Boss Damon Lathrope insists there’s still more to come from his Watford side after an impressive 5-1 victory over Bridgwater United at Vicarage Road on Sunday (April 9).
Helen Ward - in her final match at the stadium before her retirement at the end of the season - scored four in front of 1,127 supporters at The Vic, and Annie Rossiter also found the target in a convincing display, while Bridgwater struck through Beth Everson in second-half added time.
An exciting occasion for all involved, Lathrope hailed the Golden Girls’ hard work throughout the campaign, and was pleased to see their efforts rewarded with an unforgettable afternoon in front of the biggest crowd so far this term.
“It’s really pleasing to get the win, mainly for the fans,” reflected Lathrope. “It’s really good to see them turn out in such good numbers. The girls fully deserved that opportunity to play in front of the fans at the ground because they’ve been excellent all year. Overall, we can go home and be pleased with the day.
“I’m sure that I echo the players’ thoughts that there’s more in us. We were disappointed to concede the goal because we’ve been looking really assured at the back and we haven’t looked like conceding a lot lately, but we’re not going to complain about a 5-1 win.”
Ward’s four strikes take her tally to 18 for the season, netting one from the spot with a further three from open play in the second 45. Her Head Coach brimmed with pride at seeing her take home the match ball for the third time this season, explaining the impact she has on and off the pitch.
“First and foremost Hels is a top person and great to have around the younger players and in the changing room,” continued Lathrope. “She’s served the club so well over the years, she deserved it today.
“It was almost like it was written in the stars. Her last game at The Vic, she leads the team out and scores four goals, you can’t ask for any more. She wants to go out with a bang, and I think that was the perfect scenario for her today and I’m really pleased for her.”
As Ward was making her 172nd Watford appearance, new signing Araya Dennis impressed on her first, notching an assist for the skipper minutes after her introduction from the bench. Lathrope is excited to have the defender among his ranks, seeing a bright career in the offing.
“She’s a top player, with a really exciting future ahead of her,” Lathrope explained. “If we can play a small part in her progress and her development, it’s only going to benefit us as well as Araya. She showed today in a short spell what she brings to the team; a really powerful player with lots of ability.
“We’re lucky to have her for the remainder of the season, and hopefully she can have that kind of impact in the last few games.”
A first-versus-second clash awaits in midweek (Wednesday April 12, 7.45pm KO) as league leaders Oxford United visit Grosvenor Vale, and the Hornets understand the importance of their preparation going into the fixture.
“We try not to look ahead of the next game,” added Lathrope, 33. “Today gave us an opportunity to rest a few players and get some players off the pitch to make sure we have as much in the tank for Wednesday as possible.
“We’ve got four games left including the cup final, and we’re going to attack every single one of them. We’re taking really good momentum into the last part of the season. That’s six on the bounce now and three goals [conceded] in seven games, so we couldn’t be in a better place to finish the season as strongly as possible.”
