That said, it must be noted that Watford were far from impressive when it came to the final third of the pitch and a more talented side would have given the Millers a mauling.
Ox-Millers Watford review
That said, it must be noted that Watford were far from impressive when it came to the final third of the pitch and a more talented side would have given the Millers a mauling.
On a cold, wet autumnal day, snow had been mingling with the drizzle on the journey, and it was good to see a well covered Away end as we met up with family that had come down on the supporters’ coaches.
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Watford set off strongly and penned the Millers back for the first fifteen minutes, with the away side barely able to string three passes together. The Millers’ main outlet, Sedgy, was immediately double marked and thus effectively taken out of the game, whilst Proctor was finding it tough to adapt to life on the left.
Most of the Watford threat was coming down their right and the defence had to make several last ditch interceptions, including an excellent block from Stockdale after the ball was cut back from the byline into the path of an onrushing midfielder.
With little joy on the right, Sedgy swapped flanks with Proctor and immediately the Millers had more threat and came into the match. Limited to a couple of long-range efforts so far in the first half, the Millers best opportunity came via good work by Sedgy on the left which put Junior through to the byline. Beating one man, the striker’s cross was then deflected up into the air, looping up above Butler who was waiting to head home in the six-yard box. The deflection ruined his timing and he was not able to direct the resultant header towards goal.
Most of the Watford threat was coming down their right and the defence had to make several last ditch interceptions, including an excellent block from Stockdale after the ball was cut back from the byline into the path of an onrushing midfielder.
With little joy on the right, Sedgy swapped flanks with Proctor and immediately the Millers had more threat and came into the match. Limited to a couple of long-range efforts so far in the first half, the Millers best opportunity came via good work by Sedgy on the left which put Junior through to the byline. Beating one man, the striker’s cross was then deflected up into the air, looping up above Butler who was waiting to head home in the six-yard box. The deflection ruined his timing and he was not able to direct the resultant header towards goal.
So despite having been considerably second best, the Millers had rallied to make it to half-time all square. Meanwhile, a large home crowd was mostly silent.
Watford came out for the second half with all guns blazing and were camped in
and around the Millers’ area for the first 15 minutes. This roused the home crowd and the atmosphere was building up towards in anticipation of the seemingly inevitable opener for the home team. In the face of this onslaught, Pollitt was exceptional, racing from his line to save bravely at a striker’s feet, picking out crosses and diverting an awkward shot over for a corner.
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The crowd sensed the home team’s growing frustration and the Millers’ following found its collective voice in response to a backs-to-the-wall display. Gradually the Millers’ responded to this encouragement and played their best football of the game. Shaun Barker, after a difficult opening half adjusting once more to a change of role, was growing in confidence. Sedgy flashed a shot across the face of the goal after some trickery in the box and Butler strained to get his head to a Beckham-type through ball from Stockdale, his header going just wide.
Proctor started to work better with Junior and Butler and some good interplay and quick feet from Junior allowed him room for a left foot shot that went wide. We need to hang on to Junior, as Butler is still struggling and he at least has the physical strength to hold the ball up. What is lacking is the support from midfield to give him options – frequently today he had to go it alone and was regularly crowded out.
Despite multiple Watford substitutions, the home side failed to break down a more confident Millers’ side and the ‘Red Army’ chants were rousing.
Vernazza replaced McClaren and put in some good work on his former home ground. In the last few minutes, sustained Millers’ pressure lead to panicked Watford clearances, with one finding Barker some twenty yards out. The young midfielder hit a first-time volley towards the top left corner of the net, only to see the keeper fumble the ball round the post for a corner.
So the Millers had held on for a 0 – 0 draw and left the field to a deserved ovation from the away following. It was noticeable that the players reciprocated the gesture, showing their appreciation by applauding the crowd from the middle.
Vernazza replaced McClaren and put in some good work on his former home ground. In the last few minutes, sustained Millers’ pressure lead to panicked Watford clearances, with one finding Barker some twenty yards out. The young midfielder hit a first-time volley towards the top left corner of the net, only to see the keeper fumble the ball round the post for a corner.
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In summary, an enjoyable match with some last-gasp defending, growing confidence and that never-say-die spirit that we know.
However, I must comment that many of the side look only half fit, and that is not just those returning from illness/injury (Butler, Junior, Proctor, Macca). It seemed today that Watford were first to every loose ball, were physically dominating our players, easing them off the ball and were far quicker about the field. For a side that has relied on its battling abilities in the past, this is a worrying sign.
However, I must comment that many of the side look only half fit, and that is not just those returning from illness/injury (Butler, Junior, Proctor, Macca). It seemed today that Watford were first to every loose ball, were physically dominating our players, easing them off the ball and were far quicker about the field. For a side that has relied on its battling abilities in the past, this is a worrying sign.
Full marks to the players for keeping going, but even greater praise for the fans for an excellent vocal support.
UP THE MILLERS !