Away win for Watford Women despite third red card in two games
Watford overcame their third red card in two games claim an excellent 3-0 away win at Gwalia United.
The victory meant a clean sheet for new goalkeeper Hermione Cull on her debut, while Anne Meiwald was able to mark her 100th Watford appearance with a victory.
Watford started brightly after the long trip to Wales, and skipper Megan Chandler saw a shot fly just wide after eight minutes.
Bianca Baptiste then played in Madison Perry but having taken the ball round the keeper she sent her shot just wide.
Watford went ahead after 26 minutes when Cull’s throw out sent Jessie Gale breaking away and she crossed for Baptiste to fire home.
However, four minutes later Watford were reduced to 10 players when Coral Haines picked up two yellow cards in quick succession.
The Hornets held firm either side of half-time as the home side looked to capitalise on their numerical advantage.
As the game wore on, Watford started to create more chances and after having one effort disallowed they saw Melis Mehmet send a shot just over the target.
Then, in the 90th minute, Anna Filbey collected a pass, nutmegged an opponent and drove a shot into the top corner to make it 2-0.
That pretty much wrapped up the points but, just to be sure, Watford added a third seven minutes into stoppage time when Filbey’s free kick enabled Poppy Wilson to turn and bury the ball in the back of the net.
It was a result that leaves Watford fourth in the Women’s National League Southern Premier Division, four points behind third-placed Exeter City with a game in hand.
The Hornets travel to face AFC Wimbledon, who are two places three points below them in the table, on Wednesday (February 12) at 7.45pm.
Watford: Cull; Filbey, Meiwald, Chandler, Fyfe, Head (Mehmet 55), Wilson, Haines, Perry, Gale (Hall 55), Baptiste (Peart ht). Unused subs: Millington-Stanbury, Davison, Lazaro, Paul.
