WIFC’s first game of the season, a long distance trek to face IFA league champions Preston, ended in a 1-6 reverse for the Internet ‘Orns but the scoreline doesn’t do justice to the visitors. Having traveled with just 9 men, Preston loaned their striker, Des Wilson, to make an 11v10 game without subs or linesmen allowing WIFC to remain competitive.

The intrepid 9 men, plus PNE’s Disco Des, line-up before the match

Lining up in a 4-4-1 formation, with keeper Jez Hinds playing as a lone striker, WIFC were under pressure from the off. The whole team worked hard to keep the champions at bay, while always looking to keep the ball, which meant WIFC were able to fashion a few half-chances through Dave Soloway and Moz Clarke. However, the pressure took it’s toll and Preston opened the scoring just after the half hour, adding another before the break.

The two captains, Moz Clarke and Steve Cowell.

After a swap of loanees, with midfielder Jimmy Atkinson joining the visitors at the break, the second half followed the same pattern. Dogged defending and good use of the ball kept WIFC in the game and further half chances fell to debutant Paul Norgate and Soloway. But tired legs and Preston’s good use of the ball finally combined to see Preston rattle in four quickfire strikes. WIFC got some reward for their efforts in the closing minutes, when man of the match Scott Mathers powerfully headed a Norgate corner into the roof of the net.

WIFC’s Martin Pollard heads clear under pressue

Preston’s experienced midfield campaigner Steve Cowell offered praise to the visitors after the match. “There was nothing between the two teams for the first 30-35 mins for me” said Cowell. “But the big pitch and lack of numbers finally took their toll on the lads from Watford, but they never let their heads drop and always tried to play their way out of trouble”.

WIFC: Rich Walker; Dave Messenger, Martin Pollard, Scott Mathers, Phil McBride; Paul Norgate, Dave Soloway, Maurice Clarke, Des Wilson; Jeremy Hinds. Sub Jimmy Atkinson for Des Wilson (HT)

Pics kindly provided by Barry Potter from Northern Rose Photography

Preparations are almost complete for WIFC’s first outing of the 2012/13 season, as the Internet ‘Orns travel to Preston to take on the current IFA League champions before moving on to Bolton for the Watford game this Saturday. As seasonal bows go it couldn’t be trickier for WIFC, but the squad travels in good spirits and keen to get the campaign up and running.

WIFC’s Scott Mathers, due to make a comeback this weekend, prepares to tackle Preston’s Des Wilson in Feb 2008.

The game also marks the first match for new WIFC fixtures supremo Phil McBride, and getting the game on is a great start to the new era. “I’m really pleased we’ve managed to cobble a squad together. We’ve missed out on trips to Preston thanks to the fixtures computer sending Watford to Deepdale for midweek games, and their relegation, so the Bolton trip gave us the chance to stop off on route” said McBride.

Phil McBride in action at the 2010 Vic Road match

The PNE fans team are one of the most decorated in the IFA, having won their 4th league title since their formation in 2005 last season. Their role of honour also includes 4 IFA Cup wins, 4 North West Cup wins, 2 Team of the Year awards and possibly their finest hour, winning Worldnet in 2008 where they beat WIFC 1-0 in the final.

In a classic game. George Pennington gave PNE a first minute lead as the Lilywhites dominated the first period. With some half time inspiring words ringing in their ears, WIFC took the game to Preston in the second half, and thought they had an equaliser when they won a penalty, but the normally reliable Paul Watt skewed his kick wide. The miss took the steam out of WIFC and PNE completed a deserved win, while WIFC wondered what might have been with the impetus of an equalising goal.

Action from the 2008 Worldnet final between the teams

The two clubs have a long history, before and since that Worldnet final, with WIFC providing the opposition for PNE’s first ever IFA league fixture at Queens School in August 2005. The game ended in a thrilling 3-3 draw, with Paul Whittenbury and a Richard Murphy brace providing the home goals. Later that season, a Dave Soloway strike earned a 1-1 draw in WIFC’s only visit to Preston so far.

Captains Steve Cowell of Preston and Simon Neill of WIFC before the club’s first meeting in 2005.

