WIFC progressed to the second round of the IFA Challenge Cup this weekend, thanks to a 5 goal win at AFC Wimbledon B. While the scoreline appears empthatic, WIFC were made to wait until midway through the second half for the breakthrough, as the home side doggedly resisted all the Internet ‘Orns could throw at them.

The WIFC squad pose before kick-off

In a one-sided first half, home keeper Pier Barrett excelled with a series of fantastic stops, most notably from Rob Sterry, Ben Pegram and Joel Moody as the visitors looked for the opening goal. With the defence being superbly marshalled by Moz Clarke and Chris Dundon, and with Stu Holdham and James Jenkins on top in midfield, WIFC stayed on the attack for much of the half, but Barrett’s excellent shot stopping and handling prevailed, and the sides went in goalless at the break.

The hard-working James Jenkins dominated proceedings in midfield.

The second half started in much the same vein, and Barrett pulled off the save of the match to deny Sterry’s point blank header from an Andy Lewers cross. Dundon also went close with a shot that skimmed the post as the visitors searched in vain for the opening goal. A slight switch from manger Chris Davis saw Dundon move up front, with Pegram slipping back into midfield and Richard Wenham into central defence as WIFC looked to keep the pressure on the home goal.

The home side defended doggedly to keep the score at 0-0

On 71 minutes, WIFC finally made the breakthrough they deserved when Sterry was felled on the edge of the box. Having initially played an advantage, the referee pulled play back for the free kick and Sterry dusted himself down to despatch a left footed free kick into the top corner. The floodgates opened, and two minutes later Sterry prodded home with his right foot after Barrett spilled a cross. WIFC’s all-time leading scorer then completed a four minute perfect hat-trick when he headed home Dundon’s perfectly flighted cross on 75 minutes.

Rob Sterry bagged his 18th hat-trick for WIFC

With the home side tiring, WIFC were able to add more gloss to the scoreline. Firstly Pegram fired home his first of the season from the edge of the box, then Dundon won a 50/50 with Barrett and slid home his 50th WIFC goal to complete the scoring. WIFC manager Chris Davis was delighted with the team performance. “Everyone worked really hard and played some lovely football. The Wimbledon keeper kept them in the game, but everyone stayed patient and got what they deserved in the end” said Davis. WIFC now face Millwall at home in the second round, on a date to be confirmed.

Manager Davis called for patience at half-time

Team. 4-4-1-1, R to L. Jeremy Hinds; Rob Stone, Chris Dundon, Maurice Clarke, Stuart Nicholls; Andy Lewers, James Jenkins, Stuart Holdham, Joel Moody; Ben Pegram; Rob Sterry. Subs Paul Whittenbury, Richard Wenham, Brad Simmons, Phil McBride, Alex Prentice, Tom Beck.

WIFC got their first win of the new season in a London Cup/IFA League double header at Leyton Orient on Saturday. With the result counting for two competitions, WIFC were keen to get off the mark for the season after defeats at Preston and Stevenage, and they got off to a flying start when hard-working midfielder Stuart Holdham atoned for his late miss at Stevenage when he turned in a Rob Sterry corner at the far post with just 5 minutes on the clock.

On a small pitch which made finding space difficult, the game settled into a somewhat scrappy pattern with chances at a premium. Richard Murphy might have done better with a close range effort after good work from Sterry and James Jenkins while at the other end, WIFC were struggling to cope with the quick home left winger and were indebted to a fine Jeremy Hinds save to protect the one goal lead until the break.

WIFC started the second half brightly, and were able to double their lead when Sterry’s through ball sent Martin Pollard through on goal and the veteran, back on as a striker, coolly lobbed the home keeper for his first goal of the season. Orient continued to defend doggedly but with Holdham and Jenkins dominating in midfield, WIFC started to create more chances and it was no surprise when Andy Myall finished a goalmouth scramble for his second in two games. The scoring was completed when Matt Ainsley sent Murphy clear, and his goalbound effort was turned in by a home defender.

