WATFORD Ladies made the journey to Carlton on Sunday (October 26) to take on bottom side Nottingham Forest Ladies and returned with all three points, to complete the double over Forest.

The game was played out with a strong wind blowing the length of the pitch - Forest played the first half with the wind at their backs but found conditions difficult particularly when trying to release their forwards.

Watford started brightly and looked as though they might be set for one of their better performances, but got sucked into a scrap for points as Forest fought hard to protect their Premier Division status.

There was a shortage of chances for both sides with Watford 'keeper Marie Hourihan only called into play to collect long balls or to catch the occasional corner kick or free kick.

The Hornets meanwhile did a little better attacking wise through Helen Lander and Mikaela Howell, both tried to throw off the attentions of the hard-working Forest back-line.

Lander was put clear by Holly Miles on one occasion but failed to hit the target. Emma Thomas tried to prompt from midfield as Kelly Bingham and Ashlee Hincks stretched the home defence - looking for the opening which would deliver the opening goal.

When the goal came, it came from a free kick awarded as a promising attack was unfairly and abruptly ended.

Hincks delivered a telling ball between the onrushing attackers and the home 'keeper with full-back Georgie Adams getting a toe to the ball and deflecting it into the corner of the net.

Forest came out determined to give their best efforts to gain parity and some ten minutes in were rewarded for their unstinting work.

A free kick from a similar placing to that which delivered the Watford goal brought a similar outcome as the home number six headed home.

They nearly went ahead courtesy of Watford's Lisa Burrows but Hourihan's neat back-heel, albeit when grounded, cleared the danger.

However it was Watford asking most questions with the home 'keeper, Claire Wallhead, producing outstanding saves from Lander and Hincks, and making two brilliant reaction saves in addition.

However she was helpless to deny Watford another win which they achieved with a goal seven minutes from time.

A cross from the right was returned by the defence to Hincks who delivered another teasing ball to the back post for Sally Wade to powerfully head downwards before it bounced up into the net, despite Wallhead's best efforts.

The Golden Girls now go fifth and this should be a target for an end-of-season position but the chasing pack have matches in hand.

However it was good to see sound contributions from the back four: the two full backs, Adams and Wade scored the goals, and the recalled Cori Daniels impressed alongside Lisa Burrows.

Next week sees the team travel to Doncaster Rovers Belles for the League Cup Quarter Final tie hoping to match last year's success in reaching the semi-final stage.