This Thursday evening Watford Women were at Vicarage Road once more. Only three weeks since their previous fixture at the main club stadium. Where they beat Bridgewater United Women convincingly, by five goals to one. Including four from Hornet and Wales hero Helen Ward. Who is in her final run of matches as she retires at the end of the season. Calling time on an unmatchable career. FA Women’s National League Southern Premier Division league leaders Oxford United Women the guest for this game. Attracting an impressive crowd to the arena.
To reach the Hornets home ground. Supporters are served by three stations. The nearest of which being Watford High Street, situated a simple ten-minute walk away. Other options including Watford Junction and Watford. Both further afield. For those driving into Hertfordshire, paid parking is available, located in close proximity to the hospital. Walking distance from the football club.
Before the match. Fans were able to take advantage of a fantastic variety of merchandise in the club shop. Now on offer, as we reach the end of the season. For both men’s and women’s side. Including heavily discounted items from the hornets disappointing defeat to Nottingham Forest at burton Albion. Once their match day purchases were complete, attendees were able to make their way to the stands, which were changed at the last minute. Tickets being issued in the Graham Taylor stand. Now seated in the Elton John end. Which welcomed people with a downpour past the turnstiles. Programme becoming obtainable soon after, sold by a very kind and helpful staff member. Unreserved seating aiding the atmosphere tonight.
On the pitch. Oxford United took a lead on twelve minutes. Managing to find the back of the net, after fortune went their way. Following a squeeze at the post. Creating a cheer from the travelling supporters who turned up in large numbers. Up the other end. Watford worked their first chance from Rossiter five minutes later. Low effort, ending up missing, easy work for the keeper. Trying again on twenty-eight minutes. Rossiter whacked a free kick goal bound. Fighting for an equaliser Baptiste and Davidson drove on. As the game hit the forty fifth minute it was halted due to an injury. Clever decision making by Wilson created a chance, sending Rossiter through on goal. Clashing with the visiting keeper in the process. Plunging into her head. Ten minutes on from the restart it was all hornet’s domination. Getting ever so close to an equaliser when Wilson sent her effort over. Hitting the post only five minutes later. Managing to bring them back level, Baptiste left fly on a fabulous attempt. Rocketing into the back of the net when the clock hit sixty-five. Incredible confidence to have a go from twenty yards out. Being substituted on. Helen Ward received the loudest cheer of the night. Marking her final home appearance as a Watford player, whilst they stand top of the table. Putting themselves ahead. Dennis noticed the guest shot stopper stumbling off her line. Lobbing her in the terrific style, scoring her first goal for the club. Sixteen minutes left to play. Proving to be the perfect end to the evening.
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