Watford dig deep in draw with Stoke

Saturday, 30 December 2023 11:36

Ten-man Watford were held to a 1-1 draw against Stoke in a fiery and entertaining encounter at Vicarage Road on Friday night.

Jake Livermore opened the scoring on 15 minutes with a close range finish from a Ryan Porteous knock down following a corner but the home side's lead didn't last long with Stoke's Mmaee pulling the visitors level 20 minutes later.

Opportunities were spurned by both sides in the second half and tempers began to flare as both teams looked for a winner.

The lively Giorgi Chakvetadze hit the bar from a long range effort as Watford tried to play on the front foot - but hope of Watford finding a second was dealt a huge blow as forward Vakoun Bayo got sent off for a late challenge on Luke McNally.

The sending off gave the visitors more belief that they could go ahead and nick a much needed away win but they couldn't make their man advantage count.

Watford had goalkeeper Ben Hamer to thank for two crucial saves that kept the game level.

The keeper stopped Bae Junho in a one-on-one situation, saving well at his feet - and also pulled off an excellent fingertip save to deny Mmaee a second.

The draw means that Watford remain outside the Championship playoff places in tenth while Stoke are now unbeaten in their last three and are seven points off the bottom three.

Next up for the Hornets is an away trip to Plymouth Argyle on New Year's Day, while Stoke have a tricky trip to second-placed Ipswich Town.

More from Local Vibes: News

Chronic illness support group marks ME Awareness Day at St Albans Museum + Gallery

On Sunday 12 May, the Hertfordshire ME/CFS Support Group will be hosting a day of free activities at St Albans Museum + Gallery including live music, poetry readings, and crafts to mark International ME Awareness Day.
The Top Five Films and TV Shows to Watch this Week (5th - 10th May 2024)

Video

Our TV screens are hotting up this week, along with the weather, as channel after channel brings thrills, drama and plenty of competition. You are not going to want to miss these five must see TV shows…
The Top Five Films and TV Shows to Watch this Week (28th April - 3rd May 2024)

Video

Get ready for a great stream of TV with these amazing features! From new films to iconic duos returning, you will not want to miss my top five must-sees this week…
The Top Five Films and TV Shows to Watch this Week (21st - 26th April 2024)

Video

Reality TV and high dramas are leading the way in keeping us entertained from today! With new dating formats, musical legends and bargain holidays on the schedule, you can’t miss my top five this week…
Pop up exhibit to showcase outsider artist’s work for the first time

For the first time in over 30 years, the public will be able to see the artworks of Nick Fraser, a pioneer of the outsider art style.
NHS Trust launches five-year plan to transform services and facilities

West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust’s (WHTH) five-year plan will aim to build on current services, facilities, and care across the region for more than 600,000 people.