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.

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.