With the 2011/12 season now drawn to a close, the end of season stats have been updated and there’s a unique double achievement for Joel Moody, who becomes the first player in club history to be the leading appearance maker and top goalscorer in the same season. Moody’s 13 goals in 28 games kept him ahead of Dave Soloway in the scoring stakes and Stu Nicholls in the appearances.

Joel Moody in action at this season’s ‘Play at the Vic’ match

A full list of 2011/12 stats can be found here.

All of the overall totals can be found here.

Both WIFC teams were knocked out in the first round of their respective competitions at the weekend, but as ever that failed to detract from a hugely enjoyable weekend in Leeds. The highlight of the Friday evening saw WIFC presented with the Team of the Year award for a record fourth time, followed by some stirring debut songs and a rousing rendition of the Music Man and other songs in the Bod Bar.

In what may be the last Worldnet, certainly in it’s current format, the WIFC A team again raised expectations of a successful run by winning their group on Saturday. The first game saw WIFC take on Portsmouth and after a close first ten minutes in which both teams had chances, Joel Moody opened the scoring for WIFC, slotting home after rounding the keeper for his first ever Worldnet goal, on his 6th visit to Leeds. Dave Soloway added a second, while Chris Dew’s thumping header after the break completed the scoring.

In their second game, WIFC took on AFC Telford United for the first meeting between the two. Despite dominating posession, WIFC went behind but drew level when skipper Chris Dundon bundled home from close range. The Shropshire side weren’t to be denied, and they grabbed a late winner to leave the Internet ‘Orns needing a win in the last group game against Coventry to ensure progression. WIFC duly secured it with a comfortable 2-0 win against the Sky Blues, with further goals from Moody and Dundon.

Meanwhile, the Vets team took to the pitch with a first match against Leeds. It was the Yorkshire side who drew first blood, but WIFC forced several corners in a period of dominance and from one of these, a foul was punished with a penalty kick. Unfortunately, Lee Evans skewed the kick wide and Leeds held on for the win.

Looking to bounce back in their next game against Airdrie, the vets again conceded but didn’t let it dampen their spirits and another dominant spell produced more chances and another penalty. This time, Panos Fellas coolly slotted home. Looking to press on for the win, it was the Scottish side who grabbed a late winner.

Keen to ensure at least one win and a kinder tie on Sunday, WIFC took on old friends West Ham in the last game. There was no mistake this time and Paul Withey opened the scoring in the first minute, while Lozza Wells and Steve Eustice added further strikes before the break to secure a comfortable 3-0 win.

After an evening sampling the delights of Leeds and plenty more singing in the hotel bar, WIFC approached the knockout phases of the weekend in good spirits. The Vets were up first with a 9am start and went down to a single goal against Oxford despite a solid team display. The A team were reunited with AFC Telford and after a close first-half, the team produced it’s worst 15 minutes of the weekend and went down to a 2-0 defeat.

With rumours over the weekend pointing to the two tournaments being hosted separately, it remains to be seen what next year will bring, but WIFC will now take a short summer break, returning for the new league season in September.

Full results

A team
W 3-0 v Portsmouth – Moody, Soloway, Dew
L 1-2 v AFC Telford United – Dundon
W 2-0 v Coventry – Moody, Dundon
L 0-2 v AFC Telford United

Vets
L 0-1 v Leeds
L 1-2 v Airdrie – Fellas (Pen)
W 3-0 v West Ham – Withey, L Wells, Eustice
L 0-1 v Oxford

WIFC are celebrating once again, having been named the IFA Team of the Year for the fourth time in the 15 year history of the club.

The award, which is voted for by the 80-odd clubs across the UK who make up the Internet Football Association, is given to the side who have displayed the best team spirit and are considered the most sporting side and most welcoming hosts. The IFA league is made up of teams who travel around the country to take on fellow supporters’ sides, usually between clubs whose first teams are competing that afternoon, and WIFC have been leading lights in the IFA since their inception.

Former manager Scott Mathers receiving the Team of the Year shield in 2008, from IFA supremo John Boocock

WIFC joint manager Dave Messenger said: “I am absolutely delighted and chuffed to bits, especially as it is great recognition for Matt Wells, who stepped down as fixture secretary this summer after three years in the role. The fact it is voted for by our peers across the IFA is not only a fitting tribute to Matt’s excellent work, it’s also a huge credit to every player who has pulled on the yellow shirt this season – to a man, they are great ambassadors for Watford FC and it’s fans”

The 2008 squad with the shield

WIFC, who were also beaten IFA London Cup finalists this season, will have a first team and vets side taking part in Worldnet this weekend. The annual event, which takes place in Leeds each year, is seen as the pinnacle of the IFA and Messenger is hoping that the Team of the Year crown will be their lucky omen. “Last time we won team of the year, we went on to reach the Worldnet final for the only time in our history. Hopefully we can go one better this year, and bring two pieces of silverware back down the M1” added Messenger.

