Watford Edge Subway Player’s Cup Victory over Leicester City with Decisive Spot Kicks

Watford roared to an emphatic penalty shootout win over Leicester City after coming from behind to secure their first win of their Subway Women’s Players Cup campaign this season. 

It was a slow start for the Hornets, with the visitors striking early through Araya Dennis in the first half. The Golden Girls fought back after the break, Poppy Wilson shortly equalising before the Foxes struck again to make it 2-1. A late goal in added time by Phoebie Poole drew the game level at 2-2, taking the match to penalties.

But the hosts held their nerve in the shootout, winning 3-0 to secure two points in the contest to take something from this group fixture in the Cup.

Previewing Cup Action

Watford came into the match looking to improve on recent results after a 1-0 loss to Crystal Palace left the team tenth in the competition. 

Leicester also looked to bounce back after a 2-0 defeat to London City Lionesses left them 18th in the table, with four losses and one win across the Women’s Super League 2 (WSL2) and the Player’s Cup.

The Hornets lined up in a 3-5-2, a similar formation to their previous games, focusing more on defence and midfield. Playmakers Wilson, Aoibheann Clancy and Megan Chandler formed the backline, while Ellie Noble, Poole and Eden Skyers featured further forward, having impressed for the team in recent weeks.

The Foxes, however, focused more on attack in a 4-2-3-1, with key player Dennis leading the frontline, Poppy Pritchard featuring in midfield and Sarah Mayling strengthening the defence.

The Foxes take the lead early on

Leicester began the half in good spirits, finding pockets of space and performing well across the pitch, looking to capitalise on this early pressure. Watford respond well with Grace Neville and Eva Gray making good runs and getting into dangerous areas, but unable to convert their chances in the opening stages.

Both teams looked to find a breakthrough, with Pritchard having several shots on target for the visitors, while Watford came close with a few attempts of their own. With some vital defensive actions in their own half, the Foxes showed composure on the ball before taking the lead in the 12th minute, making it 1-0.

The Foxes looked to build more momentum after the goal, creating several promising runs through Pritchard, who found good positions in Watford’s half. The Hornets then drove forward to regain momentum in the final third, showing good passing in midfield but needed to make most of their opportunities. Despite the search for an equaliser ahead of the break, the hosts struggled to break down a solid Leicester backline and convert their chances.

Half time: Watford 0-1 Leicester City

A late comeback for the Golden Girls

With an advantage heading into the second half, Leicester started strong: looking to build on their lead, maintaining momentum and driving up the pitch. Watford looked for opportunities and a route back into the match, with Eden Skyers becoming a key playmaker for the Golden Girls, giving them a much needed boost of confidence. 

Watford's efforts began to pay off as they found an equaliser through Wilson, bringing the score level. Leicester continued to push forward, looking to gain an advantage, but the hosts defended their half well.

Both sides created further opportunities as the half went on, Watford pushing forward with pace on the flanks and Leicester looking dangerous in attacking positions. However, it was the Foxes who soon regained the lead through Irish international, Jessie Stapleton in the 63rd minute, making it 2-1. 

The hosts, however, then quickly responded, looking for an equaliser. Young talent, Vera Jones was among those pushing forward and threatening the Foxes’ lead. They were finally rewarded when Poole slotted the ball calmly away in added time to make it 2-2, sending the match to penalties.

Full time : Watford 2-2 Leicester City

Decided on spot kicks

Following an end-to-end clash, the match was left to be decided by spot kicks. In line with new Subway Player’s Cup rules, the winner of the penalty shootout receives two points, and the loser picks up one point in the group table.

Watford maintained their composure and momentum in the shootout in front of a home crowd. The Hornets successfully converted all three of their penalties and goalkeeper, Naomi Williams saved two to secure a vital two points in the group.

Meanwhile, it was an unlucky end for the Foxes, who did not score a single attempted and gifted the hosts a dominant win on penalties.

Full time: Watford 2-2 Leicester City (3-0 penalty shootout victory). 

Watford Captain’s post-match analysis

Watford captain Megan Chandler spoke after the match, discussing the team’s progress throughout the game and how they aim to continue improving as a group ahead of their upcoming fixtures. Reflecting on a tight contest, she was pleased to come away with a penalty shootout victory:

“It feels really good. It was a tough game, and the score was tight at times, but I’m glad we came away with the two points.”

Watford had several bright sparks in the first half, finding pockets of space, linking up well and towards goal. Chandler spoke on the team performance in the first half and how they adapted heading into the final 45 minutes:

“I just think sometimes we weren’t building play that well. There were moments when we lacked movement and were playing one or two passes before giving possession away. 

In the second half, I said we needed to keep moving the ball quickly, keep finding the weaker sides and be more physical. They were winning a few more duels than us, but we picked up more in the second half by winning more duels and moving the ball quicker.”

As the club’s Captain, she spoke about consistency and the importance of achieving on the pitch:

“Just consistency. We want to get our first win under our belt, and once we get that, I think that will be enough on the pitch. 

We’ve come really close in the last couple of games, so it’s just about keeping the score consistent. We’ve got great players in there, so we use these games to keep that rotation in, but also to keep the squad fresh. When we get that first win under our belt, we can keep on playing.”

Both teams will continue to play in the group stages of the Cup next, with Watford hosting Ipswich on the 31st of October (15:00 KO)  and Leicester City travelling to Southampton on the 1st of November (14:00 KO).