Good work-out
Report by David Wilson
Watford played a hastily arranged pre-season friendly behind closed doors
last night, against Scottish side Dundee United at Tannadice, losing 3-2 in
the game which was played over three thirty minute periods.
New Dundee United signing Roger Boli opened the scoring on twenty minutes, with
a fine twenty-five yard shot that caught Alec Chamberlain in the Hornets' goal
completely by surprise; and the former Walsall man was in the thick of the
action again moments later, when new signing Dean Yates was caught in
possession on the half way line, and had it not been for a last ditch
challenge from Michel Ngonge, it would surely have been 2-0.
Tommy Mooney equalised from a corner on thirty minutes as the first period ended 1-1.
Watford took the game to United in the second period, but could not break
down a stubborn defence with veteran keeper Sieb Dykstra in the U's goal
saving bravely at the feet of Keith Millen, before performing heroics from a
looping Smart header.
Robert Page's slip in the area allowed United man Boli to make it 2-1 as the players tired, setting up an exciting
final third. Trialist Smith made it 3-1, before Micah Hyde broke free through the centre to
score Watford's second moments from the end.
All in all, this was a good work-out for the Hornets against the best opponents they'll
play before the start of the new campaign - Hyde was particularly impressive, looking sharp and eager. Dundee United now head off to Amsterdam for a pre-season tour, whilst
Watford continue their rigorous pre-season training camp in a secret
Scottish location.
