Watford 1-1 Bristol City - Live Player Ratings and Match Report

Watford 1-1 Bristol City: Live Player Ratings and Match Report

Vicarage Road witnessed a stern Championship tussle on Friday night, as playoff hopefuls Watford and Bristol City settled for a 1-1 scoreline after 90 minutes.

An early goal from Marc Bola got the home crowd roaring after six minutes, but a trademark Scott Twine set-piece levelled the affair 23 minutes later and was the last time we saw the net ripple on the night.

The point-apiece now holds the Hornets 11th in the second tier, with the Robins just one place outside the playoffs in seventh.

A Scott Twine Special Takes the Sting Out of the Hornets

The visitors strived to break the deadlock almost instantly in Hertfordshire, as Scott Twine’s long-range effort whistled past the post inside the first two minutes.

However, it was the hosts who provided the entertainment early on, as Imran Louza’s delicate lofted through-ball awaited Marc Bola’s plucked control. The wing-back then eyed up the keeper to slot the ball past him six minutes into the game, giving Watford the dream start.

Nestory Irankunda had a gasping opportunity to double the Hornets’ advantage just 12 minutes later; his late dash towards the back-post timed up perfectly with Louza’s hurled corner. Although, the winger’s nudge goalwards was hampered after it trickled down his chest to allow Radek Vitek to sweep up the danger.

Edging upon the half-hour mark, the hosts committed the number one sin against Bristol City - conceding a free kick on the edge of the box. What was a petty foul from Jeremy Petris led to Twine stepping over a wide set-piece from 18 yards. The midfielder then waved his magic wand of a right foot towards the left-hand side of Watford’s net, beating both hands of Egil Selvik to level the affair on 29 minutes.

With no real chances to add on, both sides found their way into the interval all square.

Half-Time - Watford 1-1 Bristol City

Neither team seemed to get off the blocks swiftly to commence the second-half - until ten minutes in, when action at both ends got the crowd roaring. Anis Mehmeti dug deep to drill a left-footed shot across goal, forcing a strong Selvik save.

Then, after the Hornets extracted the following corner, Irankunda ran the length of the touchline to tee up another kind chance for Bola. However, the Robins’ defence stood firm to deflect the effort out for a corner.

Just moments later, Sinclair Armstrong had a gaping chance to put the Robins ahead. His run warranted a one-on-one scenario with the goalkeeper, but what was a scuffed attempt on goal wasted the opportunity.

After a nervy last 20 minutes of the second period, the Robins made one last push for a winner, although it wasn't to be. Both sides then shook hands on a point each heading into the international break.

Full-Time - Watford 1-1 Bristol City

Watford Player Ratings

GK - Egil Selvik - 6/10

Perhaps should have done better to prevent Scott Twine's free-kick hitting the back of the net.

RB - Max Alleyne - 7/10

CB - Kevin Keben Biakolo - 7/10

CB - Matt Pollock - 7/10

LB - Marc Bola - 8/10

Gave Watford the early lead with a fantastic run and finish. He also managed to put in a good shift on the left-hand side afterwards, despite picking up a knock from his goal.

CM - Jeremy Petris - 7/10

Was silly to give away such an avoidable free-kick, but played well for the rest his the game nevertheless.

CM - Edo Kayembe - 7/10

RM - Imran Louza - 9/10

The midfielder added to his impeccable start to the campaign, with another assist and exceptional performance at Vicarage Road.

LM - Nestory Irankunda - 7/10

Made some great runs to push the ball down the opposite end of the pitch. However, he did have a delightful chance early into the first-half.

ST - Luca Kjerrumgaard - 6/10

ST - Mamadou Doumbia - 5/10

Had a lacklustre game at the top of the pitch, not creating anything substatial.

Sub 1 - Jeremy Ngakia - 6/10

Sub 2 - Kwadwo Baah - 6/10

Sub 3 - Othmane Maamma - 6/10

Sub 4 - Thomas Ince - 6/10

Sub 5 - Vivaldo Semedo - 6/10

Unused Subs

Baxter, Abankwah, Sissoko, Mendy

Bristol City Player Ratings

GK - Radek Vitek - 8/10

Made some emphatic saves in the second-half to prevent stern Watford chances.

CB - Haydon Roberts - 7/10

Did excellent to keep a strong Watford attack quiet for the vast majority of the game.

CB - Rob Dickie - 6/10

CB - George Tanner - 7/10

Strong defensively to help earn a clean sheet.

RWB - Ross McRorie - 5/10

Watford's early goal came in the way of his left channel.

LWB - Sinclair Armstrong - 6/10

Played well overall with great physicality. However, he did miss a crucial chance for City early in the second-half.

CM - Zak Vyner - 7/10

CM - Adam Randell - 8/10

Conducted the midfield. throughout the game, without putting a foot wrong.

AM - Anis Mehmeti - 6/10

Created a dangerous chance for the hosts with his second-half strike, although had a quiet game overall.

AM - Scott Twine - 9/10

Worked his usual magic on the frree kick and appeared as the Robins' niggest attacking threat.

ST - Fally Mayulu - 5/10

Didn't offer much in the opening 60 minutes, which resulted in an early subsitution.

Sub 1 - Yu Hirakawa - 6/10

Sub 2 - Emil Riis Jakobsen - 6/10

Sub 3 - Leo Pecover - 6/10

Sub 4 - Ollie Thomas - 6/10

Unused Subs

Lumley, O'Leary, Meerholz, Morrison, Yeboah

Man Of The Match - Scott Twine

The magic man just keeps shining. Another free-kick to add to his emphatic goal tally - and what a free-kick it was. The midfielder also had several other great chances, as well as setting up opportunities for his teammates.

Rough Day At Work - Fally Mayulu

A poor first-half display forced the youngster to take an early shower. It certainly wasn't his night at Vicarage Road.