It didn't bode well when one of our mascots tripped and fell just as they were all running off the pitch and departed in tears. In the opening exchanges we looked a little too desperate and kept making mistakes and giving away the ball. There was much huffing and puffing in the Upper Rous and it didn't take long for a few 'sort it outs' to be yelled. A long afternoon appeared to beckon.
Then came the penalty decision. It looked a cast iron one, far more so than on Tuesday night. Taylor unfortunately always looks like the guilty party in any challenge being twice the size of everyone else, but this time it was obvious that he'd hauled over the Reading player. The ref was in a good position to see it, following the play just outside the area. We all waited for his arm to go up and indicate the inevitable, which had it gone in, given our absymal record at coming back into games, probably would've been it and meant a nervous trip to Coventry awaited.
But, hold on. What had just occurred? That thing that deserted us many many moons ago whose name we've almost forgotten. It was a bit of luck. The ref impausably indicated no penalty, play continued and we went down their end and Graham headed in. Given our excellent record at winning games where we've gone ahead suddenly all was wonderful, sunlit and golden.
We easily held Reading off until half time and then, just to ensure they didn't react to any half time pep talk Helguson scored within a minute of the restart. For the first time in absoultely ages it became clear we were going to be able to sit back and really enjoy a game of football featuring Watford without any worries. Reading looked like a team who weren't really that bothered anyway but to be fair to us we looked like a team who weren't going to give anything away even if they were.
Graham then scored a sublime goal to make it three and was very unfortunate not to get two more. Sordell replaced Helguson who got a standing ovation for possibly his last appearance at the Vic in a Watford shirt and Bennett replaced Hodson. If I was Malky I would've taken Lansbury off just before the end so we could've shown him our appreciation too. Rather overshadowed by his mate from Man U, Angela has still been one of the reasons we've escaped the drop and deserves to take some of the applause himself.
As is the custom now, the players and their kids walked round the pitch at the end thanking us as much as we were thanking them. It's in those moments I know just how much I love this football club. Yes, it been a long rocky road this season and its not all been fun, but I was bloody proud of them following that display. We may have no money, the future isn't that bright but when its matters the playing staff of our club are bothered and we can't really ask anymore than that.
