WATFORD'S Academy ran out easy victors in the first instalment of a weekend of fixtures against Reading.

While the senior squad travelled to Berkshire, the Academy boys entertained the Royals at London Colney, and it was the home side that dominated the early proceedings.

Full back Theo Angus was the first to worry the visitor's keeper with a long-range effort that nearly nestled in the corner of the net. 

Billy Gibson and Chez Isaac soon linked up to slip Piero Mingoia free inside the box, as he jinked his way past the 'keeper he passed the ball into the six yard box only for a combination of Matty Whichelow and Fabrice Otshudi to be denied by the back tracking Reading defence.

Angus was involved soon after feeding the ball up to Whichelow.

The attacker collected the ball just inside the Reading half. With the defenders inviting him on, he ran at pace and riffled in a blockbusting shot from just outside the area for a deserved lead.

The goal seemed to stir the visitors into action as against the run of play, Reading drew level.

An in-swinging free-kick evaded all bar a Reading defender at the back post, who rose above his man to nod home the equaliser.

With Reading back in the game the Royals snatched the lead after a defensive mistake was punished, leaving the home side stunned.

U18 boss Mark Warburton, rallied his charges and the home side were soon back in the game, Whichelow ghosting past a static back four only to be scythed down for a penalty kick.

Gibson sent the 'keeper the wrong way and sent Watford in level at half time.

Two goals for Billy Gibson

With the Hornets dominating the play, the score line flattered the visitors who were obviously dealt some stern words at the break, delaying the kick off for the second half.

The delay didn't faze the Golden Boys as Isaac struck a curling shot just past the post minutes after the break.

Isaac would get his goal soon after as Anthony Yiadom played a lovely ball up to Gibson who created half a yard and put a superb cross in between the 'keeper and defence, finding Isaac unmarked to tap into an empty net.

With Watford taking the lead the score more accurately reflected the play and it wasn't long before they killed off the game.

Gibson again involved laying a precise through ball to Otshudi who with only the 'keeper to beat, finished well to make it 4-2.

Reading were still knocking on the door and Watford 'keeper Jamie Irving was forced into a good save from a left footed free kick midway through the half.

The visitors' best chance of the half came soon after from a pin point corner kick headed narrowly over the bar.

With Watford riding their luck the game was put out of sight after Gibson closed down a short back pass.

As the 'keeper cleared, the ball ricocheted off Gibson who found himself with the goal at his mercy, as the midfielder walked the ball into the net, a Reading defender slid in to try and stop the goal but it was to no avail. 

Substitute Gavin Massey had a curling effort drift just wide, whilst Whichelow had a curling shot well saved to deny a sixth that would have been harsh on Reading who looked more robust in the second half.

It was the Hornets that took the spoils ahead of a trip to Spurs next week and a much needed victory that will no doubt boost confidence for the season ahead.

WATFORD: Irving; Yiadom, Fenwick, Oshodi (c), Angus; Gibson (Rosier 15), Penny, Isaac, Mingoia; Whichelow; Otshudi. Subs not used: Thompson.

SCORERS: Whichelow (21), Gibson (34 pen & 70), Isaac (53), Otshudi (55).