By Our Man at Vicarage Road
WREXHAM’S Hollywood fairytale hit a gritty London sequel yesterday as Watford’s big-money stars reminded the Dragons that the Championship doesn’t follow a script.
Despite the glitz and glamour following Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s side into town, it was the Hornets who stung hardest, securing a commanding 3-1 victory that left the Welsh outfit seeing stars of a different kind.
While Wrexham brought the hype, Giorgi Chakvetadze brought the heat. The Georgian playmaker was the undisputed leading man, gliding through the midfield like he was walking the red carpet. His vision set the tone early, carving open a stubborn Wrexham backline that—until now—seemed invincible.
The night truly belonged to Vakoun Bayo, whose brace proved he’s the main attraction in Hertfordshire. His first was a poacher’s dream, reacting quickest to a loose ball, while his second was a thunderous strike that left the travelling Wrexham faithful silenced.
Wrexham didn’t travel just to make up the numbers. Paul Mullin showed flashes of his talismanic quality, clawing one back for the visitors to make it 2-1 and briefly giving the A-listers in the stands hope of a comeback.
But Watford’s captain, Tom Ince, had other ideas. Leading by example, Ince dictated the tempo and snuffed out the Dragons’ fire before it could spread. The game was put to bed late on when a slick team move ended with a clinical finish, ensuring all three points stayed in WD18.
Phil Parkinson’s men showed heart, but Watford’s individual quality was the blockbuster performance of the afternoon. Wrexham might have the film crew, but on this evidence, Watford have the stars capable of a Premier League promotion push.
