Loan watch | Bowyer nets stunning goal in Watford’s emphatic win

Elkie Bowyer scored her first goal for Watford with a superb finish in their 8-0 victory over MK Dons in the FA Women’s National League Southern Premier Division on Sunday afternoon.

The midfielder, who was making her second appearance for the Hornets after signing for them on a dual-registration last month, started at Grosvenor Vale and wrapped an emphatic first-half performance from Hector Renee’s side, scoring the fourth goal on the stroke of half time.

Elkie collected the ball on the edge of the box and sent a powerful right-footed effort over the goalkeeper and into the back of the net and, minutes into the second half, she was close to grabbing her second of the game but could only guide Flo Fyfe’s cross wide of the target.

Got this Bowyer goal on repeat 🔁

Highlights from our 8-0 win over MK Dons are live now! 👇

— Watford FC Women (@WatfordFCWomen) September 9, 2024

Speaking to Watford’s X account after scoring her first goal, she said: “I dribbled a few times and I just saw that I had a lot of space, so I thought ‘next time I get the ball, I’m going to get it and just shoot’.

“I saw that the goalkeeper was off her line a little bit and I just whacked it, I’m buzzing for it to go in. I enjoyed playing a bit further forward, like more attacking, it’s more my style of play but I’m alright in centre midfield.

"I have really enjoyed being at Watford,” when reflecting on her time at Watford so far. “It’s helping me develop, the girls are lovely and it’s good environment to be in.”

Fellow Under-21s player Maia Lazar, who netted her first senior goal last week for Watford, was a second half substitute and completed just under 30 minutes for Hector’s side.

Watford have picked up seven points in the opening four games of their Southern Premier Division campaign, currently sitting fourth in the table.