An early start on a Saturday could only mean one thing... An away day. I always enjoy going to Bournemouth as it is a particularly good day out and the atmosphere is always boisterous amongst the away supporters.
After making the journey down to the south coast the people I travelled down with and myself were particularly confident that we would at least get something out of the game. In truth after the most recent away games I was just hoping for a goal!
After a few beers in the pub where the atmosphere amongst the travelling hornets was lively, it was time to head to the Vitality Stadium to hopefully see in 3 points. I love the away end at Bournemouth for how close you are to the pitch and how compact the ground is. As usual with Bournemouth away the Watford fans were in fantastic voice as the teams came out.
In a tight and edgy first half, Bournemouth had lots of the ball but didn't particularly create lots of chances. However Gomes was called into action a couple of times when he firstly got back to his line to push over Ryan Fraser's header. Then Jack Wilshire stung the Brazilians palms with a shot from outside of the box.
Despite not creating much in the opening parts of the game, you could sense that The Cherries defence were shaky and potentially there for the taking. It was set piece that led to the opening goal and thankfully for once it wasn't The Hornets conceding from a set piece. A corner swept in found Miguel Britos at the back post, he headed across the goal to an unmarked Christian Kabasele who headed home to send the away fans into raptures. The away end went crazy, whatever people think about the "Bournemouth/Watford rivalry" these games always seem to mean more to both sets of fans.
The Hornets saw out the final 20 minutes of the half without really creating more clear cut chances. But we went into the break one goal to the good, although it was way too early to get excited as we all knew there would be an onslaught from the home side.
It didn't take them long to get level with the equaliser coming just three minutes after the restart. Adam Smith skipped past Doucoure and put the ball across goal for an unmarked Josh King to tap home. The defending for the goal was horrific as there wasn't anyone remotely near the Bournemouth goalscorer.
However The Hornets did retake the lead, Tom Cleverly swung in a near post corner that was glanced home by the captain Troy Deeney for his 101st goal for Watford. Again cue wild celebrations in the away stand and the atmosphere was electric.
Again though there was still 25 minutes to play and that was a long time for us to hold on to our slender advantage. I always felt we'd need a third goal to secure the points. That goal never came and just 15 minutes after regaining the lead we were level again. Bournemouth picked the ball up on the halfway line and slipped a pass through the Watford defence for Benik Afobe to power home. Before the goal Kabasele fell down with "cramp" and rightly so Bournemouth played on. The Hornets completely switched off which is unacceptable at this level, it was yet again another horrific goal for us to concede.
Thankfully we didn't lose the game and rightfully took a point back to Hertfordshire. It was a highly entertaining game which is normally the case between these sides. I reckon a point was a fair result in the end and it now means we haven't won a Premier League game since Everton at home. Although it is three games unbeaten and there were certainly signs of improvement.
Burnley at The Vic is another huge game and if we fans can get behind the team in the same way we did yesterday (Saturday). Not that Arsenal away isn't huge but you know thats a bit of a right off.
A quick note on the smoke bombs... I don't want this blog to cause arguments however I personally don't mind them and do think its great when they go off. However on the flip side I do see the argument of why people don't like them and they do get the club in trouble so in that sense they aren't good. If you take them to a game you do it at your own risk I guess.
Anyway smoke bombs aren't the important bit, its another point closer to a third season in the Premier League. Stay behind the team and the winning feeling will return...
You 'Orns!
Bournemouth 2-2 Watford
Watford man of the match- Tom Cleverley- he loves this club you can just sense it. Played excellently yesterday
Game rating- 8/10
Away day rating- 9/10- I will miss my trip to The Vitality when they redevelop their ground
Next game- Millwall away- FA Cup round 4
@adzrowe on twitter
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