Watford 0 - Stoke 1: Darren Fletcher strikes stunning volley to claim three points

DARREN FLETCHER volleyed his first goal for Stoke to take the wind out of Watford’s sails.

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Darren Fletcher channeled his inner Paul Scholes with a brilliant volley against Watford

The Hornets were looking to cement their place in the top six, but Fletcher’s Paul Scholes-style strike from the edge of the area secured a first away win for City. 

The victory also eased the pressure on Stoke manager Mark Hughes, who was in danger of becoming the latest boss under the microscope following four defeats in five matches. 

Fletcher met Xherdan Shaqiri’s cross with a crisp volley and immediately sprinted off to celebrate with his under-pressure manager. At the death, Charlie Adam thought he had settled the match when he skipped past Watford keeper Heurelho Gomes, who had gone up for a corner, but when he rolled the ball towards an empty net it came back off a post. 

Afterwards, Hughes said Troy Deeney “should know better” after the Watford captain sparked a late melee.

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The Watford and Stoke players scrapped it out in stoppage time

In stoppage-time Stoke put the ball out of play after a player went down injured, but rather than pass the ball back Deeney appeared to attempt a cross into the visitors’ penalty area. 

Joe Allen reacted angrily but found himself being grabbed by the face by the burly Hornets striker as players from both sides squared up. 

Hughes said: “Clearly we kicked the ball out and the right thing to do in the spirit of the game is throw it back. Deeney, the captain of the club, should know better but he shaped to play it into our box and that’s why Joe reacted.” 

Hornets boss Marco Silva felt the game was won and lost in the first half. He said: “We gave our opponents a 45-minute advantage and during those 45 minutes we gave them a big gift with the goal we conceded.”

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