WATFORD Ladies secured their first win in the National Premier League with a 3 -2 home victory over Blackburn Rovers on Sunday (26 August).

In the brilliant sunshine at their new home in Letchworth, Watford Ladies, playing with a full strength side, started in a determined mood, with Ellen Maggs having a shot saved in the third minute. Blackburn nearly got on the score sheet three minutes later but the goal was ruled offside. Watford continued to press but couldn't break down the Blackburn defence, Emma Thomas coming closest with a shot past the post.

It was Blackburn who capitalised on the quarter hour, when Natalie Brewer powered in a free header from the second of two corners in succession. However their lead was short lived, when Helen Lander latched onto a through ball from Maggs to score low in the corner past Michelle Jones. The game looked to be honours even going into the break, but a quick Blackburn break away caught the Watford defence flat footed and Karen Burke struck a low shot past Marie Hourihan after a right wing cross, to send them in to the changing room with the psychological advantage.

Watford started the second half much as the first, but couldn't finish their chances until Maggs broke through in the 64th minute and scored with a neat low finish to equalise. Watford then wobbled for the next 20 minutes as Blackburn pressed for the winner, but last ditch tackles from the Watford back four and some excellent saves from Hourihan kept Watford in the game.

Watford grabbed the winner with nine minutes to go, when Helen Lander, meeting a cross into the area, was clattered late by the Blackburn 'keeper Jones and the ref pointed to the spot. After a delay whilst Lander was attended to by the physio, Ashlee Hincks stepped up to the spot to slot home to give the home side the lead. Despite renewed Blackburn pressure, Watford held on to take all three points.

After the game, Watford manager Sian Williams said: "I was pleased by the team performance today and it was good to get our first win, however we needed to convert more of the chances we created to take the pressure off ourselves"

Watford's next game is away to Birmingham City LFC on Sunday 2nd September.