Really and truthfully, dramatic doesn't do the end of this game justice, but there's plenty more that happened before hand..
Watford returned to a sunny Vicarage Road following a 1-0 defeat to Leicester at the King Power Stadium, thanks to David Nugent's 82nd minute header. From being complete outsiders to make the play-offs, Leicester were in pole position to go to Wembley, a remarkable turn around from Nigel Person's men who by virtue of an Anthony Knockaert last minute winner against rivals Forest, seemed destined for the wonderful Wembley arch after victory at the KP.
It was an even first 20 minutes, with Leicester pressing hard on Watford's defence, forcing corner after corner without really troubling Manuel Almunia. However, with Troy Deeney back in the side after he served his suspension for the red card in the crazy game against Leeds was full of hunger and causing havoc with every touch. It was Deeney who set strike partner Matej Vydra through on goal, but the Czech who hadn't scored since February smashed it wide. It was long after until Vydra got another chance, and boy did he take it with aplomb. A chipped through ball from Deeney resulted in Vydra smashing an unstoppable Van Basten-esque volley past the rooted Schmeichel, who could only look on as the ball flew into the net and the game was level 1-1 on aggregate.
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| Vydra's superb strike. |
Vicarage Road was rocking, with main man Vydra netting for the 21st time and looking full of confidence, they looked all set to end the Leicester hopes of a play-off final date. It was to be short lived however, as some poor marking from Lloyd Doyley and some excellent movement from the rejuvenated Nugent, resulted in the latter climbing above the preceding and guiding Knockaert's corner home past Almunia and the game was back in Leicester's favour, 1-2(agg) in their favour, capping off a pulsating first period.
As the second half kicked off it was another even affair, with both teams having chances, Watford playing their free flowing football and Leicester always a threat from set-pieces. With Abdi having a shot deflected inches wide and Battocchio hit the post after some fabulous footwork, Watford got the goal they needed and deserved. The front pairing of Deeney and Vydra combined with a nifty one-two, with the latter side footing past Schmeichel from 16 yards.
Leicester fought back well though and forced Almunia into a few saves, but then came the real drama. Knockaert went on a mazy run, going past Briggs and then being 'fouled' by Cassetti, more of a dive than anything else. Despite Watford's furious appeals they fell on deaf ears, as Michael Oliver awarded a penalty in the 97th minute. What was about to follow, was reminiscent of Brentford against Doncaster, but for me, much more dramatic. In a mere 10 seconds the tied was turned on it's head. Knockaert picked himself up and hit the penalty, SAVED by Almunia's feet, then the Spaniard reacted well and SAVED his follow up. Vicarage Road was a bedlam of excitement, the place was going berserk! If that wasn't dramatic enough, the ball was cleared, Anya burst down the right, slid in Forestieri, who crossed to Hogg.. who headed back for... "DEEEENNNEEYY!" One word. Unbelievable! His 20th goal of the season, and no-one can say he hasn't deserved it.
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| Deeney fires home to give Watford the lead. |
What a moment of magic from Watford, their counter-attacking style in full devastating effect tore apart a dispondant Leicester, who moments early must have been dreaming of Premier League paradise. A full pitch invasion ensued, flares were lit and Zola slipped, Deeney mobbed and all the while, young Knockaert was in tears. The drama that is the play-offs, 10 seconds changed emotions from sheer joy to heartbreak, but we love it. In the 101st minute the whistle sounded and after the pitch had been cleared the first time, it was full of mad Watford fans, with chants of "We are going up!" ringing round the sun-bathed Vicarage Road, players hoisted on fans shoulders and carried to the dressing room. All the while Knockaert was inconsolable, sobbing uncontrollably and doing his best to apologise to the travelling Leicester support.
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| Contrasting emotions.. |
We all thought after Brentford-Doncaster we'd never see the likes of this again, but this ladies and gentlemen, this is football. After the game Deeney praised both sides, "It takes 2 teams to make a spectacle like this, they played well and their fans were fantastic." But was quick to shift the glory onto his team," We were magnificent, I was pumped for the game, especially after the stick I'd gotten from the guys afterwards (referring to his punditry role in the first leg), but we wouldn't be here for this big man." As Almunia musters a rye smile and Deeney ruffles his hair.
