WATFORD'S under 18s side made the short journey to Reading on Saturday and drew 0-0 with the Royals. 

The young 'Orns started brightly against an older Reading side and had the best of the first half. Striker Liam Henderson proved a handful and had two chances.

Reading had a 20 minute period after the break where they were on top but the visitors finished the game strongly, but couldn't find the all-important goal.

The Academy had the edge over the Royals in terms of possession, but Reading had some great chances and could have won the game.

Lewis Young made his first appearance of the season after coming off the bench in the second half and his return will boost the attacking options with the FA Youth Cup third round next week.

Theo Angus started in defence for the Hornets and is another player from the under 16s production line. Many of Mark Warburton's squad have already made the step up this season with fellow schoolboy Lee Hodson already a regular in the under 18s side.

Academy Coach Sean Dyche was pleased with the progression of the younger players, he said: "Once again it's great for their development as they soon find out what is required at this level. It is a massive step up when you consider that a 15-year-old could be up against an 18 or 19-year-old.

"On the downside of things, sometimes they can be overwhelmed at times, but they did very well. If we feel that a player is ready we will try them out and include them."  

Watford Academy are at home this Saturday (8 December) against Leicester City at London Colney, kick off is at 10.30am.

WATFORD: North; Hodson, Angus, Bennett (c), Brown; Jenkins, Bryan (Young 75), Forbes, Gibson; Henderson, Sordell (Maxwell 68). Subs not used: Kiernan, Mingoila.

READING: McCarthy; J Kelly, Spence, Cox, Mitchell (Hateley 65); Bayley (c) (O. Kelly 70), Downes, Sigurdsson, Illugason; Bryant (Bossman 65), Webb. Subs not used: Locke, Baggie.

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