|
Stunning goals from the ever improving John Brayford, Tomasz Cywka (2) and vintage striker Shefki Kuqi.
John Brayford started the dismantling of a Watford side that started the game in fourth place and with the best away record in the Championship. The well watered pitch may well have contributed to Brayford beating the Watford defender but Brayford took full advantage and after bearing down on the goal from the right, his shot was too good for Loach in the Watford goal and the shot clipping the underside of the bar and nestling in the net.
Derby were the better team during the major part of the first half and it was just reward for some slick passing and excellent free flowing football when then scored their second in the 36th minute. A ball held up in the penalty area was given to Tomasz Cywka, his shot cannoning off a Watford defender and wrong footing Loach in the Watford goal and taking the ball wide of stranded keepers left hand .
With ten minutes to go until half time Alberto Bueno was taken off. The former Real Madrid midfielder failing to shake off an ankle injury he started the game with. His replacement was Finnish International striker Shefki Kuqi.
Half time saw the Rams comfortably in charge but after the break Watford pressed and were rewarded with a chipped goal from Matthew Wichelow in the 54th minute, after the Rams defence were caught flat footed.
The game was now in the balance, with both teams making chances but Rams substitute Shefki Kuqi beat his marker on the edge of the area before smashing an unstoppable shot past Loach. The Rams now looked as though they were on for their fourth successive home win and yet another stunning goal following an excellent long range pass from Robbie Savage to Tomasz Cywka. Cwyka took the ball into the Watford area and curled a wonderful shot around the keeper to make the final score Derby County 4 Watford 1...