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14th February 2023- Championship, Burnley 1 Watford 1

WFC.Net goal commentary: 1

Attendance: 18393

BBC Sport: Burnley’s hopes of a record-breaking 11th straight Championship win were dashed as they were held to a draw by Watford at Turf Moor.

Sky Sports: A first-half finish from Joao Pedro gave the Hornets the lead but Vincent Kompany’s men escaped with a point after Obafemi popped up deep into stoppage time.

Fran’s Watford Blog: In the end, a draw was a fair result, although it was very disappointing to concede right at the end having defended resolutely.  The second half had been a real rearguard effort, but the chances for Burnley were again restricted.  Hoedt and Porteous are looking really solid in the centre of defence, you would think that they had been playing together for years.  What was especially pleasing was that it was a real team effort.  The past couple of performances have been building to this and it was great to see the Hornets matching the team that are running away with the division.  I was interested to hear the views of the Happy Valleys, who generally only see the games we play in the North.  They were all very impressed and said that they hadn’t seen anything like that performance so far this season.  It was certainly in stark contrast to their last match in Middlesbrough.  The signs were very encouraging indeed and, with performances like that, we now need fear nobody in this division.

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14th February 2015- Championship, Bolton Wanderers 3 Watford 4

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1-0
2-2
3-2
4-3
http://watford.fcdb.info/index.php?page=matches

A late winner from substitute Troy Deeney gave Watford all three points from a seven-goal thriller at Bolton.

Deeney, a 57th-minute substitute for Gabriele Angella, beat Andy Lonergan with a low shot from 16 yards to give his side victory in a breathtaking festival of attacking football.

When the final whistle went, a couple of the Watford players dropped to the ground as did a number of the Bolton players.  They all looked dead on their feet and certainly those of us in the stands were completely drained.  What a terrific game of football.  There were ecstatic grins in the away end and hugs between friends and, most likely, complete strangers.  The players came over and were greeted as the heroes that they were.  Ighalo, Layun, Forestieri and Deeney thanked us by nipping over the advertising hoardings to give their shirts to the crowd.

https://www.soccerbase.com/matches/results.sd?date=2015-02-14
https://www.11v11.com/league-tables/league-championship/14-february-2015/
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14th February 2012- Championship, Watford 3 Leicester City 2

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Watford substitute Craig Forsyth struck 10 minutes from time to to extend the Hornets’ unbeaten run to four games.

Home ties with Leicester are becoming unmissable (remember this one?  Or this one?), and this stood comparison with any of them.  Indeed, if the quality of the football wasn’t always the highest, the level of excitement and drama was unparalleled.  It was Prison Break as a football match, rejecting credibility in favour of a script that rolled ludicrously from one side to the other affording any number of dramatic cameos and contributions and leaving all those in attendance, surely, buzzing on adrenaline and reliving the highlights in their heads long after the match had finished.  This, as I wrote after the corresponding fixture last year, was what you bloody go to football for.

https://www.soccerbase.com/matches/results.sd?date=2012-02-14
https://www.11v11.com/league-tables/league-championship/14-february-2012/
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14th February 2009- FA Cup Fifth Round, Watford 1 Chelsea 3

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Chelsea were given a huge fright in their first match since the departure of Luiz Felipe Scolari but a Nicolas Anelka hat-trick helped them bounce back to beat Watford 3-1 and advance to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.

Tamas Priskin gave the Hornets the lead after he sprung the offside trap to dink the ball over Petr Cech.

 Watford had been pummelled for long periods, surrendered possession but defending wonderfully ruggedly to maintain parity, before Lloyd Doyley released Tamas Priskin. 

A tremendous effort all round.  Losing to Chelsea is no disgrace for a side at the bottom of the second division, and if we rode our luck more than once we also came close to levelling the game at 2-1 down.  Lots of good individual performances… the wonderful Jenkins, rejuvenated Demerit, unrecognisable Priskin, bullish (!) McAnuff.  But the team worked, for the most part.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2008%E2%80%9309_FA_Cup#Fifth_Round_Proper
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14th February 2006- Championship, Leeds United 2 Watford 1

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

BBC: Robbie Blake’s double-strike sank nine-man Watford as Leeds leapfrogged the Hornets into third place.

Daily Telegraph, 15 Feb 2006
Independent, 15 Feb 2006
Evening Standard, 15 Feb 2006

BSAD: Word had already reached us in the chatter beneath the stand that Gavin Mahon had succumbed to the dead leg inflicted by Saturday’s referee. With Matthew Spring already missing (due to a clause in his transfer that is as graceless as much of Leeds’ conduct this evening) and with Dom Blizzard still absent we fielded a central midfield of eighteen year-old Al Bangura and full-back James Chambers. Chris Eagles was back in the side in place of Anthony McNamee; otherwise it was the same line-up that faced Coventry.

