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12th August 2025- League Cup First Round, Watford 1 Norwich City 2

Having previously announced that physical programmes would no longer be issued the club gave away a free sheet containing the squads as well as producing a digital programme.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/live/cvg453vgv59t#Line-ups

BBC: Josh Sargent showed just why Norwich are keen to keep hold of their highly prized striker by kick-starting a 2-1 Carabao Cup win over Watford.

Watford Observer: RECAP: Watford v Norwich City

Match report: Watford 1-2 Norwich City

Five talking points after Watford knocked out of Carabao Cup

Paulo Pezzolano on Norwich selection: ‘I would pick the same team again’

Pezzolano confident in Watford’s attacking depth as Baah stars again

Watford talisman Kwadwo Baah can get the Hornets’ campaign going against QPR

BHappy: Boos, inevitably, after the worst half I can remember at Vicarage Road for a very long time. And you can rationalise, and make allowances, even write it off… “it’s only the League Cup”. But for myself, I was beating away the most negative takes on our latest incarnation. The system we’re being asked to play is too complicated. The players don’t know what they’re doing. They’re unhappy, that’s why so little energy. We’ve signed Investments rather than a team, a bunch of promising kids, one of them tapping gold will pay for the others. Where’s the gnarled old boot to build the rest of it around? Wrexham and Derby have found hundreds of them. Would John Eustace consider a playing contract?

Fran’s Watford Blog: The second half was much better. The defensive changes were needed and meant that we looked a lot more solid. The introduction of Louza strengthened the midfield and provided more service for the forwards. The highlight of the game was the performance of Irankunda and Baah on the two flanks. They both gave the Norwich defence a torrid time and were a joy to watch. I saw some good things from Semedo as well, which give me hope for the new season.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025–26_EFL_Cup
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12th August 2023- Championship, Watford 0 Plymouth Argyle 0

https://www.watfordfc.com/match-report/match-report-watford-0-0-plymouth-argyle

BBC: Watford and newly-promoted Plymouth Argyle extended their unbeaten starts to the Championship season with an entertaining goalless draw at Vicarage Road.

Sky: While the visitors could at least take an unbeaten start to their first second-tier campaign in 14 seasons back with them to Devon, there was scant consolation for Watford who managed to hit the target with just three of their 20 goal attempts.

Watford Observer: Live Feed

The closest they came to making the breakthrough was during the first half was when Imran Louza hit the post from distance, while Vakoun Bayo will feel he should have done better after the break when he pulled a shot wide after being sent clear by a fine reverse pass from substitute Yaser Asprilla.

There were two key words that Valerien Ismael took away from the 0-0 draw with Plymouth: ruthlessness and mistakes.

BHappy: A week on, everything’s different.  We’re only a week into the football season, it’s still a bit of a novelty, we’re still getting into the swing…  but the niceties are over.  We’re no longer happy just to be back in the stadium.

Fran’s Watford Blog: While there was some disappointment at the end of the game, as the Hornets deserved more than a point, most fans leaving Vicarage Road had smiles on their faces.  It had been a terrific performance.  The high intensity of the play continues, the players are all working hard and linking up well and the result is some really entertaining football.  Plymouth were a much better team than QPR, so it was great to see the Hornets put in another dominant performance.  Dan Bachmann almost played himself into trouble on a few occasions, but Ismaël has made it clear that this is under instruction from him, so we will have a good few more nervy moments this season.  The positive is that, so far, the defence (including Dan) have reacted to cover the mistakes.  The forward play has been excellent.  Bayo may not have scored, but he is getting into the right places.  Martins was very exciting in attack and Asprilla continued in the same vein when he came on.  Andrews linked up well with them both and should have been on the scoresheet.  Sema and Louza both continue to deliver as expected.  It is all rather fun.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/66413440
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12th August 2022- Championship, Watford 1 Burnley 0

https://www.watfordfc.com/post-match/watford-mens-team-burnley-first-team-2022-08-12

Attendance: 19,225

BBC: Tom Cleverley’s winner helped 10-man Watford extend their good start to the Championship season and end Burnley’s unbeaten start under Vincent Kompany.

The Guardian: Hassane Kamara was shown a straight red card for a professional foul nine minutes from time but the Clarets could not get the better of the home goalkeeper Daniel Bachmann and succumbed to their first defeat under Vincent Kompany.

Fran’s Watford Blog: It wasn’t a classic performance, but it was head and shoulders above what we saw at the Hawthorns on Monday.  The Hornets had the better of the first half and, while it was mostly one way traffic in the second, there were still some impressive signs from the home side.  Dan Bachmann was, again, my man of the match and I was delighted that he made the Burnley fans eat their words.  The defence was very well organised and there was a much better showing from the midfield.  I was very impressed with our new boy, Choudhury, who appears to be an excellent addition.  We didn’t get to see a lot from Bayo or Asprilla, but their time will come.

