Watford 1 Charlton 2 Player Ratings
Jul 31, 2005
Author: Sonic The Hornet

Very encouraging team performance I thought. Not at all overawed or outplayed by Charlton and unlucky not to at least get a draw.

TEAM:

Chamberlain - Solid and dependable as ever. The day was all about him, so I couldn't see Lee playing unless he got injured. Not sure who'll be playing against Preston in light of recent rumours though.

Stewart - Impressed me sufficiently. Only made one mistake as far as I could see, with a badly misplaced pass into touch. Looked quick and keen otherwise. A left-footed left back at last!

Blizzard - Surprised me by looking very comfortable as a centre-back. I was caught in the queue at the club shop and missed the team announcement. Thought he was Griffiths until I recognised the loping run. I'm much more confident of our defensive options after that performance.

Demerit - With Blizzard, mopped up most of what Charlton threw at us. Conceded the free kick on the edge of the box, with a hasty challenge which led to Murphy's well-placed winner, but otherwise looked good.

Doyley - There's going to be a helluva contest with Chambers for the right-back position this season. Looked strong and in control all game and quickly set up counter-attacks.

Young - He still looks a bit lightweight to me and got brushed off the ball too easily, especially after he was switched to a more central position for the second half. We know what he's capable of (remember Real Zaragoza?) and he forced Kiely into an important save, but can sometimes delay too long before shooting.

Bangura - Very effective and instinctive performance. Doesn't hold back in the challenge and may have to watch it occasionally, as the class of ref we're used to often mistakes determination for aggression. I'd be very surprised if he's not an automatic selection this season.

Diagouraga - First time I've seen him also. Difficult to see how he'll displace Mahon or Bangura (other than through injury to one or the other), but fitted in comfortably.

McNamee - Very quick and a pain the arse to Charlton all match, whichever wing he turned up on. When we were defending he remained the furthest forward due to his pace in counter-attacks. Quicker feet than Young and therefore better at eluding challenges.

King - Excellent all-round performance. If he remains focused he'll have no difficulty in finding the net this season. Also impressed by his ability to bring others into the game and link up play. His header had Kiely well-beaten and he was unfortunate to have had his earlier effort ruled out for offside.

Junior - Good touch on the ball, but as previously reported very left-footed. Looks lively and almost gave us the lead before half-time with a sliding shot which Kiely did well to get to.

SUBS:

Sietes - Might take a while to settle and adjust to the pace of our game. On this performance I can't see him being a first choice player, but nothing wrong with his distribution. Guilty of conceding penalty which put Charlton ahead, when Chamberlain looked to have the situation under control.

Devlin - Age and speed are against him and he'll struggle to keep the youngsters out of the side. Still tries to turn defenders inside out when he'd do better to cut inside, but whipped in a good cross for King's equaliser.

Bouazza - Very quick but unable to capitalise on it. Possibly decent backup to Junior, but not really of King's callibre.

Griffiths - Not sure if he got a touch, so impossible to comment.

Lee - unused

Devaney - unused