THE Golden Boys triumphed at the weekend as they chalked up their best result of the season so far at London Colney.

Southampton were the visitors, coached by ex-Hornet David Hockaday. Despite the Saints having ample possession and putting in an impressive performance, the visitors were punished for their mistakes as the young Hornets took the chances that came to them. 

Watford took an early lead thanks to defender Dale Bennett, who recently signed a pro deal with the club. The centre half took his chance with less than five minutes on the clock and the Academy found the back of the net twice more before the referee blew up for half time.

Another scholar-turned pro, Liam Henderson, scored the first of his two goals and then Matthew Whichelow, a product of the successful under 16s side, put the 'Orns three goals to the good.

Henderson added his second of the morning and Watford's fourth with 30 minutes remaining.

Watford's under 18s coach, Sean Dyche, said: "The lads went about their business really well, as they have done increasingly over the last few weeks. Saturday was pleasing because of the difficult and awkward conditions, there was a powerful wind and we dealt with it.

"We actually scored three goals in the first half against the wind with some good play, including a nice set piece and a moment of clever play around the box from Lewis Young, resulting in a good finish from Matthew Whichelow. Then Matty set up a goal for Liam Henderson. The second half went well and we scored our fourth which was a really good footballing goal."

Lewis Young

Recent results have picked up for the under 18s with only one defeat in their last five games. As Dyche explains the team has benefited from the return of some older players.

He said: "Early season we played the young lads up a level, but they needed the strength of the second years and earlier this season we had few playing due to injuries.

"We went to Villa not so long ago with just two second years starting, so it's a really big ask. It's not because they're not up for it or they're not good players it's just sometimes they're a bit naïve tactically, and physically they aren't as developed as the older boys.

"It gives them a real insight, but it always helps if they've got a few second years to give them strength. More recently we've had all the second years back fit, so the squad in general has got stronger. This is by no means stopping the under 16s, on Saturday we had three starting the game."

Centre half Aaron Beech has had a stop-start season due to injuries and he has been given until Christmas to show his worth to the Golden Boys, while striker Ewan Clarke has also recently returned to the fold. Meanwhile Young has hit the ground running since coming back after a lengthy injury lay-off.

Dyche added: "Lewis has done well since he's been fit and he's linked up with Liam Henderson very well and obviously goals change games."

Recently decisions have been made on the second year scholars while nine under 16s have been handed scholarships for next season, it's the first time Dyche has been involved in the decision making process

He said: "It's been really interesting for me after 20 years of playing. The boys probably don't always know how much actually goes into them, how much input they have and how seriously those decisions are made.

Sean Dyche

"They are not made lightly, we all debate the situation to see where they've come from to where they are now and see how much further they can go.

"At 18 it doesn't mean they're the finished article, so for me it's been a real good eye opener and a learning curve.

"There is some really good stuff that goes on here as people will be aware of and there's lots of good people who work here. It's been an excellent environment for me to learn my trade in."

As for next season with a number of under 16s having already being blooded at Academy level - there is a strong basis for a squad already.

Watford's under 18s side

"A lot of them are from within the system and have been with us for years, the good thing about that is they know more about what we're about and what we expect and the culture that we're setting.

"They have a slight head-start, overall they are a good group, they've done well in terms of how many have got scholarships we've handed out - it should be exciting times ahead."   

The under 18s are in action on Saturday (April 5) against Fulham - this is their final away game of season 2007/08. Two home fixtures at London Colney then follow.

WATFORD: North; Hodson, Angus, Beech (c), Bennett; Jenkins, Whichelow, Kiernan, Gibson; L Henderson (Clarke 66), Young (Sordell 75). Subs not used: Antal, Brooks, Mingoia.

SCORERS: Bennett (4), L Henderson (18, 60), Whichelow (29).

SOUTHAMPTON: Rondos; Argent, Mills, Racine, Tafazolli; Jones, White, McNish, McLaggon; Paterson, Ranger. Subs: Stiklakis, Hogan, Dunford, Gobern.

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