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12th August 2017- Premier League, Watford 3 Liverpool 3

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screen-shot-2016-09-12-at-23-36-22clips of Jon Marks BBC 3CR commentary  Goals: 1 2 3

Watford Observer

RELIVE – Watford v Liverpool: Hornets begin life under Silva with six-goal thriller at Vicarage Road

Miguel Britos scored a dramatic injury-time equaliser as Watford claimed a 3-3 draw in a thrilling Premier League opener against Liverpool at Vicarage Road. Watford took a 2-1 lead into the half-time break after strong first half showing, which saw Stefano Okaka and Abdoulaye Doucoure score either side of Sadio Mane’s leveller. The game turned in Liverpool’s favour early in the second half as Roberto Firmino’s penalty and a debut goal for Mohamed Salah put the visitors ahead.

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp bemoans his side’s lack of luck after claiming Watford’s late equaliser was ‘clearly offside’

Stefano Okaka praised by Watford head coach Marco Silva after scoring opener against Liverpool

Watford head coach Marco Silva says Hornets reacted well to Liverpool pressure to grab last-gasp equaliser

RATINGS: How did Watford’s players get on in their Premier League draw against Liverpool?

BBC SportMiguel Britos scored a controversial 93rd-minute equaliser for Watford as Liverpool were held in a thrilling game at Vicarage Road.

skyMiguel Britos struck deep into stoppage time as Watford secured a late point following a 3-3 draw with Liverpool at Vicarage Road on Saturday.

guardianThe expression on Jürgen Klopp’s face as Watford celebrations broke out all around him said it all. A testing 24 hours for Liverpool, dominated by Philippe Coutinho’s emailed transfer request, ended with the sort of injury-time equaliser that drives managers insane. Miguel Britos, looking at least a yard offside, bundled the ball home from a corner in the 93rd minute, denying Liverpool the victory that would have brought some much-needed respite during the Coutinho saga.

IndependentNew season, same old problems for Liverpool. Against Watfordthey were made to pay the price for an all too familiar defensive horror show, as Miguel Britos headed home a 94th-minute equaliser to deny Jurgen Klopp victory in his 100th competitive game in charge of the club.

BHappy imageIt’s a classic First Day of the Season.  Sunshine on your face walking down Vicarage Road.  Touts after tickets, programme vendors, charity buckets.  50/50 scarves on sale for a tenner (“who buys them?”).  Friends rock up, you’ve not seen them for three months…  “how was your summer?”.  Albert is here for the first time in even longer, it’s good to see him.  He’s stunned by how tall the girls are, they are nonplussed but grin anyway.  There are flags, and noise, a tremendous montage on the big screens.  And then, then the football.  As has been said many times if you rely solely on the sport itself for your enjoyment you’re going to be disappointed more often than not but still, football.  And it’s just brilliant…

FranThe first day of the season and, on arriving in Watford, it was grey and drizzly.  I was at the Hornet Shop before 9:30, so it was rather bizarre to see the programme sellers and burger stands already setting up.  Having bought the new home and away shirts, a woolly hat (just in case) and a Watford coffee cup, I headed to the museum to get in line for the Graham Taylor exhibition.

https://www.11v11.com/competitions/premier-league/2018/matches/
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12th August 2008- League Cup First Round, Watford 1 Bristol Rovers 0

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http://watford.fcdb.info?id=4815

BBC SportWill Hoskins struck two minutes from time to earn Watford a first home win in four months and a place in the Carling Cup second round.

BHappy imageMuch the same template as Saturday – well on top, but little cutting edge despite the efforts of man-of-the-match Hoskins who earned his goal.

HornbloggerWere we cheering Will Hoskins goal, or the fact that it rescued us from another half an hour?

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12th August 2005- Championship, Cardiff City 1 Watford 3

http://watford.fcdb.info?id=4665

BBC SportMarlon King’s double helped Watford to an easy win over Coca-Cola Championship rivals Cardiff at Ninian Park.

BSAD imageIt’s difficult to know what to expect from this evening. The starting line-up is the eleven that finished at Plymouth, and the ferocity of the second half performance in Devon leaves me trying to contain my hopes for more of the same. Apart from anything else, our hosts are themselves coming off the back of an impressive win over Leeds just three days ago, and the paddock along the stand from us is busy and boisterous. Improbably, more of the same is exactly what we get.

https://www.soccerbase.com/matches/results.sd?date=2005-08-12
https://www.soccerbase.com/matches/results.sd?date=2005-08-13
https://www.11v11.com/league-tables/league-championship/14-august-2005/

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12th August 2003-League Cup First Round, Watford 1 AFC Bournemouth 0 (After Extra Time)

The first game we played after the tragic death of Jimmy Davis.

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http://watford.fcdb.info?id=455

BBC SportWatford won this Carling Cup first-round clash against Bournemouth after extra time at a sombre Vicarage Road.

guardianWatford fans came to pay their respects to Jimmy Davis, who died in a car crash on Saturday, and the football seemed almost irrelevant. But after 108 minutes of stalemate, on came Scott Fitzgerald to slide in at the far post and, with his first touch, settle the tie.

