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Peter Hoekstra struck twice, including a cracker early in the second half, to
give Stoke a timely boost in their ongoing battle to beat the drop.
But defeat leaves Watford in freefall in Division One. They are now without a
win in eight league games, despite their march into the last four of the FA
Cup.
It was the home side who carved out the first real opportunity when Gifton
Noel-Williams, drafted back into the side, saw his left-foot volley tipped
around the post by Stoke goalkeeper Mark Crossley.
Watford continued to push forward as the half wore on, although Stoke's
resolute defending snuffed out many of their most promising moves.
It was the visitors who took the lead after 34 minutes from the penalty spot.
Mark Wilson's inswinging corner led to a handball by Micah Hyde, and the referee
had no hesitation in awarding the penalty. Hoekstra made no mistake from the
spot.
Watford were almost level nine minutes before the break when Hyde struck the
woodwork with a superb effort from 25 yards.
As they continued to press Crossley had to be on his toes to save from Neal
Ardley and Heidar Helguson, but Stoke were looking the better side as the first
half drew to a close.
The visitors gained their reward shortly after the re-start, Hoekstra again
the hero four minutes into the second half. After good work from Andy Cooke, the
ball fell to Hoekstra who smacked it superbly into the top right corner, giving
Watford goalkeeper Alec Chamberlain no chance.
Watford continued to press - and Crossley, having been booked for
time-wasting, tipped over Tommy Smith's header. The home side did finally reduce
the deficit after 67 minutes, Helguson heading home a Stephen Glass cross from
six yards.
Teams
Watford Chamberlain, Ardley, Cox, Gayle (Brown 45), Glass,
Fisken (Tommy Smith 56), Hyde (McNamee 78), Mahon, Cook,
Noel-Williams, Helguson.
Subs Not Used: Vernazza, Lee.
Booked: Helguson.
Goals: Helguson 67.
Stoke Crossley, Thomas, Handyside, Shtanuk, Williams,
Hoekstra (Goodfellow 66), Gunnarsson,
Mark Wilson (Marteinsson 85), O'Connor, Clarke,
Cooke (Iwelumo 83).
Subs Not Used: Greenacre, Banks.
Booked: O'Connor, Shtanuk, Crossley, Williams.
Goals: Hoekstra 34 pen, 49.
Att: 12,570
Ref: D Crick (Surrey).
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