Manager Chris Davis was delighted with the win, which sets up a winner takes all London Cup group game against AFC Wimbledon A next month and gets the league points tally up and running. “It was hard work due to the pitch and a decent Leyton Orient side” said Davis. “Defensively we looked solid, full marks to Jez on his clean sheet, and the midfield was creative and well marshalled by Stu and James especially. Despite the fact we again didn’t have a recognised striker for much of the game, we always looked dangerous going forward and could have scored more than 4”.

Next week sees a fourth away game on the spin for WIFC, as they take on AFC Wimbledon B in an IFA Cup tie. Having been knocked out in the first round last season, WIFC will be hoping to progress in the national cup competition.

Team. 4-4-1-1, R to L. Jeremy Hinds; Phil McBride (C), Maurice Clarke, Martin Pollard, Matt Ainsley; Ed Sterry, Stu Holdham, Rob Sterry, James Jenkins; Richard Murphy; Andy Lewers. Subs Brad Simmons, Richard Wenham, Andy Myall, Rob Stone, Dave Messenger.

Position – Right Midfield
DOB – 4/12/1973
Debut v Ipswich – Mar 2012
Nicknames – Jonesy

Winger Simon made his WIFC bow against Ipswich on a day when WIFC fielded two sides, having replied to an appeal on twitter. A skillful winger by trade, Simon went on to appear in the Supporters Direct tournament at the end of the 2011/12 season, and also made his Worldnet bow with appearances for the Vets team. He also did a mean Tom Jones for his Worldnet debut song.

Position – Centre Midfield
DOB – 9/4/1988
Debut v Coventry – April 2011
Nicknames – Franco

The one-time Watford Observer WFC reporter, Frank made his WIFC bow in a close win at Coventry in April 2011, earning a man of the match award with a super show at centre half. Equally at home in central midfield, Frank joined the full squad for 2011/12, scored his first goal from close range against AFC Wimbledon and became a key player in the run to the London Cup Final. Injury at his debut WorldNET later in 2012 ruled Frank out for over a year and ended his short but impressive WIFC career.

Frank’s Q and A

Describe yourself in a sentence
WIFC’s own Ledley King. Was an energetic box-to-box midfielder with a soft spot for a 50-50 and 25-yard free kicks … two years ago. Have subsequently lost my left ankle, knee ligaments, groin and the majority of my lower back. Last seen on a football pitch in July 2012 hobbling around at centre half.

What was the first WFC game you went to and what can you remember about it?
October 1994. Tottenham 2 Watford 3. Memories? None. Can’t remember what happened in Saturday’s game, let alone 18 years ago.

Finest ever WFC memory
June 29 2012.

Worst away trip and why
Crystal Palace. Press food non-existent and facilities worse than Vicarage Road. Plus it’s a bastard to get to. Would rather go to Burnley. It’s all about the press food people.

WIFC playing highlight
My debut away to Coventry. It took me 24 years but I finally fulfilled my dream of playing for WIFC. It was everything I had hoped for and more. Even Dave’s molesting wasn’t as rough as I had feared, or heard.

Favourite WIFC moment
Running the length of the pitch against Leeds, beating 27 players on route. The fact I put it over the bar from 18 yards at the end of the mesmeric run is an irrelevant detail.

All-time favourite Watford player
Lloyd Doyley

All-time favourite Watford XI (not the best players – your favourites)
Alec Chamberlain; Lloyd Doyley , Steve Palmer, Clarke Carlisle, Paul Robinson; Ashley Young, John Eustace, Tom Cleverley, Adam Johnson; Danny Graham, Heidar Helguson

Red shorts or black?
Red

Which actor would play you in ‘WIFC – The Movie’
Michael Clarke Duncan (John Coffey)

Position – Centre Back/Centre Midfield
DOB – TBC
Debut v West Ham – Mar 2012
Nicknames – Mozzer, Moz, The King of Rum and Lemsip

Moz was a late starter in WIFC terms and almost certainly became it’s oldest ever debutant when making his bow at West Ham aged 45. Having joined the full squad for 2012/13, Moz’s pre-match warm-ups became the stuff of WIFC legend and his leadership on the pitch was immense, on no occasion more than the London Cup Final in 2013, when Moz was skipper and man of the match as WIFC secured the trophy. Mom finally retired after a stint as player/assistant manager as injuries finally took their toll on the old warhorse.

