ALMOST seven years to the day after leaving Vicarage Road, loanee Darren Ward returned 'home' on Saturday and played his part in a crucial win over Preston North End.

Goals from Tommy Smith and Jon Harley overturned North End's early lead and that was enough to see off the challenge of Alan Irvine's men.

The afternoon started in the worst possible fashion as the Golden Boys went down to a fifth minute Sean St Ledger strike.

However the home side responded in the correct fashion and went on to win their first game since late August.

Ward, on loan from Championship rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers, returned to play his first game in a Watford shirt at Vicarage Road since he left the 'Orns in October 2001.

Back in the day... Darren Ward's early Watford years

He said: "It's good to back, when I found out about the opportunity to come here I jumped at it.

"I know the club and some of the players as well and I know that they want to go forward and upwards. I want to play and get myself fit."

The former Hornet was paired with Jay DeMerit after the American returned to the side in place of Leigh Bromby.

Ward added: "It was my second centre half partner in two games. Back at Wolves, even last season I played with five centre halves so I'm used to it!

"I enjoyed the game, it was a bad start but the response was great. We reacted very well to conceding the goal and it could have gone the other way - we responded very well."

Ward remembers goalscorer Smith, Lloyd Doyley, Richard Lee and Alec Chamberlain from his time at Vicarage Road, he recalls: "I used to come here [Vicarage Road] when I first joined and run around the track with Paul Robinson and some of the boys - including Tommy Smith.

"They're nice memories, this is where I signed my first contract and what turned me from a boy into a man."

In action against Arsenal in his first Hornets' stint

The 30-year-old had family in the crowd and was suitably impressed with the reception from supporters, saying: "I would like to thank all the fans for that, it made me feel very welcome. I'm just glad I've contributed to the win and now I want to do my bit to help the club climb the league."

The win coming into the international break was important for the 'Orns and now gives the medical department opportunity to get some of the walking wounded going again.

Psychologically the three points is a huge boost for the squad. Ward commented: "To get a win before an international break is massive as it sets the tone, there are smiles on people's faces now and we can have a little break now and look forward to the next game.

"We were our own worst enemies on Tuesday, there's a lot of potential here and we've just got to stick with it and I'm sure we'll get results."

Ward made over 60 appearances for the Hornets during his first spell at the club.

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