BSAD: Jordan Stewart’s poor header back to Foster allowed Hulse to intercept, push the ball past the on-rushing Foster and land in a heap on the floor. From my appalling view, five rows back at the other end, I couldn’t tell you if Foster made much contact with Hulse, but what I’m pretty sure of is that Hulse was never going to reach the ball for a second touch. Referee Mike Jones must have seen otherwise though and bowed to home pressure by sending Foster for an early bath.

https://www.soccerbase.com/matches/results.sd?date=2006-02-14
https://www.11v11.com/league-tables/league-championship/14-february-2006/
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14th February 2004- New Division One, Watford 2 Preston North End 0

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

BBC SportHameur Bouazza scored on his full debut to set up Watford’s victory against Preston at Vicarage Road.

BSAD imageSo, Preston then. And as I struggle to remember the game’s various events and talking points, one thing is clear above all. This was a good thing.  Not just the performance (although it was surely one of the best of the season, if not the best) but for the number of factors that gave the more optimistic supporter something to smile about.

Screen Shot 2018-02-11 at 18.31.12
Taken from programme on 6th August 2005- Championship, Watford 1 Preston North End 2

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Screen Shot 2018-02-25 at 22.36.10
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14th February 1976- Division Four, AFC Bournemouth 4 Watford 1

http://watford.fcdb.info/index.php?page=matches
Sunday Mirror, 15 Feb 1976

Watford Observer match report

https://www.soccerbase.com/matches/results.sd?date=1976-02-14
https://www.soccerbase.com/matches/results.sd?date=1976-02-14
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14th February 1975- Friendly, Watford 0 Morton 0

A friendly arranged because our game against Walsall at home, due to be played on the 15th, had to be postponed as they were still involved in the FA Cup. Simailarly Morton had already been knocked out of the Scottish Cup.

https://www.watfordfcarchive.co.uk/fixture/1975-02-14
Daily Record, 15 Feb 1975
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14th February 1970- Division Two, Watford 2 Bristol City 0

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This was the first game played since the FA Cup win over Gillingham which put us in the Sixth Round for only the second time in our history.

http://watford.fcdb.info/index.php?page=matches
Evening Standard, 14 Feb 1970
Sunday Mirror, 15 Feb 1970
Sunday People, 15 Feb 1970

Watford Observer match reflections

7th February 2026- Championship, Southampton 1 Watford 0

Watford Observer: Why Southampton v Watford will kick off at 12.31 on Saturday

Referee named for Watford’s trip to Southampton

Daniels demanding ‘same energy, enthusiasm and quality’ at Saints

‘We want to be effective with the ball’ – How Daniels wants Watford to play

When we next play them it would be lovely if we could come up with a similar image for that leaflet that now masquerades as a programme featuring the 7-1, the 4-1 win in 1982, the Chris Nicholl nightmare in 1983, the 3-2 in 1999, the 5-2 in 2004 and the 5 consecutive wins against them from 2005-2008.

Match Wrap: Southampton 1-0 Watford – Watford FCDownload

Watford Observer: MATCHDAY LIVE: Southampton 1-0 Watford

Match Report: Watford without a goal in three as they lose 1-0 to Southampton

Daniels calls for accountability after ‘unfortunate’ timing of Goglichidze sub

Daniels rues missed chances as ‘good performance’ unrewarded at Saints

BBC: New Southampton signing Cyle Larin scored just three minutes into his Southampton debut as Saints beat Watford in the Championship.

Sky: For the Hornets, who were led by interim Charlie Daniels for the second time, they are winless since New Year’s Day and haven’t scored in their last three matches.

3rd February 2026- Championship, Hull City 0 Watford 0

Originally postponed just 23 minutes before kick off on the 4th January.

Watford Observer: What should we expect from Watford under Daniels, Mariappa and Gosling?

Match Wrap: Hull City 0-0 Watford – Watford FCDownload

Watford Observer: MATCHDAY AS IT HAPPENED: Hull City 0-0 Watford

Match Report: Watford draw 0-0 at Hull City but impress under Daniels

WATCH: Immediate reaction to Hull City 0-0 Watford

Daniels on ‘really good performance’ at Hull after one session as Watford boss

Mendy ‘showed why he’s a top player’ at Hull, says Daniels

Daniels, Mariappa and Gosling should be very proud of Watford’s performance at Hull

Daniels ready to take charge at Southampton ‘unless I’m told otherwise’

‘Everything’s a fresh start’ – Why Jeremy Petris and Formose Mendy were recalled

BBC: Hull missed the chance to close the gap on the Championship’s top two after a dull goalless draw against managerless Watford.

Sky: Hull came into the rearranged fixture in third spot having won all four Championship matches since the postponement, but they were denied a fifth victory on the bounce by play-off hopefuls Watford.

Fran’s Watford Blog:  The post-match consensus was that we had all thoroughly enjoyed the game. It had been competitive and the Hornets were the better team, which was certainly not what we were expecting before the game. Mendy, who had very little game time under Javi, was excellent and looks likely to get more opportunities under Daniels, who clearly rates him. Abankwah, who has put in some excellent performances in defence, showed us what he could do going forward, with one particular surging run giving me great joy. Mfuni was a revelation. I was surprised to see the 17 year-old starting, but he put in a performance that belied his years. He was composed and effective in defence, while also popping up in the opposition box to get on the end of crosses. After Alleyne, it appears that City have done us another favour. I look forward to seeing more of the lad.

