WATFORD IFC kicked off season 2023/24 with a good-spirited game away away to Claret Shoemakers – running out 4-2 winners on a sunny morning in Daventry.

The match against Northampton Town’s fans started well for the travelling Hornets; two to the good within the first 15 minutes after Alfie Cooke shot low inside the far corner and Christian Frater lifted a 30-yard free-kick which floated high into the net over the stranded goalkeeper.

But the hosts were back on level terms just after the half-hour mark. Firstly WIFC midfielders and defenders escorted an opposition midfielder through to goal and he stroked home, then a set-piece goal led to the 2-2 interval score. Hornets’ keeper Scott Richardson had saved well one-one-one before their first and again after their second goal, with Watford struggling for rhythm as half-time approached.

However Watford, sporting some young debutants, had the legs on the Cobblers’ fans as the second half developed, enjoying the lion’s share of possession and chances. And indeed, the home team aided WIFC’s cause by scoring an own-goal from a corner to make it 3-2.

The fourth goal was a really well-worked move involving a number of passes before debutant Dan Rowlands slipped in Connan Brittain who tucked home for the killer fourth goal with 18 minutes left for play.

A good-natured game marked the first of season 2023/24; one which WIFC hope will bring plenty of games, goals and good fun along the way.

Hornets: Scott Richardson; Matt Ladell (c), Harry Walker, Harry Aldridge, Matt Ainsley; Christian Frater, Tom Labbett, Alby Salvidge; Charlie Hall, Alfie Cooke (debut), Alfie Parkins.
Subs used: Paul Labbett, RIchard Murphy, Connan Brittain, Dan Rowlands (debut), Saahil Sadiq.

Goals: Cooke, Frater, OG, Brittain.