The 2005 squad with the shield

WIFC joint managers Chris Davis and Dave Messenger, and Vets manager Pete Fincham are pleased to finally announce the squads for Worldnet 2012. With the largest number available for some years, the 16 and 22 man squads give both teams a great chance of emulating last season’s runs to the Quarter Finals of each tournament.

More preview of WIFC’s trip to Worldnet, 15 years since the first, will appear here in the coming ten days.

‘A’ Team
Ben Clarke
Chris Dew
Chris Dundon
Chris Westcott
Dan Butterick
Dave Soloway
Frank Smith
Harry Tolmie-Thomson
Joel Moody
Josh Freedman
Leigh Harrington
Maurice Clarke
Phil McBride
Richard Walker
Rob Sterry
Stuart Nicholls

Vets
Andy Myall
Dan Willis
Darren Sear
Dave Messenger
David Morren
Jamie Parkins
Jerker Kjellander
Jon Parry
Laurence Wells
Lee Evans
Martin Owen
Mat Ball
Panos Fellas
Paul Karlsen
Paul Labbett
Paul Withey
Richard Messenger
Ross Tolmie-Thomson
Simon Jones
Steve Eustice
Stuart Holdham
Tim Down

WIFC had a tough day at the office last Sunday as preparations for the annual Worldnet tournament in Leeds began in earnest at the Supporters Direct tournament in Enfield. WIFC didn’t really get going during the first two games, and by the time the team finally got a win under their belts in the final game, their fate had already been decided.

The draw was always tough and pitted WIFC against London Cup winners West Ham in the opener. In a tight game chances were few and far between, with Dave Soloway spurning a great chance to get the tournament off to a flier. Having matched the Irons well, WIFC conceded a disappointing goal to a set piece in the last few minutes and went down 1-0.

After a two game break it was time to face Barnet, who had beaten Carlisle 4-0 in their opener. Having seen West Ham surprisingly lose 2-4 to Carlisle after a red card reduced the Irons to ten men, the group was wide open. Sadly, WIFC couldn’t take advantage and struggled to get a grip on the game. The Internet ‘Orns never really threatened going forward until two goals down, when Soloway showed better finishing to take advantage of some indecisive defending on Barnet’s part. WIFC threw everything forward in search of an undeserved draw, but it proved to be too late to mount a comeback.

WIFC faced Carlisle in the final game, and were able to step up their performance level, keen not to go out without troubling the scorers. A long range free kick from Ben Pegram gave the Internet ‘Orns a 1-0 lead at half time, while two second half headers from Rob Sterry from great crosses by Pegram and Stuart Nicholls gave WIFC a fairly comfortable 3-0 win.

“As preparation for Worldnet, with the team not having played together for some time, the day served it’s purpose and we were able to shake off some cobwebs” said joint manager Dave Messenger. “It’s always tough to adapt to the 30 minute game format and the way these games went, especially the West Ham match, gave us all food for thought as we approach Leeds. We know what’s required, and we’ll work towards this when we take on Stevenage in our last warm up next weekend” added Messenger.

Barnet went on to win the group, despite a 3-5 reverse against West Ham in the last match. They met AFC Wimbledon, winners of the 2nd group containing Stevenage, Cambridge and Enfield, and the Wombles lifted the trophy after a 1-0 win the final.

Squad – Richard Walker, Phil McBride, Ed Sterry, Matt Ainsley, Stuart Nicholls, Dave Messenger, Matt Ball, Frank Smith, Lee Evans, Martin Owen, Panos Fellas, Simon Jones, Joel Moody, Ben Pegram, Dave Soloway, Rob Sterry.

The draw for the Supporters Direct tournament, to be held at Enfield Town FC on Sunday 8th July, has taken place and handed WIFC a tough task if they are to qualify for the final. The Internet ‘Orns will face old foes Barnet and West Ham in Group A with the lesser known London Carlisle making up the list, while Dulwich, Cambridge, Stevenage and AFC Wimbledon will contest Group B.

Joint Manager Dave Messenger remained upbeat, citing the tougher group as a good warm-up for Worldnet, which takes place a fortnight later. “We know all about Barnet and West Ham of course, they will be tough games but great preparation for the challenges ahead. It will also be good to meet London Carlisle, a new team for us, and it promises to be a good day”.

Watford and West Ham meet in the opening game at 9am, before back to back games against Barnet and London Carlisle later in the morning. The two group winners go straight to the Final.

