WATFORD'S young hearts were broken in Birmingham this evening (Monday) as a late strike won the game for the home side and sent the Blues through to the next round of the FA Youth Cup.

The Quarter Final clash between these two Academy teams was seemingly heading towards extra time, but a late strike by Luke Hubbins won the tie for the home team.

In a game of few chances, the Hornets had the better of the scoring opportunities but it was The Blues who made their best chance count as they scored with both teams tiring last on.

Sean Dyche picked schoolboy Chez Isaac in his starting line-up for the FA Youth Cup at St Andrews.

He supported lone front man Marvin Sordell, who netted a hat-trick in the previous round against Ipswich Town.

Piero Mingoia and Matty Whichelow provided the width and support to Sordell.

At the back, captain Rob Kiernan was partnered in the heart of defence by England youth international Eddie Oshodi. They were in front of Welsh stopper Jonathan North.

Young midfielder Kurtney Brooks was involved in an early confrontation in midfield as the Golden Boys tried to stamp their authority on the game and their more physical opponents.

Watford's Lee Hodson on the ball

The Hornets had a few early chances but the home side was consistent throughout the first period and although North wasn't called into danger too often, they remained a threat.

Whichelow drove a shot wide for the visitors after Mingoia's corner found its way to his feet on the edge of the box.

Striker Sordell then saw his shot saved after a cutting ball forward from Kiernan on 13 minutes.

Then, after Mingoia's teasing cross Sordell stuck a leg out and Dean Lyness produced a great save to deny the young Hornet in Watford's best chance of the first half.

The move had started after Whichelow again drifted infield and his positive surge forward had the Blues backtracking.   

On 21 minutes Jake Jervis' close-range shot was blocked by North after a scramble in the Watford penalty area.

Mitchell McPike then fizzed a drive just over North's crossbar on 23 minutes.

Birmingham's best chance fell to Jamie Shelton but he saw his shot blocked by Brooks near the line after the ball made its way through the crowded box.

At half time, Dyche made a change and brought on first year scholar Andy Yiadom in place of schoolboy Isaac.

This allowed Whichelow to push forward more and support Sordell, while Yiadom occupied the right flank.

Mark Warburton and Sean Dyche on the sidelines

Yiadom made an impression as his ball in from the right created Watford's first chance of the second half.

His ball in with pace was clipped by Sordell but Lyness got down low to save.

Then at the other end, Birmingham centre half Jacob Rowe smashed the ball over the bar after a corner kick.

Just before the hour mark, Yiadom put in a lovely ball for Sordell, the striker used his pace to latch on to it and his shot was saved by Lyness.

Then moments later Sordell flashed a header wide after a ball was again put in from the flank.

Dyche made another change during the second half, introducing schoolboy Jack Warburton in place of Penny in midfield.

On 77 minutes Kiernan made his way up to the penalty box for a corner and he met Mingoia's ball, but his glancing header flashed wide of the home goal.

The opening goal came within the last five minutes as the Hornets were being forced further back.

A high ball back in found Hubbins and he made no mistake as he raced through on goal and blasted the ball past the exposed North.

Oshodi and Yiadom at the final whistle

The Watford bench made a change immediately, bringing on schoolboy Gavin Massey in place of the tiring Whichelow.

Kiernan connected with another Mingoia corner but it wasn't enough to trouble Lyness.

Three minutes of time was added on but the Golden Boys were unable to find a way past the resolute home defence.

BIRMINGHAM CITY: Lyness; Rutter, Rowe, Preston; Hubbins, McPike, Sammons (c), Sheldon (Hronec 90+3); Gradwell (Packwood 90+1), Jervis. Subs not used: Butland, Bogle, Williams. 

WATFORD: North; Hodson, Kiernan (c), Oshodi, Lavers; Whichelow (Massey 87), Brooks, Penny (Warburton 67), Isaac (Yiadom h/time); Sordell. Subs not used: Antal (gk), Angus.

BOOKINGS: BIRMINGHAM CITY; none. WATFORD; Penny (professional foul 9)

SENDINGS OFF: BIRMINGHAM CITY; none. WATFORD; none.

GOALS: BIRMINGHAM CITY; Hubbins (86). WATFORD; none.

ATTENDANCE: 2, 404.

REFEREE: Mr Scott.