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