1st February 2026- Head Coach Javi Gracia resigns

Club Statement: Javi Gracia – Watford FCDownload

Watford Observer: Javi Gracia resigns as Watford head coach

The inside story of Javi Gracia’s resignation as Watford head coach

Gracia releases statement: ‘I could no longer contribute with full conviction’

BBC: Watford head coach Javi Gracia has resigned after just over three months in the job following their 2-0 defeat by Swansea City.

Sky: The Hornets are now seeking their 24th manager since the Pozzo family took the reins in 2012.

31st January 2026- Championship, Watford 0 Swansea City 2

Watford Observer: Gracia: Watford in a ‘difficult moment’ and ‘really need support’ from home fans

Watford want to be ‘aggressive’ and ‘play in the opposite half’ against Swansea

Gracia on Baah, Irankunda and how he selects his team

https://www.watfordfc.com/news/2026/january/31/digital-digest-swansea-edition

Match Wrap: Watford 0-2 Swansea City – Watford FCDownload

Watford Observer: MATCHDAY AS IT HAPPENED: Watford 0-2 Swansea City

Match Report: Winless run extends to five as tame Watford beaten 2-0 by Swansea

WATCH: Immediate reaction to Watford 0-2 Swansea City and Gracia’s comments

Gracia plans to talk with Pozzo after Swansea defeat

Why does Javi Gracia want talks with Gino Pozzo? And what next?

BBC: Swansea City claimed a rare away victory as second-half goals from Marko Stamenic and Josh Key saw Watford lose further ground in the Championship play-off race.

Sky: Watford, by contrast, have not won a Championship match since New Year’s Day and played the final four minutes of injury time with 10 men after Nestory Irankunda was sent off for pushing Liam Cullen to the ground.

Fran’s Watford Blog: On Sunday morning the news came that Javi had resigned. I am very sad to see him go, but it was not a great surprise as he has clearly been unhappy in recent weeks. We have to thank him for the great run that we went on towards the end of last year and some of the most enjoyable football we have seen in a while. He leaves with my good wishes and will always be given a warm welcome at the Vic.

24th January 2026- Championship, Blackburn Rovers 1 Watford 1

Watford Observer: Preview: Blackburn face injury problems and fan boycott for Watford clash

Match Wrap: Blackburn Rovers 1-1 Watford – Watford FCDownload

Watford Observer: MATCHDAY AS IT HAPPENED: Blackburn Rovers 1-1 Watford

Match Report: Watford draw 1-1 again at Blackburn

Gracia rues ‘soft’ defending after fast start and explains tactical approach

Gracia hopes for signings and injury doubts delayed Baah sub

No risk was taken with Vata and update on Louza and Pollock

It’s time for Watford to flex their muscles after sticky week

Ngakia ‘couldn’t believe’ he was handed Watford captaincy

BBC: Having dominated the opening stages, Edo Kayembe drove home to give Watford the lead, but just two minutes later Blackburn hit back courtesy of Lewis Miller.

Sky: The clash against the Hornets marked the start of a “phased strategic boycott of home fixtures” organised by the Blackburn Rovers Supporters Coalition aimed at forcing Venky’s to sell the club.

Fran’s Watford Blog: The Rovers fans had decided to boycott this game as a protest against their owners, so the stadium was eerily empty. I had listened to their grievances and, while their owners are not particularly engaged, their actions have not been particularly egregious, so I decided not to participate in the boycott myself.

From the Rookery End: Mike, Jon and Watford Observer reporter Adam Drury sit down after a frustrating week that saw Watford held to two 1–1 draws – first at home to Portsmouth, then away at Blackburn.

21st January 2026- Championship, Watford 1 Portsmouth 1

Watford Observer: Gracia pleased to have another home game so quickly after Millwall loss

Watford aiming to ‘take each game by the scruff of the neck’

https://www.watfordfc.com/supporters/digital-digests

Match Wrap: Watford 1-1 Portsmouth – Watford FCDownload

Watford Observer: MATCHDAY AS IT HAPPENED: Watford 1-1 Portsmouth

Five talking points after Watford held by Pompey

Match Report: Doumbia equalises but Watford held to Pompey point

WATCH: Immediate reaction to Watford 1-1 Portsmouth

Gracia ‘very upset and disappointed’ with Portsmouth performance

Gracia confirms Chakvetadze sub was tactical but Pollock had muscle issue

BBC: Portsmouth climbed out of the Championship relegation zone, despite being denied a rare Vicarage Road victory by Watford substitute Mamadou Doumbia.

Sky: Adrian Segecic put Portsmouth ahead in the 73rd minute but Watford levelled through substitute Mamadou Doumbia six minutes later.