Stones deal with Watford sees top-level friendly at The Vale

Wealdstone FC is delighted to announce it will host a top-level pre-season friendly next month when Watford take on Southampton at Grosvenor Vale.

Having decided it will be best to allow their award-winning Vicarage Road pitch extra time to recover from back-to-back Elton John concerts ahead of the start of the Championship season, the Hornets decided the Stones' home ground was a suitable alternative to play the final game of their summer warm-up matches, against the Saints on July 23, kick-off 3pm.

The fixture rounds off Watford's five-game pre-season programme and fans will be keen to see Rob Edwards' side in action before they kick off their Championship campaign at home to Sheffield United. The Saints, meanwhile, will take on the Hornets three days after a training camp in Austria and will use the game as a warm-up for their final friendly against Champions League semi-finalists Villarreal.

News of the game deepens the Stones' relationship with the Hornets who have signed an agreement that will see Watford FC Women play the majority of their 2022/23 home fixtures at Grosvenor Vale.

"The friendly is a real coup for us," said Chairman Rory Fitzgerald. "It will be special afternoon hosting a Championship and Premier League teams and shows the ambition we have. It will really help us financially and gives us a strong working relationship with Watford. We are also delighted to be the home for Watford FC Women and feel those games will gives our supporters and the community a chance to join the growth of the women's game."

Ticket details for the Watford vs Southampton clash at Wealdstone will be announced in due course.