FA Cup semi-final: Father and son divided as Wolves take on Watford
Scott Mathers is a huge Watford fan, but his son, Oliver, is Wolves crazy, and it means tomorrow’s FA Cup semi-final is sure to be a lively affair for the family.
Scott, 40, a web design manager, lives in Bridgnorth, but is originally from Watford and has supported the Hornets his entire life.
He moved to the region with his wife, Tanya, whose family are from the area.
Scott said: “I started going to Watford when I was 13 and had a season ticket until I was 30, but when my wife was pregnant she decided she wanted to move closer to home.
"All of Oliver’s mates at school are Wolves fans, so he didn’t have a choice really. His first game was Wolves vs Watford about four years ago, which ended in a draw. Since then, we’ve both had season tickets.”
Even though Oliver is only nine-years-old, he and his dad have lots of football banter.
Scott said that when Wolves played Watford at Molineux in October, Oliver was telling him Wolves would win easily. Sadly for Oliver, Watford ran out 2-0 winners.
Scott admitted he will have divided loyalties on Sunday. He may have supported Watford since he was born, but his son and the rest of his family will all be supporting Wolves.
Celebrate
“Of course I want Watford to win, I’ve followed them for years and to see them win the cup would be fantastic, but it would be great for Oliver to see Wolves win at Wembley.
"We’re sitting in the Wolves section. I think it would be unfair for Oliver to not be able to celebrate if Wolves won, so I had to choose the Wolves end,” he said.
One thing that will motivate Scott to cheer on the Hornets this weekend, is the taunts he has been getting from friends in the local area.
“They told me I’m not a proper Watford fan anymore, I should support Wolves, that kind of thing. It was really difficult trying to hold back my smugness when we won in October and I was sat their quietly in the Billy Wright Stand,” he said.
Looking ahead to Sunday’s game, Scott was very complimentary towards Wolves, he said: “They seem to have something over the top teams, they play some wonderful football on the big occasions.
“I think they’re the only team in the competition who can beat Man City. But I still back Watford to win on Sunday. I think it will be 3-1 with a goal from Doucoure.”
His son, Oliver said: “It’s not a question of if Wolves win, but when they win. The game earlier in the season doesn’t matter, we’ve got better players so we’ll win,”
Only time will tell which one of them is right.
By George Morgan
