When Watford Women defeated Nottingham Forest Women in the Womens National League play-off match at the end of May, there were high hopes among those connected with the club that they would be able to avoid an immediate return to the third tier and would instead start to establish themselves as mainstays in the Womens Championship. However, things in that regard have not gone to plan, with Damon Lathropes team currently bottom of the table and with just one win to their name after 12 matches and only 10 still to play.
What has been clear, though, is that they are a much-improved team from the one that secured promotion ahead of the 2021/22 campaign, with their performances looking more assured. Their attack, in particular, has really allowed them to test their opponents. Unfortunately, the quality that they have shown at the top end of the field has not been matched by their defensive play, which is what is currently letting them down game after game. This tactical analysis will take a closer look at both sides of their performances to show what they are doing well and what they need to improve on in the new year.
Attacking threat
When looking back at Watford Womens transfer business ahead of the 2023/24 season, it is clear that adding more goals to his side was a key priority for Lathrope, with him investing in all areas of the team but increasing the quality of his forward options as he tried to ensure that his team would be able to capitalise on those moments when they found themselves in promising positions.
One player who has really made an impact at Grosvenor Vale (the home ground of Wealdstone FC) is striker Carly Johns, who joined from Oxford United Women (another team who went close to promotion last season) after netting 15 goals and finishing as the third tiers highest scorer last season.
Whilst her goalscoring instincts have truly aided Watfords bid for survival, it has been her movement and versatility that has stood out, with her not just capable of playing as an out-and-out striker but also dropping back and shifting wide in order to ensure that Watford can find the back of the net from all different angles and distances.
In this case, she has run across
