Posted by: Richard Lee 05/10/2008
100 Not Out
The perfect way to go into the international break, a good performance and 2-1 win certainly lifted the mood in the changing room and among our fans too I’m sure.
I heard an interesting fact recently that after a team goes 1-0 up they will only lose the game once every 10 times that happens - so to come back and win yesterday was very pleasing. We seemed to have found it tough against Preston in recent years but we were well worth the three points yesterday.
On a personal note I’m feeling myself coming back into some form; my knee is still swelling from time-to-time, which isn’t ideal, but I’m gradually being able to train more and more and feeling good for it.
It was pleasing to make a couple of saves yesterday and, apart from a scuffed half-volley and a few wayward kicks second half, I was pleased with my contribution. I actually picked up a bit of a groin strain late in the first half which was the reason I was getting Wardy to take more free-kicks than normal but I’m sure with a few days rest I’ll be 100 per cent by the time we face Southampton.
Speaking of Wardy, it’s great to see him back at The vic. I think most know the situation where unfortunately he wasn’t part of Vialli’s plans and made way for the infamous Ramon Vega...not one of Watford’s better deals. But we have him for a period of time now and I’m sure his presence will be a benefit to the team.
This week more than most has made me realise how small the difference is between success and failure. For those who watched us on Tuesday will vouch that there was very little between the two teams but we conceded two soft second-half goals which meant defeat. Yesterday was a similar situation but we held firm and the feeling around the place is lifted because of it.
Winning and losing are both habits. When on a losing streak it can be tough to break and things always seem to go against you and the same is true with winning. There is often very little between teams but certain sides seem to always win by that odd goal, Man United and Chelsea being prime examples. The decisions always seem to go their way, right? This is why it’s important to be picking up points at this stage of the season because if we are in the reckoning come January then you set yourself up for a good run-in.
The early part of the past week was spent up north, first in Sheffield and then Burnley - I’d be lying if I said it was the most enjoyable few days I’ve had but I understand the thinking behind it and I’m sure we’ll have a similar scenario when we play Swansea away in the league and cup in a few weeks time.
Away from football it is actually my birthday today! It’s fell at quite a good time as we don’t have a game for a couple of weeks which meant a few celebratory drinks after our game yesterday.
Being a footballer means very few nights out and drinking alcohol very occasionally. I’m always careful to pick my times when to do it and not having a game for a couple of weeks meant that last night was a great opportunity and one that wasn’t missed!
Another interesting fact about yesterday was that was my 100th appearance and, quite ironically, it was against Preston who I made my debut against five years ago. Hopefully it won’t take me another five years to make it 200 at Watford.
Now for a day of recuperation! See ya next week.