THERE remains distinct polarisation among the Watford fans at Vicarage Road. Saturday, November 3, was a case in point.

Barnsley, the worst travellers in the division, came down to Vicarage Road and shut up shop. They played very negatively and Watford had to solve the problem. As usual the Hornets passed the ball a lot but they did create two great chances which would have put them in the driving seat and forced Barnsley to come out and attack them.

The first fell to Tommy Smith, who, while not a prolific goalscorer during his rise up the ranks, is beginning to be more effective as a striker. He not only creating chances but is increasing his shot-total.

He may have been slightly reluctant in the past but he is improving in that respect, having a pop when the opportunity arises.

On Saturday, however, we were reminded that he still has some way to go to be a threat in the air. He was afforded a clear header early on but failed to really stretch former Watford goalkeeper Kevin Miller.

At least he had a try, which is more than can be said for Micah Hyde, who was put through by a 40-yard pass by Neil Cox.

Unfortunately the midfielder was a little flummoxed by Miller standing tall and non-committal in front of him and he eventually lost the chance.

So Watford had not done badly yet, at half time after a goalless 45 minutes, they were booed off the field by some of the Hornets' faithful.

That seemed a trifle harsh to my mind but Watford reacted positively to it after the break, taking the lead five minutes later, increasing it on the hour and wrapping up a good 45-minute display with a third goal.

I rather suspect there are those who do not like the continual passing sideways and often backwards.

Then again, I do not think this is peculiar to Watford because when any team is progressing down the wing and the ball is laid back and back and ends up with their own keeper clearing, their fans get irritated.

But there are some who seem to get on the backs of the passing game, if there is not a fair balance of goalmouth action as an end-product.

November 8, 2001 15:30