WATFORD Academy put three past MK Dons on Saturday morning as a penalty decision in first half stoppage time changed the direction of the game.

The Hornets eventually won the clash 3-1 but the spot-kick decision brought the game to life as neither side troubled the two goalkeepers too much during the first period.

MK Dons had the better of the opening 45  - Jonathan North had one real save to make when he just held on to a low drive that skidded off the wet surface. The Welshman just managed to grab the second ball before a waiting Don could nip in.

The Hornets had to bide their time and soak up some pressure from the Dons before they could really stretch their defence. With five minutes of the half remaining, good build up play fed Liam Henderson. He managed to hold off his man and get to the by-line and put in a terrific ball, but no one was there to convert the slick move.

Henderson put in a trademark hard-working performance and he grew in stature as the game went on.

Liam Henderson

The referee awarded the penalty as Henderson chased after the ball in the penalty box and the man in black pointed to the spot for an infringement on the Hornet. Henderson had indeed carried on after the ball, but the referee thought there had been enough contact on Henderson from the on-rushing goalkeeper to award a spot kick.

Despite protests from the visitors, Henderson stepped up and calmly sent the goalkeeper the wrong way.

Half time: Watford 1 MK Dons 3

The second period was a livelier affair with more goalmouth action and chances for both sides.

Watford under 18s added another goal less than 10 minutes into the half after a confident start.

A ball was played in to Henderson with his back to goal; the Gateshead-born front man held off the defender and laid the ball to John Clements who buried his effort past the 'keeper into the corner of the net.

Henderson continued his assault on MK Dons and their goal when he was set free down the right channel, with the goalkeeper rushing out he had to make his mind up quickly but unfortunately for the 'Orns he fired wide of the net.

Wide man Billy Gibson was having more of a say in things after half time as he linked up well with Louis Lavers at left back and whipped in some great balls across the face of goal.

Billy Gibson

With just over 20 minutes remaining, the Golden Boys extended their lead through centre half Raphael Brown. Following a great delivery from a corner kick, the goalkeeper saved a shot from inside the packed area but Brown was there for the follow-up and made no mistake from a matter of yards out.

After a promising start to the game, MK Dons had fallen by the wayside after the interval and now looked on the ropes. However they re-grouped and managed to get a consolation strike before the final whistle.

David King headed home after a deep ball into the box from a corner, he found space and made no mistake.

Marvin Sordell entered the fray towards the end for Watford under 18s and was full of good running - pressuring MK Dons whenever he could and making a menace of himself.

The Hornets then produced a lovely flowing move with Gibson finding midfielder Rob Kiernan at the far post and his header was well saved. Gibson himself then saw his effort deflected over for a corner.

All in all a good result for the 'Orns, with a slow start to the game they grew in confidence and stature after the first half penalty with Henderson leading the line well.

The Academy are next in action on Saturday away against Tottenham Hotspur. Some of the under 18s may also turn out for the reserves on Wednesday at Boreham Wood as the second string take on Charlton Athletic. Kick off is at 7.00pm. 

WATFORD (4-4-2): North; Hodson, Lavers (C Brown), Bennett (c), Brown; Jenkins, Bryan, Kiernan, Gibson; Clements (Sordell 77), Henderson Subs not used: Bond, Mingoia, Whichelow

Scorers: Henderson (46 pen), Clements (52), Brown (67)

MK DONS (4-4-2): Walker; Mitchell-Coop, Collins, Thorne (Cryan 16), Flanaghan; King, Williams, Delderfield, Powell; D Baldock, Koffi Subs not used: M Powell, Fox, Farden, Bailey

Scorer: King

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