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.
Franssi and Hughes Strike Early to Take Three Points from Watford
Watford search for a first win this season continued as the Golden Girls fell to a 2-1 home defeat against Sunderland AFC at Vicarage Road in the Barclays WSL2.
Sanni Franssi opened the scoring for the visitors early in the first half, with Elise Hughes adding a second shortly before the break.
Vera Jones later pulled one back for the Hornets in the second half on her first start for the club, as the team then pushed for an equaliser. However, despite their efforts, the visitors held on, taking all three league points on the road.
Hector encourages the Golden Girls to “Keep Being Brave” to protect Unbeaten WSL2 Run as “Underdogs”
Watford return to Vicarage Road on Sunday to continue their unbeaten run in the WSL2, welcoming Bristol City on home soil. With draws in their opening two fixtures since promotion to the second division, they look to build on these points and aim for their first win of the season.
Head coach, Renée Hector addressed the media ahead of this fixture and reminded that there is no such thing as an easy match in the second tier. Following a resilient test against Nottingham Forest, she outlined the importance of mentality, managing minutes with increased schedules, and experienced performers bridging the gap between the FAWNL and WSL2.
Watford “Not Fearing Anybody” on their WSL2 Return Looking Ahead to Forest Test
Watford were welcomed back to the WSL2 with a 0-0 draw against promotion rivals Burley on an opening night under the Vicarage Road lights.
Their first away test comes against solid league competition Nottingham Forest. A day at the City Ground awaits the Golden Girls on Sunday with award winning manager Renee Hector keen to keep focused, keep pushing and get more early points on the board as the side continue to settle back into tier 2 action.
Bournemouth top the table over Christmas after tight contest with the Golden Girls
AFC Bournemouth Women host Watford FC Women in their final FA Women’s National League Southern Premier Division clash of the year.
Bournemouth came into this game knowing a win would put them in a strong position for the title, having a game in hand over the two closest contenders (Watford and Plymouth Argyle). However, the Golden Girls (their opponents today) will be looking to bounce back from their last match in the league - a 3-2 defeat to Lewes.