ITFC v Watford 21st December 2013
Watford turned up with new head coach Giuseppe Sannino, sharply dressed and making a suitable impression (no pun intended) in the dug-out. The visitors, with their Italian owners wasted little time replacing Gianfranco Zola, who had left Vicarage Road earlier in the week.
The Hornets were my favourites to win the league at the start of the season but sit 14th in the league, 17 points behind leaders Burnley, so I think that I've put the kiss of death on them!
 |
| Carol singing! |
The Salvation Army were playing carols outside The Sir Bobby Robson Stand as we arrived for the last game of 2013 at Portman Road, on another miserable afternoon weather wise.
The first half was played with both teams nullifying each other out, the most memorable sight was watching the typically animated Italian style of Sannino on the sideline!
 |
| Smart dressed man taking an interest whilst "Santa" McCarthy plans his christmas eve route! |
The game however came to life after the break with Ipswich attacking the North Stand and having the better of the chances.
The whole ground then burst into a minutes applause on the hour mark in celebration of Town legend Kevin Beattie, who turned sixty earlier in the week.
The blues were awarded a somewhat dubious penalty in the 73rd minute after Watford defender Gabriele Angella handled the ball in the box, from where I saw it it was more a case of ball hit hand. David McGoldrick took the spot kick (Town's first one this season) and put it past keeper Manuel Almunia.
Troy Deeney levelled things up nine minutes from time with a low finish into Dean Gerken's net. Luke Hyam should have clinched the points for Town in the 88th minute after Almunia had made a save from McGoldrick, but his header hit the bar with the goal gaping. Mick McCarthy came out in defence of his mid-fielder after the game following the stick that Hyam had been given from sections of the crowd.
 |
| 60th minute applause for The Beat |
Ipswich 1-1 Watford
McGoldrick 73 (pen) Deeney 81
Att: 16,385
The playlist
Sharp Dressed Man by ZZ Top - Sannino was that man!
 |
| The table leading in to the Christmas period |
No comments:
Post a Comment