A first-half header from Paul Moody was enough to steer Fulham into the second round of the Auto Windscreens Shield as the Whites beat a second-string Watford side at Craven Cottage this evening.
Graham Taylor made eleven changes from the side that been held to a draw by Torquay United in the second round of the FA Cup on Saturday and the home side made all of the early running. Chris Day made sharp early saves to keep out efforts from Rob Scott and Moody, but the tall striker powered home the only goal of the game from a Matt Lawrence cross.
Watford’s only first-half effort of note was an ambitious long-range effort from Jason Lee and, although they did improve after the interval, the Hornets were indebted to Day who did brilliantly to deny Moody a second from close range, dashed off his line to thwart Scott and pulled off a magnificent reflex save to repel a Steve Hayward volley. Paul Trollope should have doubled the hosts’ advantage on the follow-up but somehow prodded wide of an open goal when it appeared easier to score.
FULHAM (4-4-2): Taylor; Lawrence, Watson, Coleman (McAnespie 45), Neilson; Carpenter, Hayward, Smith (Thomas 62), Trollope; Moody, Scott. Subs (not used): Aggrey.
BOOKED: Thomas.
GOAL: Moody (19).
WATFORD (5-3-2): Day; Miles, Rooney, Easton, Robinson, Ljung; Palmer, Talboys (Ward 69), Grieves; Lowndes, Lee. Subs (not used): Iga, Kennedy.
BOOKED: Robinson.
REFEREE: Andy D’Urso (Essex).
ATTENDANCE: 3,364.
