WATFORD under 18s continued their resurgence in form with an away win against Cardiff City last weekend.

Injuries once again struck the Academy so it was another inexperienced side for the Hornets with just four second year scholars starting for the Golden Boys.

Jonathan North was on international duty with Wales while young goalkeeper Antal Botond has broken his hand meaning Callum Horton started between the sticks.

After a scrappy start to the fixture the Hornets settled down and played some neat football during the first 45 minutes. Watford went in one nil up at half time as wide man Billy Gibson finished off a flowing move. His effort went flying into the net after hitting a Cardiff player.

Youth team coach Sean Dyche was happy with the win, he said: "It was another good solid performance from the players. We've got a very young side again, which is good in one way for development but it makes it tough when we play the real big guns.

"We were comfortable for the win, we played some really good stuff first half but got a little but bogged down in the second half."

Due to the location of the game the Academy stayed in Cardiff the night before the game and this gave the youngsters a glimpse of what's it's like to be a professional footballer traveling to away games.

Dyche added: "It was a learning curve for our boys on the Friday night. Dick Bate [Technical Director] presented a tactical situation to the players and we had a general chat with myself and David Dodds [Academy Manager] jumping in.

"It gives them a look at what first team life is like by traveling away. They stay in a hotel and it's a different environment for them. The experience also gives them a taste of what is expected of them and things like professionalism, dedication and punctuality come into play and it gives them a feel for all of those things."  

The Academy are next in action against Coventry on Saturday 13 October at London Colney, kick off is 10.30am.

Watford: Horton, Hodson, Lavers, Jenkins, Beech (c), Brown, Mingoia, Kiernan, Henderson, Forbes, Gibson.

Subs not used: Sordell, Bond, Oshodi, Whichelow, Brooks.

Cardiff: Magennis, Cummings, Buswell, Morris, Acheampong, Middleton, Upcott, Wildig, Kaid, Webbe, Taylor.

Subs not used: Carlisle, Herring, Gallagher, Hugh, Ibo .