Mid-season report: Watford

Watford began the 2011-12 Championship campaign under the leadership of new manager Sean Dyche, following the departure of Malky Mackay.

The Hornets' supporters are hopeful that they can build on last season's 14th-place finish, but they will have to do it without the help of striker Danny Graham, who left in the summer for newly-promoted Premier League outfit Swansea City.

With Watford facing a tough task this season, Sports Mole has looked back at how they've fared so far.

August

Dyche failed to claim his first win of the season in the month of August with a number of disappointing defeats against Derby County, West Ham United and an early Carling Cup exit against Bristol Rovers.

The Hornets did manage to get some points on the board with draws against Burnley, Coventry City and Birmingham City.

September

Watford grabbed their first victory in September with a 2-0 win over Reading but stumbled against Barnsley the following week in a 1-1 draw. The Hornets struggled to take advantage of their home support at Vicarage Road against Nottingham Forest as they slumped to a 1-0 defeat. However, Dyche rounded off the month with a win over Millwall.

October

Despite ending September on a high, Watford endured a torrid October starting with a crushing 4-0 blow against title contenders Southampton at St Mary's Stadium. The Hornets began to slip down the table after losing to Crystal Palace, Leicester City and Hull City. Hopes were revived when Dyche's side clinched a 3-2 win over Peterborough at the end of the month.

November

Watford claimed a second consecutive win when they defeated Brighton & Hove Albion on home turf, but failed to stay consistent and dropped three points against Middlesbrough. The Hornets snatched three points from Portsmouth at Vicarage Road, and added two points to the board with draws against Doncaster Rovers and Bristol City.

December

Watford had a positive month leading up to the hectic festive fixtures with victories over Ipswich Town and the reverse fixture against Doncaster. Draws against Blackpool and Leeds left Watford in 17th place at the end of the year.