BSAD imageBSAD: Various reports

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12th August 2000- New Division One, Huddersfield Town 1 Watford 2

http://watford.fcdb.info/index.php?page=matches

BBC Sport: Tommy Smith helped Watford to their first away victory since August 1999 at Huddersfield Town – and three precious points in the quest to make an immediate return to the Premiership.

Sunday Telegraph, 13 Aug 2000

BSAD: So there’s no real feeling of excitement until the players emerge, the two goalkeepers followed by the rest of the squad and greeted by a huge ovation from an eager travelling support. Things are still relaxed, mind you – the McAlpine is far removed from the hype and general insanity of the Premiership, particularly in the way that the PA announcer rattles through the two teams in a dreary monotone, barely pausing to allow the two sets of fans to cheer their heroes. We provide our own pre-match build-up instead, rattling the roof with a rendition of “Elton John’s Taylor-made Army” that begins rustily, gathers pace and ends at full pelt.

https://www.soccerbase.com/matches/results.sd?date=2000-08-12
https://www.11v11.com/league-tables/league-division-1/13-august-2000/
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12th August 1995- New Division One, Watford 2 Sheffield United 1

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http://watford.fcdb.info?id=4144

BSAD imageBSAD report:To add to the disconcerting familiarity of it all, we get the dubious honour of opening the campaign against Sheffield United again. Another opportunity to put one over on Dave Bassett, former Watford boss, whose idea of what constitutes entertaining football is not the same as mine (he said tactfully).

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More games from 12th August at https://oldwatford.com/tag/aug12/

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12th August 1978-League Cup First Round First Leg- Watford 4 Brentford 0

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http://watford.fcdb.info?id=3234
Sunday Mirror, 13 Aug 1978
Sunday People, 13 Aug 1978

Watford Observer match report

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1978%E2%80%9379_Football_League_Cup
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12th August 1937- Neil McBain leaves as Watford manager with Bill Findlay ‘fulfilling’ his duties

Findlay would eventually be given the job full time whilst McBain would be reappointed 19 years later.

Evening Dispatch, 12 Aug 1937
Leicester Evening Mail, 12 Aug 1937

8th August 2026- League Cup First Round, Watford 1 Crawley Town 0

Watford Observer: Team news: Ngakia close to return but Akomeah suffers injury

Watford out to defy poor EFL Cup record in Dionisi’s first competitive match

Watford Observer: MATCHDAY AS IT HAPPENED: Watford 1-0 Crawley Town

Match Report: Last-gasp Bola rocket wins it for Watford against Crawley

WATCH: Immediate reaction to Watford 1-0 Crawley Town

Dionisi hails ‘incredible’ Bola winner but has mixed views on Watford display

Bola raves about ‘breath of fresh air’ Dionisi, style of play and culture shift

Dionisi asking for daily updates on centre-back hunt and wants Irankunda replacement

Crawley boss to clip up Watford’s goal celebration as motivation

BBC: The Alessio Dionisi era at Watford began in unconvincing fashion with a last-gasp 1-0 Carabao Cup victory over League Two side Crawley Town at Vicarage Road.

Fran’s Watford Blog: As the clock reached 99 minutes, the ball came to Doumbia in the box, his shot was blocked and the clearance fell to Bola outside the box where he powered it home, to send the home fans wild with celebration. It was a cracking goal and no more than the Hornets deserved after a game in which they had 36 shots, 11 of which were on target.

29th July 2026- Friendly, Watford 0 Fiorentina 1

Watford Observer: MATCHDAY AS IT HAPPENED: Watford 0-1 Fiorentina

Match Report: Watford beaten 1-0 by Fiorentina in final Vicarage Road friendly

Fiorentina Official Site:

BHappy: There was lots to like here beyond, you know, it just being football at Vicarage Road. There were things that weren’t quite right too, but we know that we have players to come in and the onset of actual competitive football to sharpen things up. As ever, looking forward to it.

25th July 2026- Friendly, Watford 3 Hansa Rostock 0

Watford Observer: Inside the safety plans as 6,000 Hansa Rostock fans set to head to Watford

Hansa Rostock tell fans to ‘treat the venue with respect’ as 6,000 head to Watford

WATCH: Hansa Rostock fans’ ‘walk-up’ to Vicarage Road

MATCHDAY AS IT HAPPENED: Watford 3-0 Hansa Rostock

Match Report: Watford beat Hansa Rostock 3-0 in remarkable Vicarage Road atmosphere

WATCH: Immediate reaction to Watford 3-0 Hansa Rostock

Hansa Rostock: https://www.fch.de

11th July 2026- Friendly, Boreham Wood 2 Watford 1

Watford Observer: MATCHDAY AS IT HAPPENED: Boreham Wood 2-1 Watford

Match Report: Watford beaten 2-1 at Boreham Wood in first summer friendly

WATCH: Immediate reaction to Boreham Wood 2-1 Watford

Pollock: ‘Results at this stage mean nothing – it’s about minutes’