Moz’s Q and A

Describe yourself in a sentence
Space Cowboy, Gangster of Love

What was the first WFC game you went to and what can you remember about it?
West Ham away last season. It was cold and we had a scratch team (no offense). I remember West ham trying to kill our keeper, who we borrowed from them. mates eh!? I also remember having a fantastic first 5 minutes. it all went rapidly down hill after that, but since I hadn’t played any kind of 11 a side footie since 2001, i was pretty pleased at the end of it. Could walk for 10 days after though.

Finest ever WFC memory
Getting the arm band at Preston. That was a nice surprise.

Worst away trip and why
Palace, every time. Yet to see us win there. Wimbledon, Charlton, Palace. makes no difference. That place is not kind to me. Went there once on my motorbike. They wouldn’t let me in with the helmet. sent me to the front office to put it in there, but directed me down the road past Tescos. i got into the ground five minutes before half time. Effing Ceees!

WIFC playing highlight
So far its that fact that we have yet to concede when I have played at center back. I have just hexed myself haven’t I? (yes – Ed)

Favourite WIFC moment
The skipper thing, and Stu H’s last minute miss against Stevenage. Classic.

All-time favourite Watford player
Tony Coton

All-time favourite Watford XI (not the best players – your favourites)
Coton, Gibbs, Rostron, McClelland, Terry, Callaghan, Ramage, Hyde, Barnes, Graham, Blissett

Red shorts or black?
Black actually

Which actor would play you in ‘WIFC – The Movie’
Idris Elba

Position – Right Wing
DOB – 1/12/1992
Debut v Coventry – Mar 2012
Nicknames – None yet

Speedy right winger Andy announced himself to WIFC with a bang, setting up a goal with his first touch on his debut as a half-time substitute in a win against Coventry in March 2012. Quiet off the pitch, despite his prolific tweeting, Andy joined the full squad for the start of the 2012/13 season during which he notched his first goal for the club against West Ham. He added another in the Vic Road match, and was a playing sub in the 2012 and 2013 London Cup Finals.

Andy’s Q and A

Describe yourself in a sentence

I’m not the most imaginative of people.

What was the first WFC game you went to and what can you remember about it?

Watford vs my childhood team Newcastle United on 20th November 1999. It was an early birthday present from my parents, as Alan Shearer was my hero when I was growing up, so they took me along to see him play. I remember sitting in The Rookery wearing my Newcastle shirt and celebrating when The Toon scored. It was 1-1 at full time, but unfortunately Shearer didn’t score.

Finest ever WFC memory

The Championship Playoff Final on 21st May 2006, only Lloyd Doyley’s goal comes close to beating that day.

Worst away trip and why

It has to be away to Hull in the 11/12 season. I had to wake up at 4:30am, it was bloody freezing, Watford lost in the last minute and my night out in Hull afterwards was awful, such a dire place to be when you’re pissed off.

WIFC playing highlight

Has to be making an appearance for Watford in the London Cup final against West Ham, having only played three games beforehand.

Favourite WIFC moment

Getting an assist with my first ever touch on my debut.

All-time favourite Watford player

Easy question this – Heidar Helguson

All-time favourite Watford XI (not the best players – your favourites)

Foster; Doyley, Mariappa, DeMerit, Robinson; Young, Eustace, Mahon, Wooter; Helguson, Graham

Red shorts or black?

Black, red doesn’t suit me.

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

Hmm, tricky one this. Probably Daniel Radcliffe, in the hope that he could introduce me to Emma Watson.

