Watford FanCast presenter Matt Reveley discusses how Watford may be keen to have the last laugh on Rob Styles.

Okay, so the trip to Devon was relatively archetypal of our season, and tomorrow's encounter with the only team seemingly happy to win promotion does not provide us with much optimism for a three-pointed weekend. But take yourself back two weeks and, I feel, a man in the middle may be the catalyst that the Golden Boys have so desperately craved.  

It's 2:20pm, forty minutes before kick-off, and I'm enjoying a pre-match pint in the Rookery V Bar. The last person I expected to be making the offer for the next round was Aidy Boothroyd, but then the Yorkshireman rarely misses a trick. Perching himself on the edge of the bar and with mic in hand, the Hornets gaffer addresses the bemused contingent in the Rookery Stand bar with an inspirational speech that made those present happy to start believing of promotion once more.

Visiting the Hornets faithful pre-match is now customary for the 37 year-old after the Golden Boys travelling supporters were treated to his presence in Burnley and Bristol in recent weeks and indeed at Plymouth last Saturday. But his speech on that afternoon was more than a few words, handshakes and posing for pictures. More a humourous yet wholehearted plea - he wanted us to be the 12th man; he needed us to be the 12th man. His players he remarked are ‘only human' and not only benefit from a supportive and energetic atmosphere, but also suffer from spectator criticism (he provided suggestions on how to deal with such supporters if they are sat next to you). After multiple renditions of the motivational exclaim used in the Hornets changing rooms ("who are we - WATFORD"), as well as "yellow army" and "Aidy Boothroyd", he left us to mull over his enthusiasm and determination to succeed whilst claiming our free pint.

You could debate that it was PR at its best, but Aidy's passion was evident; and few managers would have the audacity to think of such a plan, let alone implement it. He was right, the players needed a lift, Vicarage Road needed a lift; all that the Hornets faithful wished for now was for the players to replicate their manager's energy and enthusiasm on the pitch. And after the first fifteen minutes of free-flowing, attacking football, we did indeed have reason to believe in Aidy's statement that ‘we are going up'. 

Enter Mr Rob Styles. At one point banned (or suggested to stay away) from Vicarage Road as his protection could not be guaranteed, it was a delight to welcome back a referee who is seemingly content on driving home after a day's work safe in the knowledge that he has ruined another game of football for both of the football clubs involved and of course the thousands of paying spectators. The tackle on 22 minutes that led to John Eustace's dismissal was by no means malicious, and despite (after viewing video replays) agreeing that the challenge was not as meagre as one first imagined, I wonder how many referees would have been as keen to pluck the darker shade of card out of one's pocket as quickly as Mr Styles did so eagerly. Only those who are desperate for the lead role and happy to ignore the consequences that ensue for the real actors and the viewing audience, perhaps?  

The decision of the official in question to cite Eustace's unwillingness to leave the field in his report, which has subsequently led to an increased four-match ban, only amplifies the ignorance shown by the 43 year-old. Players, officials and supporters of both clubs all voiced their bemusement during play and post-match (live radio was the scene option for many), but could the fireworks at home to Stoke be the catalyst for a determined Watford to return to the Premiership?

For me, such rousing moments can define seasons or indeed a single match. At this point we may cast our minds back to 3rd April 1999 and the bedlam at Vicarage Road that resulted in the Golden Boys fighting back to win 2-1 against Tranmere Rovers whilst finishing play with nine men. We all know what followed.

We witnessed small fireworks at Ashton Gate, with Boothroyd's suggestion that Gary Johnson would be better suited to having a dug-out scrap with Jimmy Cranky rather than his colleagues meaning the entertainment in Bristol just surpassed the sparklers point on the fireworks-scale. And following the Watford manager's impassionate narrative in the V-Bar that day and his players' application in the opening twenty minutes against Stoke, the energy had spread to the Hornets' faithful and belief was returning of a top two finish that has so far repelled every contender. Just a shame that the energy did not make it's way to Devon either on the pitch or in the stands - only the Watford bench seemingly decided to test the strength of the cider on Saturday.

Stoke were dire, and admittedly so from fans and staff alike, but the Golden Boys spirited performance with a numerical disadvantage still gave reason for optimism. Moreover, the accentuated cohesion that now lies within the Watford camp following our recent atmospheric encounters could indeed provide the ignition to fire the Hornets to another promotion that their effervescent young manager so desperately desires. 

Tomorrow may provide the answer.

Tune in to the latest Watford FanCast that reviews the 1-1 draw at Plymouth and previews the 6-pointer at the KC Stadium.

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