On a biting Tuesday night in Watford, Watford Football Club and Preston North End Football Club played out a tense 1-1 draw at Vicarage Road, extending Watford’s unbeaten streak to five matches in the 2025-26 Sky Bet ChampionshipEngland. The crowd of 16,113 braved sub-zero temperatures to witness a storybook twist: Daniel Jebbison, the 23-year-old English forward who once toiled in obscurity for Watford, returned to haunt his old club with a clinical 13th-minute strike — his third goal of the season. But just before halftime, Mamadou Doumbia, the 21-year-old Malian striker, equalized with a thunderous header, sending the home fans into a relieved roar. The final whistle blew at 90+6’, with Watford’s 19-year-old Australian winger Nestory Irankunda lucky to escape a second yellow after a reckless challenge. It wasn’t pretty, but it was effective. And for Watford, that’s the point.
Return to the Scene of the Struggle
Jebbison’s journey from Watford benchwarmer to Preston match-winner is the kind of narrative football thrives on. He played 13 games for the Hornets between 2023 and 2024 without scoring a single goal. Fans barely remembered his name. Now, on his first visit back to Vicarage Road as an away player, he didn’t just score — he did it with cold precision. A low cross from the right, a deflection off Watford’s center-back, and Jebbison pounced like a predator. "It’s not personal," he told post-match reporters. "But it feels good to make them remember you." The irony? Watford had offered him a new contract last summer. He turned it down, seeking first-team football elsewhere. Now, he’s delivering it — against them.Doumbia’s Moment of Redemption
If Jebbison’s goal was a dagger, Doumbia’s equalizer was the shield. The Malian striker, signed from Ligue 2 side Nîmes in January, had been criticized for his inconsistent finishing. But on this night, with the clock ticking toward half-time, he rose above two Preston defenders to meet a looping cross from Giorgi Chakvetadze. The ball kissed the underside of the bar before thudding into the net. "That’s the kind of header we’ve been waiting for," said Watford manager Rob Edwards in his post-match interview. "He’s got the physicality. Now he’s starting to believe it." The goal didn’t just level the score — it shifted momentum. Preston, who had looked dangerous on the counter, suddenly had to chase the game.Midfield Grind and Late Tension
The second half was a battle of attrition. Moussa Sissoko, the 36-year-old French veteran, controlled the tempo with a blend of grit and intelligence rarely seen at this stage of his career. Meanwhile, Preston’s Andrew Hughes, 34, and Bowler, 29, worked tirelessly to disrupt Watford’s rhythm. The standout performer, however, was Preston’s Brazilian goalkeeper Jefferson, 27. He made three crucial saves in the 70th minute alone — one a fingertip stop from a close-range Baah shot, another a reflex parry from Louza’s curler. "He made us pay for our wastefulness," admitted Watford captain Imrân Louza. "He’s been their best player all season. No surprise he kept us out."
Where This Leaves Both Clubs
The draw leaves Watford with 24 points from 17 games — six wins, six draws, five losses — still hovering just outside the playoff zone. Their five-match unbeaten run (three wins, two draws) is their longest since 2021. But with Leicester City and Charlton Athletic breathing down their necks, every point is a lifeline. Preston, meanwhile, sit third with 27 points — one behind leaders Ipswich Town and level on points with Bristol City. Their +5 goal difference tells the story: they’re a team built to win, not settle. "We’re not here for draws," said Preston manager Ryan Lowe. "But in this league, you take points where you can. Especially away from home."What’s Next?
Watford’s next fixture is a home clash against 15th-placed Wigan Athletic on December 1, a must-win if they want to climb into the top six. Preston, meanwhile, travel to fourth-placed Derby County on December 2 — a fixture that could decide whether they’re chasing promotion or just clinging to it. Both clubs have five games left before the Christmas break. For Watford, it’s about proving they’re more than a team on a streak. For Preston, it’s about proving they’re more than a team on a ladder.
Behind the Numbers
- Watford: 6 wins, 6 draws, 5 losses | 24 points | +2 goal difference - Preston North End: 7 wins, 6 draws, 4 losses | 27 points | +5 goal difference - Daniel Jebbison: 3 goals in 14 Championship appearances this season - Mamadou Doumbia: 5 goals in 17 appearances — 3 in last 5 games - Nestory Irankunda: 11 assists this season — tied for most in Championship - Vicarage Road attendance: 16,113 — highest since March 2024 - Preston’s Jefferson: 9 clean sheets in 17 matches — best in the leagueFrequently Asked Questions
Why is Daniel Jebbison’s goal significant for Watford fans?
Jebbison’s goal hit hard because he spent over a year at Watford without scoring, often used as a substitute. Fans remember him as a player who never delivered on promise. Now, scoring against them as a Preston player feels like betrayal — even if he’s simply fulfilling his potential elsewhere. It’s a reminder of what Watford let go.
How does this result affect Watford’s playoff chances?
Watford remain just two points behind sixth-placed Wrexham and four behind Derby County. With five unbeaten games, they’re building momentum, but their goal difference (+2) is a weakness. To make the playoffs, they need to start winning by more than one goal — especially at home. Their next three fixtures are against mid-table sides, so this is their window to climb.
Is Preston North End serious promotion contenders?
Absolutely. With 27 points and a +5 goal difference, they’re the third-most efficient attack in the Championship. Jefferson’s consistency, Bowler’s creativity, and Jebbison’s clutch finishing make them dangerous. They’ve won five of their last seven away games. If they can hold their form through December, they’ll be in the top two by January.
What’s the story behind Mamadou Doumbia’s recent form?
Doumbia struggled early in the season, often isolated up front. But since Rob Edwards switched to a 4-2-3-1 in October, Doumbia’s been playing off Chakvetadze and Louza — two creative midfielders who’ve finally found him. His last three goals have all come from crosses or set pieces. He’s no longer just a target man — he’s becoming a complete striker.
Why did Nestory Irankunda get a yellow card so late?
Irankunda, known for his pace and flair, got frustrated after being tackled twice in quick succession by Preston’s Hughes. In stoppage time, he lunged for a loose ball and clipped the ankle of a Preston midfielder. The referee had no choice — it was a clear foul. But it was also a sign of Watford’s desperation. They were clinging to a point. That’s the pressure of the Championship.
How does this result compare to past Watford-Preston encounters?
This was the 14th meeting between the two clubs in the Championship since 2018. Watford have won six, Preston five, and three ended in draws. Their last meeting — in March 2025 — ended 2-1 to Watford at Deepdale. What’s unusual this time is that neither team dominated. It was a classic Championship stalemate: physical, tense, and decided by moments rather than mastery.
