NORTHWOOD 0-4 WATFORD

A capacity crowd of over 1000 fans filled Northwood's Chestnut Avenue ground to see Hornets' striker Scott Fitzgerald make a return to his former club. With just one friendly in this country under their belts, it was many Watford fans' first chance to get a glimpse of the new signings and the new blue away shirt.

Before the game, Northwood manager Tony Choules warned that the game would be no pushover, and Watford were taking the game very seriously, with only a couple of big names missing, most notably the Iceland international Heidar Helguson through injury.

The game started well for the home side who got stuck in and stifled the Watford attack. The first few minutes held several chances for Northwood to open the scoring, but keeper Alec Chamberlain showed why he is still Ray Lewington's first choice stopper after a crucial save in the penalty shootout against Sheffield Wednesday in Ibiza last week. Much of the early play was down the right for Northwood but Paul Mayo and Sean Dyche were up to the challenge. As the half wore on, Watford began to look more and more threatening, and the first goal came when a magnificent cross from Lloyd Doyley was scrambled away and Brynjar Gunnarsson was on hand to drill the ball home. The second came about five minutes later when Player of the Season Gavin Mahon skipped past a northwood defender and sent in a perfect cross for Bruce Dyer to head into the back of the net. As half time approached, Watford looked like they could add another but the Northwood back line dealt with everything that was thrown at them.

Watford made one change at half time, with Bruce Dyer being replaced by Danny Webber. The second half was pretty much all Watford with Chamberlain not having any saves to make. Despite their dominance, Watford couldn't find a way through until the ex-Northwood player Scott Fitzgerald bundled the ball past the keeper to make it 3-0. The away team weren't done yet, as Danny Webber scored to make it 4.

It was a fairly good performance by Watford, who will face tougher opposition in the upcoming friendlies against Oxford, Colchester, Lincoln and Real Zaragosa.

PLAYER BY PLAYER

Alec Chamberlain - Didn't have a lot to do, especially in the second half. Made some excellent saves and showed why he is still number one. I'm liking the gold goalie shirt. 8/10

Lloyd Doyley - Couple of shaky moments at the end but was generally solid. Has also made big improvements in his play when coming forward. Brillian cross to set up the first goal. Needs a haircut. 8/10

Neil Cox - Not a lot to do, barely noticed he was on the pitch at all. 5/10

Sean Dyche - Solid as usual. Good understanding with Mayo at left back. Was given the captain's armband when Fitzgerald went off. 7/10

Paul Mayo - Played very well. Some good passing play and very competent at defending. 9/10

Paul Devlin - Linked up well with Doyley and played some good balls up to the strikers. Took advantage of some non-league defending. 7/10

Gavin Mahon - Excellent play linking up with Dyer for the second goal. Wasn't very involved as most of the play was channelled down the wings. 6/10

Brynjar Gunnarsson - First time i have seen him play. Was impressed with his distribution and his understanding with new teammates. Got stuck in with some good strong tackles and was also confident going forward. Looks like a goalscorer - lovely finish for the opening goal. 9/10

Neal Ardley - Left wing clearly not his natural position but did well. Linked up fairly well with Mayo and played some good long balls. 8/10

Bruce Dyer - Played ok. Few chances but a lack of pace. Nice header for the goal. Was replaced at half time. 6/10

Scott Fitzgerald - Captain for the night. Didn't really do much despite the occasion. Scored a scrappy goal shortly before Norville replaced him.

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Danny Webber - Looked sharp and hopefully will have a much better season. Nice goal. Only played second half. 7/10

Jason Norville - Didn't play long enough to make an impact. One or two good chances towards the end. Good to see him fit again. 6/10