Editor Seth Nobes was at Grosvenor Vale to see Watford continue their goalscoring exploits and advance in the FA Cup at the expense of lower league Fulham.
Watford dominated Fulham at Grosvenor Vale to avoid a potential upset and earn their place in the draw for the second round of the Vitality Women’s FA Cup, defeating fifth tier Fulham 7-1.
Braces from Poppy Wilson, Flo Fyfe and Bianca Baptiste, as well as a well-deserved finish from former England international Gemma Davison, ensured a comprehensive victory for the home side.
Fulham earned a consolation through Alex Hayman, and have goalkeeper Holly Cowan to thank for not conceding more.
Watford were on the front foot from the get-go, with Davison exhibiting the skill, flair, and composure that had seen her make 16 appearance for the Lionesses.
Just four minutes in, she was unlucky not to have an assist. A probing run saw her skilfully force her way into the box, setting up Andria Georgiou, whose tame shot allowed Fulham keeper Cowan to ease into her work.
The home side put Fulham under pressure straight from the kick off, and had their deserved lead just six minutes in. The Cottagers were unable to clear their 18-yard box, with the loose ball falling to Wilson.
Photo, with thanks: Andrew Waller Images
She needed no second inviation, with her solid strike handing an early advantage to the Golden Girls.
The goal did not result in Watford taking their foot off the gas. Annie Rossiter should have done better with a one-on-one opportunity that dribbled agonisingly wide of the post.
Watford’s domination cannot be mentioned without paying homage to the peformance of their forward players. The link up play between Wilson, Davison, Georgiou, Rossiter, and Fyfe ensured the Hornets were able to create chance after chance, with the Fulham backline unable to respond to their commanding play.
This was exemplified in the 33rd minute, with the Golden Girls doubling their lead through Fyfe. Wilson this time turned creator, with the number 18 able to use her electric pace to storm down the right wing before putting an inviting cross into the box.
Rossiter was the intended target but she was unable to make a clear connection. Great anticipation from Fyfe saw the ball fall to her, and a smart lofted finish resulted in her sixth goal of the season.
The progression from Watford’s midfield to their forward players was seamless, with the pace of Fyfe and Wilson in particular working wonders as they often switched between the left and right wings.
During the first-half, Watford found themselves in behind on a number of occassions with Rossiter and Wilson unable to capitalise on great opportunities to add to the lead.
However, Watford did get one more before half-time, with Wilson earning her brace. This time it was Georgiou on the right who was able to get in behind, finding Wilson with an inch-perfect cross who made no mistake with her powerful header.
Further saves from Cowan, this time denying Garrad and Fyfe, either side of half-time ensured the Cottagers remained with a small chance of causing a shock in the first round.
Photo, with thanks: Andrew Waller Images
Fyfe made no mistake when presented with another opportunity in the 60th minute, scoring her second, and extending the home side’s advantage to four.
Fulham did not give up, slowly finding their way into the game with some neat passing moves. Their resilience finally proved fruitful in the 74th minute, when a scramble in the Watford box allowed Alex Hayman to take full advantage, and smash home from close range a goal that brought jubliation with not just the Fulham players, but fans from all corners of the stadium.
The Cottagers’ jubliation was short-lived, however. Watford made it five through Davison’s calm finish; she was excellent throughout, and fully deserving of a goal.
Bianca Baptiste was introduced, making just her fifth appearance of the season after a recurring hamstring problem. She made herself at home in the potent forward line, with two goals for her efforts.
She took the scoreline to seven, much to the delight of the 306 fans who made the trip to Ruislip on this sunny Sunday afternoon.
The full time whistle rang around the ground, with Fulham outclassed by their higher tier opposition. Watford continued their scoring habits from the league, where they have found the net 25 times in just eight games.
They advance to the next round of the FA Cup in dominant fashion.
Seth, 21, is an editor at the Sports Gazette specialising in cricket. He has experience commentating and writing on a variety of different sports, ranging from football and rugby to lacrosse and fencing. A Watford fan probably more annoyed at the sacking of managers than you.
