Watford Football Club

• Nickname:The Hornets
• Founded:1881
• Manager:Gianfranco Zola

• Ground:Vicarage Road
• Capacity:20800

Hornets boss on the attack

21 Aug 2006 - 12:47:42

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Watford manager Adrian Boothroyd refused to let a dodgy penalty decision overshadow his side's committed display in the narrow 2-1 reverse at Everton.

The Hornets had only Damien Francis' last-gasp strike to show for their efforts, having been hampered by the Toffees being awarded a late penalty for an alleged handball by Chris Powell.

TV replays showed the ball clearly striking Powell on the forehead, with Boothroyd saying: "It was a mistake, no doubt about it, and it just shows referees and linesmen need technical help to avoid errors like that in the future.

"But I don't want that incident to ruin what was a very pleasing, positive performance.

"What more evidence do people now need to realise we are going to have a go at this division, and we now know we are capable of achieving something.

"We attacked, played with two strikers, and we will approach the Premiership in a positive light. I know I have players who want to fight and want to get into the box for chances.

"We need to sort out a few things and we need to take chances because you must learn quickly in this division."