There’s been some chat in recent weeks about our kit for next season. With Watford having moved to red shorts and most of us still resplendent in black, we’ve had a mix of kits in the last few games.

WFC have been very generous and allowed us to buy the red shorts/yellow socks we used at the London Cup Final at a cheap rate. As a result, we have decided to move to red shorts from now on. As near enough every player has yellow Watford socks, we will also stick with that for now. Black or red Watford socks will be fine to wear, but we would prefer you all to have yellow if at all possible.

We have already sold on many of the sets of shorts and socks from the Final before the Vic Road game, but we have four sets left on a first come, first served basis. A cheeky fiver will secure a set.

We are also doing another kit order for the Prostar gear. Firstly, red shorts with the WIFC badge and your Squad Number are available in waist sizes Medium (32-34″), Large (36-38″) and Extra Large (40″). If you don’t already have red Watford shorts, please ensure you order a pair now.

We also have the jumpers, modelled here by the lovely Maeve. These are available with your Initials and Squad Number, in chest sizes Small (34-36″), Medium (38-40″), Large (42-44″) and Extra Large (46-48″)

Next are the raincoats. Having blown our budget for models on the jumpers, we had to find a cheap as chips replacement to model these, apologies to all for the shocking nature of this picture. These are also available with your Initials and Squad Number, in chest sizes Small (34-36″), Medium (38-40″), Large (42-44″) and Extra Large (46-48″)

In terms of costs, the larger the order, the more discount we get. As a rough guide, the prices will be –

Shorts – £10
Jumpers – £25
Raincoats – £38

Please could all full squad members reply, letting us know what you’d like to order in the following format ONLY please

Name
WFC Shorts/Socks Set – Y/N
Shorts – Y/N with Size, Squad Number
Jumpers – Y/N with Size, Squad Number, Initials
Raincoats – Y/N with Size, Squad Number, Initials

We’re looking to place the order fairly soon, so please could all reply by Friday June 8th.

Any questions, please Email Dave directly, DO NOT post below.

WIFC ran out convincing winners at Parmiters School this Saturday, and head into the summer months with their biggest win of the season under their belts. An under-strength visiting side were boosted with the loan signings of 4 WIFC players, with one of them, Paul Whittenbury opening the scoring in the first minute for the visitors. WIFC were soon on terms through Dave Soloway’s 9th goal of the season after good work from Ben Pegram and Alex Prentice, while Rob Sterry quickly added a second with a deft lob.

WIFC were to remain in the ascendancy for much of the game, and Prentice’s first goal since his autumn illness extended the home side’s lead. Sterry added his second and WIFC’s 4th shortly afterwards, before Paul Withey, also on loan for the day, got a second for the visitors. Warren Flanagan then shot home from the edge of the box before Sterry dribbled through the visitors rearguard and slotted home for his hat-trick to complete the first half scoring.

The second half continued in the same vein as the game lost shape with both sides regularly rotating their players. Leigh Harrington smashed home WIFC’s 7th from the edge of the box, and added an identical strike minutes later to make it 8. Whittenbury then added another on the break for Dulwich, before Ed Sterry’s strike cannoned off the post into the path of Matt Ainsley, who tapped in the 9th home goal. Withey then added the goal of the game with a low drive from outside the box which fizzed past home keeper Tom Beck.

WIFC weren’t finished and went into double figures with a well deserved first goal for the club from Pegram, before joint managers Dave Messenger & Chris Davis went on for a cameo in the last 15 minutes, which saw Davis complete the scoring with a brace of tidy finishes following good work from the industrious Joel Moody.

WIFC – Tom Beck; Jamie Parkins, Dan Willis, Aidy Spender, Matt Wells; Matt Ainsley, Ben Pegram, Rob Sterry, Warren Flanagan; Dave Soloway; Alex Prentice. Subs Leigh Harrington, Joel Moody, Ed Sterry, Dave Messenger, Chris Davis.

WIFC take on the fast improving Dulwich Hamlet in a friendly match at Parmiters School this Saturday, with a 10.30 Kick-off. A recent influx of young players has seen the South London side make huge strides, so the game will be a good test as Joint Managers Chris Davis and Dave Messenger start to consider their options for Worldnet.

Action from the last meeting between WIFC and Dulwich earlier this year

Games with Dulwich have traditionally been one-sides affairs, and WIFC’s record win was 15-2 in an IFA Cup tie played in November 2009, while on another visit in Feb 2008 Rob Sterry broke his own club record with 7 goals in the match. But the game at Belair Park earlier this season broke the mould, and Dulwich recorded their first win after overcoming a 2-0 deficit, thanks in main to a hat-trick from Ricky Laing.

