I can't remember the last time I'd less looked forward to a Watford game, or the last time I walked away from the Vic feeling so proud. Whatever Malky said to them this time it really worked. They did sweat for the shirt for the entire 96 minutes, and 'they' weren't anything like our best 14 from our very small squad. It was very much a team performance but I can't resist picking some of them for special mentions.
Dale Bennett, as with earlier in the season, showed that he is just as good as any other central defender at the club. There were a couple of times when he was the player to put in the decisive tackle when Mariappa and DeMerit had tried and failed. If I was Martin Taylor or Jay I'd be seriously worried about keeping my place in the side.
Adrian Mariappa. Is he trying to emulate Lloyd? He had that great chance in the first half that Carson tipped over the bar and then a superman style shot in the second that he struck so hard Carson visibly shook his hands in pain after saving it. A most welcome and unexpected new attacking option.
John Eustace, lots of fun to watch at the moment especially his cheeky wrestling match in the first half. He must have known he wasn't going to get anywhere with it and was going in the book. But it was worthwhile as it eventually resulted in three West Brom players joining him for their protests. He seems to know just how far he can go in winding up the opposition before getting into serious trouble.
Danny Graham. I think very unfairly picked out by a small section of supporters as being one to blame for something or other over the last couple of months, yet this was his 10th goal of the campaign. He's kept plugging away, making himself awkward and struck what would be goal of the season if the voting hadn't already closed.
And, of course, Tom Cleverley. If that's it then its a horrible way to end his Watford career. I hope we get another chance to say thank you, because he has been a constant shining light through a fair amount of gloom this season and without him we'd be in a far worse position than 21st.
All in all very heartening, especially coming away feeling bitter at having only taken a point when beforehand we would've taken it without thinking.