Position – Centre Midfield
DOB – 26/8/1989
Debut v Nottingham Forest – Feb 2011
Nicknames – Stoney, Bale

Rob was introduced to the club by best-mate Jez Hinds in Feb 2011, joining the full squad the following season. Rob started WIFC life at right-back, and showed a very non-right back approach to goalscoring, bucking the trend set by several older team-mates by scoring a long range screamer in a home win against Coventry. Rob’s since moved into central midfield, where he’s become an integral member of the side and former manager Chris Davis’ favourite starred there during 2012/13, winning 3 man of the match awards, playing a full part in the run to winning the IFA London Cup and a second place in Players Player for 2013/14.

Rob’s Q and A

Describe yourself in a sentence
A better looking version of Gareth Bale without the quality.

What was the first WFC game you went to and what can you remember about it?
It was an end to end 0-0 draw at home to Charlton I think in the mid 90’s. The last memory of this game was sat freezing in the Family stand eating those Fireblast sweets you used to be able to get from the shop at the bottom of the stairs.

Finest ever WFC memory
Play Off 1st leg away at Palace

Worst away trip and why
Ipswich away because I was sat next to Wellsy for 90 minutes and the first half was horrendous

WIFC playing highlight
Scoring my first goal for the club against Coventry.

Favourite WIFC moment
Playing at the Vic.

All-time favourite Watford player
Heidar Helguson

All-time favourite Watford XI (not the best players – your favourites)
Foster, Doyley, Page, Demerit, Robinson, Smith, Mahon, Hyde, Young, Helguson, Graham

Red shorts or black?
Red

Which actor would play you in ‘WIFC – The Movie’
Paul Rudd

Position – Goalkeeper
DOB – 5/9/1984
Debut v Brentford Hey Jude – Nov 2011
Nicknames – None as yet

Having struggled to fill the goalkeepers berth for years, Tom helped bring the total in the squad to four when he joined the WIFC goalkeeper union in 2011. After a debut at Brentford, Tom went on to show improvements over the course of his first season, culminating in a man of the match display in a win against Ipswich. Tom showed a fabulous attitude to sharing goalkeeping duties with the rest of the union, and also notched his first goal for the club while playing up front against Millwall in 2015/16. Tom also had a credible stint as fixtures guru between 2014-16 and bade farewell with a memorable goal against Hampton in his last match before moving to Germany.

Tom’s Q and A

Describe yourself in a sentence
A work in progress.

What was the first WFC game you went to and what can you remember about it?
vs. Forest in ’94. Watford got beat 2-1 and Colin Cooper scored an own goal. I went with a former Watford keeper, who is an old family friend, and we parked down by the old printers on Whippendell Road. I remember queuing up for the Vicarage Road end in the cold and listening to all the football chat. I’ve seen us lose to many average teams at home since.

Finest ever WFC memory:
Has to be Wembley in 1999. Everything about it was perfect. Great goals at key moments and almost 40,000 Watford fans there. Favourite game, favourite goal and arguably my favourite Watford shirt too.

Worst away trip and why
Wimbledon away in the Premier League. Freezing cold, supporters coach took ages and Watford got smashed 5-0 with Hartson scoring and celebrating in front of us. A visit to Selhurst Park has never been that pleasant.

WIFC playing highlight
Beating Ipswich at home in 2012, easily my best game in a WIFC shirt and I made a clutch save just before half time to take us in 1-0 up. Disappointed to lose a clean sheet with only minutes to go.

Favourite WIFC moment
Playing at Vicarage Road is always pretty special.

All-time favourite Watford player
Heidar Helguson

All-time favourite Watford XI (not the best players – your favourites)
Ben Foster, Aidy Mariappa, Jay DeMerit, Robert Page, Paul Robinson, Tommy Smith, Allan Nielsen, John Eustace, Ashley Young, Heidar Helguson, Tommy Mooney

Red shorts or black?
Black. The red shorts make us look like a McDonald’s clown.

Which actor would play you in ‘WIFC – The Movie’
Zach Gilford. Played Matt Saracen in Friday Night Lights.