Pezzolano era begins with victory as Watford see off Borehamwood

Borehamwood hosted Watford in what was a great introduction for the new Hornets manager into English football. A clean sheet and valuable minutes for either side. Not much more could have gone in the away side’s favour.

 

Watford’s starting 11 was interesting. Kwadwo Baah and Giorgi Chakvetadze both missed the trip to Meadow Park, due to injuries picked up in recent weeks. Goalkeeper Egil Selvik was also absent through illness, while James Abankwah was not risked due to muscle soreness. New signing Vivaldo Semedo was another not in the squad with the Portuguese still acclimatising after joining the Hornets on Saturday.

Fans are still unsure of what to expect from Paulo Pezzolano. The warm ups hinted towards a fast paced, aggressive and quick style of play. The result was just that, high intensity wingers in an ever changing shape, often when with the ball a midfielder dropped alongside two centre backs to allow more freedom for the left and right backs.

 

A good sequence of play down the left hand side allowed Imran Louza to be the first to score under the new manager with a nicely placed shot across the face of goal.

 

The second half allowed both sides to change their personnel. However the crucial change came for the away side, Amin Nabizada has been highly praised at Vicarage Road in the last season and he showed his quality when coming on. He got on the score sheet after a long range effort from Tom Ince landed at the feet of the 17 year old who had an open goal at his mercy.

 

A few more chances for Watford followed that accumulated to nothing. Baxter in the Hornets goal made very little of the occasion with one noticeable save.