Tomorrow’s game also marks the last fixture organized by current WIFC fixtures secretary, Matt Wells. Due to the nature of the IFA, which sees clubs organize their own matches, a good fixtures secretary is vital and having taken on the role in 2009 Wells has excelled, reaching the 20 game mark every year while building and continuing excellent relationships with his counterparts across the league.

Matt Wells in action at West Ham last season

Messenger was quick to praise his successor in the role. “Without Wellsy, it’s fair to say we would not be among the leading lights of the IFA today. The job is not easy, as I can testify, but we’ve been spoilt these last few years. Wellsy has taken us to a new level and the excellent relationships with the likes of Ipswich, West Ham and Dagenham are down to him. I’d like to thank him on behalf of the whole club for his efforts, and look forward to him still turning out for the club for years to come”

Davis and Messenger have named a 17 man squad for the game, which is –
Richard Walker, Tom Beck, Aidy Spender, Jamie Parkins, Matt Ainsley, Alex Prentice, Paul Whittenbury, Rob Sterry, Ed Sterry, Dave Soloway, Matt Wells, Dan Willis, Stuart Holdham, Stuart Nicholls, Ben Pegram, Warren Flanagan, Joel Moody.

WIFC completed their IFA League season with a 3-2 win at Dagenham & Redbridge last Saturday. Having started the campaign with a 3-0 win in the reverse fixture, WIFC recorded a second double against the relative IFA newcomers, but this was by far the closest game between the two so far, reflected in the final scoreline.

Ed Sterry carrries the ball into Dagenham territory

With the sticky Barking FC pitch playing it’s part passing football was difficult during the opening exchanges, but WIFC started to create chances, with Chris Dundon, Richard Wenham and debutant Ben Pegram all testing home keeper Steve Wilson. But it was the home side who took the lead just before the break, when Ben Jackson broke down the right and crossed for Pete Spicer, who tapped in from close range.

Paul Whittenbury challenges for the ball, watched by debutant Ben Pegram, Phil McBride and skipper Andy Myall

Behind at the break, WIFC visibly raised their game early in the second half and forced a succession of corners and good saves from Wilson. Despite this, it was Dagenham who doubled their lead when Jackson took advantage of some poor defending to set up Spicer, who scrambled home and leapfrogged the creator as the Daggers top scorer for the season.

In typical fashion, Chris Dundon dominated midfield exchanges throughout the second half

WIFC were not to be denied, and it was one-way traffic from then on as Dagenham battled hard to cling on. Wilson again denied the visitors with some smart goalkeeping, but was helpless to stop Jeremy Hinds piledriver from just inside the box, following a neat pull-back from Pegram. Hinds could then have drawn the visitors level when his header from a Dan Butterick cross smashed against the bar from close range.

Jeremy Hinds, hidden behind Alex Prentice and a Daggers defender, rattles the home crossbar

It didn’t take long for WIFC to grab the equalizer and it was Pegram to the fore once again, as another pull back was gratefully rifled home by Butterick for his first WIFC goal. Having come from two goals back to force penalties in their last outing at the London Cup final, WIFC went one better when Wenham curled home a late winner after another spell of pressure from the visitors.

Jeremy Hinds (#16) Dan Butterick (#9) and Alex Prentice watch on as Richard Wenham (not in shot) curls home WIFC's late winner.

WIFC joint managers Chris Davis and Dave Messenger were pleased with the win, WIFC’s 4th in their last 5 league matches of a topsy-turvy season. “It’s always nice to finish a season well, and we’ve done that in good style today. Dagenham get better every time we meet and to come from behind to win was very pleasing.” said Messenger.

Joint manager Chris Davis takes in the latest Paul Whittenbury suggestions..

All eyes are now on Worldnet, which takes place in Leeds every July. The weekend long tournament is the IFA’s blue riband event, and hopes are high that WIFC can emulate last season’s run to the quarter-finals in both the main draw and the Veterans tournament, which run simultaneously.

“We’ve finished well and came so close to silverware in the London Cup, so hopes for Worldnet are high” added Messenger. “We’re taking strong squads for both competitions and while the emphasis is always on an enjoyable weekend away, we’ll be using the friendlies we’re planning between now and July to prepare for the football side of things”

Those friendlies start this Tuesday, as two teams of WIFC players meet at Vicarage Road in the ‘Play on the Pitch’ day organized by Rob Sterry. WIFC then take on Dulwich Hamlet next Saturday as preparations for Worldnet begin in earnest.

WIFC – Tom Beck; Ed Sterry, Paul Whittenbury, Martin Pollard, Phil McBride; Joel Moody, Ben Pegram, Chris Dundon, Andy Myall; Richard Wenham; Alex Prentice. Subs Matt Wells, Dan Butterick, Jeremy Hinds.