Watford recorded their first victory of 2002 while struggling Grimsby were
left to reflect that when you are down little goes right.
Their anger was directed at the referee's 47th-minute decision to allow
Watford's second goal after both teams had stopped playing following the raising of a
linesman's flag.
When Jermaine Pennant played the ball through, the linesman flagged Patrick
Blondeau offside on the right. However, Gifton Noel-Williams, running from deep,
was clearly onside, but when he reached goalkeeper Danny Coyne, both players
stopped playing.
Noel-Williams, realising the referee had not blown, turned and hooked the ball
into the net for a controversial second goal.
The referee consulted his linesman, but the goal stood.
Grimsby's Tony Gallimore, plainly angered, reacted with a late tackle on
Pennant who also reacted and both players were sent off in the 50th minute
following a flare-up.
Watford had taken the lead in a dreary first half when Paul Robinson, back
after a five-week absence through injury, chested down from a corner and hooked
home after 35 minutes.
Watford keeper Alec Chamberlain made saves to deny Stuart Campbell and Michael
Boulding, but it was the Grimsby keeper who was busiest in an exciting second
half as Watford counter-attacked but wasted a succession of chances.
Teams
Watford: Chamberlain, Blondeau (Nielsen 70), Galli, Brown,
Robinson, Pennant, Okon, Hyde, Cook (Glass 58), Gayle,
Noel-Williams (Smith 78).
Subs Not Used: Baardsen, McNamee.
Sent Off: Pennant (51).
Booked: Robinson.
Goals: Robinson 36, Noel-Williams 46.
Grimsby: Coyne, McDermott, Groves, Raven, Gallimore,
Pouton (Allen 84), Willems, Burnett, Campbell (Butterfield 80),
Taylor (Jevons 28), Boulding.
Subs Not Used: David Smith, Croudson.
Sent Off: Gallimore (51).
Booked: Willems.
Att: 12,163
Ref: M Brandwood (Lichfield).
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