For each of the following three seasons there were only games in Watford, as the fixtures computer thwarted return trips. PNE grabbed the first win in the series with a 4-1 success in 06/07, while Watford inflicted PNE’s only defeat of the 07/08 season with a 3-1 win thanks to a Paul Watt brace and another Murphy strike. The following season, Preston were comfortable 4-0 winners in the first meeting since that Worldnet final.

Paul Watt’s penalty gives WIFC a 3-1 lead in Feb 2008. In the biggest ‘if only’ in WIFC’s history, how different might the Worldnet final have been if Watty had scored that one..

In addition to the Worldnet final, the two sides also met in an IFA Cup Semi Final in 2009, with Preston winning 2-0. During the 2009/10 season Preston brought both A and B teams to Watford for a double header, with the visitors traveling home with 4-2 and 5-1 wins, while the last meeting between the teams saw Soloway and Jimmy Davis give WIFC a 2-0 Worldnet first round win against Preston’s B team.

A study in concentration during the last meeting, at Worldnet 2011

Full record – WIFC v Preston

Full record – WIFC v Preston B

All-time WIFC scorers v Preston (both teams)
3 – Rich Murphy
2 – Dave Soloway, Paul Watt
1 – Paul Whittenbury, Paul Karlsen, Warren Flanagan, Pete Fincham, Jimmy Davis, OG

WIFC celebrated 15 years since their formation last weekend. Though the first game actually took place in May 1997, the celebrations were held over until now to enable the club to combine their annual end of season awards with a big drink-up at Druids, their home pub, on Saturday night. More than 50 players, past and present, and partners were on hand to toast the club’s continued success while Watford FC, their sponsors Football Manager, Druids and local author Lionel Birnie generously donated prizes to be raffled for club funds.

Players past and present gather for a different take on the classic team picture pose

On the night, the 2011/12 awards were dished out by team manager Chris Davis. Joel Moody added the Players Player award to his already unique double of top appearance maker and top scorer for the season, while Ed Sterry was voted Most Improved Player. Dan Willis won the Best Newcomer, while outgoing joint manager Dave Messenger won a 4th Clubman gong. Finally, Paul Karlsen joined the select band of WIFC players to join the club’s Hall of Fame.

Moody celebrates his award with team-mates Stu Nicholls, Dave Soloway, Rob Stone and jez Hinds.

Ed Sterry enjoys his Most Improved Player award

The new WIFC season gets off to an early start this weekend, as the Internet ‘Orns travel to Preston to take on the IFA League Champions for a morning kick-off before travelling on to Bolton for Watford’s fixture later in the day. Anyone interested in joining the team in time for the trip can Email [email protected] for more details.

Lionel Birnie’s new book, ‘Tales from the Vicarage’ is available to pre-order now – click on the artwork below  for more information.

WIFC have been drawn against AFC Wimbledon A and Leyton Orient in this season’s London Cup.  The teams play each other in a group format, and the schedule sees a home game against last season’s semi-final opponents Wimbledon, and a trip into the shadow of the Olympic Stadium to meet Orient, with the group winners progressing to the Semi-Finals. Having made the final last year, WIFC will have high hopes of going one stage further this time round.

The full draw is listed below..

Group A
1. Watford
2. Wimbledon ‘A’
3. Leyton Orient

Group B
1. Wimbledon ‘B’
2. Dagenham and Redbridge
3. Hampton and Richmond
4. Kingstonian

Group C
1. West Ham
2. London Carlisle
3. Barnet
4. Stevenage

Ties will be played when our season gets underway in September.

Ahead of the 15th Anniversary Party on the 8th September you are invited to vote for our 2011/12 Awards. The following categories are up for grab

• Player of the Year
• Most Improved Player of the Year
• Clubman of the Year
• Newcomer (Ben Pegram, Maurice Clarke, Andy Lewers, Rob Stone, Tom Beck and Dan Willis)

How to vote

If you are a current squad member you are eligible to vote. Please email me your votes for the following categories by August 17th. That will give me enough time to snap up some awards and get them engraved etc

You can view previous winners here

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.