ASKED to give all they had to deny a talented West Bromwich Albion side the room they craved to operate in, Watford IFC responded in quite magnificent fashion to manager Richard Walker’s instructions. No one personified the high-tempo pressing game which kept the scores locked at 0-0 for nearly an hour more than Stuart Nicholls – who led the way from the front alongside Ross Connor.

Richard Murphy and Rob Stone provided effervescence and top-notch graft in midfield while Matt Ainsley and Brad Simmons impressed in the full-back positions. Just before Boing FC notched their first of five high-quality second-half goals, Warren Flanagan – in WIFC action for the first time in over a year – enjoyed the host’s best chance when put clean through but slipped the ball just wide of a post.

It was one-way traffic once visitors Albion broke through but there were opposition compliments aplenty at full-time for a defiant WIFC display which epitomised the spirit and togetherness shown in recent weeks.

Man of the Match Stu Nicholls led from the front

Position – Right Back
DOB – 26/3/1996
Debut v Barnsley September 2013

Matt is another of the players who is ridiculously close to being younger than WIFC itself – he was a mere 14 months old when the club started. Despite this, he’s been welcomed into the fold along with his Dad, Jerry and has improved vastly since his debut, winning his first MOM award at Gillingham during 2014/15. While at Nottingham Uni, Matt made a useful start to his stint with the WIFC pikey student mantle, eating a load of sauces to win some loose change in a pub before the Charlton game.

Matt’s Q and A

Describe yourself in a sentence
(They obviosuly don’t teach reading at Nottingham Uni, Matt didn’t answer this one. Idiot)

What was the first WFC game you went to and what can you remember about it
Can’t remember first game however first away game was Macclesfield in the third round of the fa cup. Won 2-0

Finest ever WFC memory
Finest memory was beating Leicester in the play offs

Worst away trip
Bristol City on a Tuesday night drew 0-0. Smith missed a penalty.

WIFC Playing highlight
Ipswich home

Favourite WIFC moment
London Cup final

All-time favourite Watford player
Helguson

All-time favourite Watford XI (not the best players – your favourites)
Foster, Hodson, Dyche, DeMerit, Taylor, Smith, Buckley, Abdi, Young, Helguson and Forestieri.

Red shorts or black?
Black shorts.

Position – Right Back/Striker
DOB – 26/3/85
Apps – 14
Goals – 1
Worldnets – 0
Debut v Southampton July 2014
Nicknames – Mikey, Speedy

Mike joined WIFC at the back end of the 2013/14 season with brother-in-law Ross Connor, and quickly got off the mark at Stevenage in his 2nd game. Since then, he’s been deployed more often at full-back and has given a series of solid displays, quickly becoming a regular and valued member of the squad.

Mike’s Q and A

Describe yourself in a sentetce
Speedy is a legend. ( so I’ve been told )

What was the first WFC game you went to and what can you remember about it?
Blackpool away Sept 2013 – being there for Ross connor bday weekend with the lads, that was a good weekend

Finest ever WFC memory
The double penalty save by Alumina and then the winning goal to get to Wembley.

Worst away trip and why
Not had one yet

WIFC playing highlight
My first goal at Stevenage

Favourite WIFC moment
Ed taking a tumble, but taking 5mins to fall over

All-time favourite Watford player
Tommy Mooney

Red shorts or black ?
Black shorts

Which actor would play you in ‘WIFC – The Movie’
Danny Dyer

Position – Striker
DOB – 1/9/1988
Debut v Southampton – July 2014
Nickname – Rossco

With two goals on his debut, and 12 before Christmas in his first full season, Ross got his short but goal-laden WIFC career off to a flying start after making his debut in 2014. He also became the second WIFCer to have to leave the field to attend to his kids’ toilet issues in a game at Hampton, following in the illustrious footsteps of Ian Grinstead.

Ross’ Q and A

Describe yourself in a sentence
Tall, dark and devilishly handsome!

What was the first WFC game you went to and what can you remember about it?
It was during the 1998 season, but the only fixture I can remember from back then was the play off final win in ’99. A certain Nick Wright springs to mind…

Finest ever WFC memory
Without doubt the Deeney goal v Leicester. I was actually at the theatre with my fiancée when it took place and so never saw it live (I still curse her!). I managed to go the whole day without hearing the score, only to come home and watch it at midnight. I proceeded to turn off the tv when Cassetti gave away the pen and went to bed sulking. I was woken up by my fiancée the next morning who forced me to watch the end of the match. Safe to say I was probably the only Watford fan vigorously celebrating that wonderful goal the day after it happened.

Worst away trip and why
Have only been to a few. But purely because it was my birthday weekend, Blackpool away 13/14. All over them but couldn’t hit a cows arse with a banjo. Tom Ince comes off the bench to grab a late winner for them. Only highlight of the occasion, abusing Barry Ferguson!

WIFC playing highlight
I would have to say playing in my debut. Two goals from centre midfield, not a bad start!

Favourite WIFC moment
Purely because, if I didn’t laugh I would cry. 1 minute left to go against Bury, the game stands at 2-2 and I lay the ball across the goal for Ally Hill to tap into an empty net from less than a yard out, only for him to scuff it into the air for the goalkeeper, who had previously been sprawled on the floor, time to stand up, regain his composure and casually catch it with two hands. Shameful really.

All-time favourite Watford player
Fernando Forestieri

All-time favourite Watford XI (not the best players – your favourites)
Ben Foster, Nigel Gibbs Jay Demerit Gabriel Angella Paul Robinson, Tommy Smith, John Eustace, Almen Abdi, Ashley Young, Troy Deeney, Fernando Forestieri.

Red shorts or black?
Black. Period.

Which actor would play you in ‘WIFC – The Movie’
Kit Harrington.