Craig Cathcart feels Watford can be “really happy” with their dogged performance following a 1-0 win over Aston Villa at Villa Park.
Cathcart was part of a solid defensive line that kept a second clean sheet in manager Roy Hodgson’s first four games in charge, picking up a vital win in the battle against relegation. The Northern Irish defender credited his new manager for the improvements at the back in recent weeks.
“It’s something we’ve been working on, we’ve tightened up since the manager has come in, he’s got us all pulling in the right direction and working hard together,” explained Cathcart. “I think the performance and the way we played today, we showed fight, and took our chance when it came so we can be really happy.
“We knew they had a lot of threat going forward. They’ve got players in the attacking areas who are clever and get in the pockets. We didn’t have to panic, defended well and got through the first half at 0-0 and knew there would be opportunities in the second half.”
The two teams went into the half-time break goalless despite chances for both sides and Cathcart recalled Hodgson’s calm approach in the dressing room.
“He asked us to keep going, and we passed it a lot better than last week against Brighton,” said Cathcart. “There are positives to take into the next match and the win is a big thing, three more points on the board and we want to kick on.”
A packed away end spurred the Golden Boys onto victory in the Midlands. Cathcart hopes the fans’ support and a strong performance on the pitch can create momentum going into Wednesday’s fixture against Crystal Palace at Vicarage Road.
“[The supporters] have been great all season. We’ve been struggling of late and they’ve been right behind us,” said Cathcart.
“There were so many of them in the stand today, it was packed, so it was great to give them the win. We’ve got a big game coming up against Palace so hopefully they’ll be behind us again.
“To come here to Villa Park and get a 1-0 win is a big boost for us and we want to carry that momentum into the next games.”
