WITH the international break upon us, all eyes were on the talent of the future, and it was Watford who ran out the victors in a hard fought encounter on Saturday (October 10) morning.
The Hornets started quickly, inside the first minute Matty Whichelow intercepted a ball out from the back and fed Piero Mingoia just inside the box and the winger cut inside only to see his shot blocked for a corner.
Villa were now on the back foot and it was Watford who took control of the early proceedings without creating too many opportunities.
Villa's pedigree would soon tell as midway through the half a header at the back post went close, set pieces looked to be the most likely way the visitors would score.
With Villa now firmly in the game, Mingoia had a good chance against the run of play. Whichelow was involved again as he found Fabrice Otshudi to create the chance.
The striker, whose pace had caused the Villa back line problems throughout the half, held the ball up well, playing a lovely ball round the corner to Mingoia in the box, but Mingoia refused the chance on his left and the opportunity was lost.
Otshudi had another chance soon after when his shot was deflected just wide narrowly out of reach of Mingoia at the back post.
Goalkeeper Jonathan Bond, who deputised in the place of Jamie Irving, then saw yellow as the 'keeper handled the ball just outside the box.
The resulting free kick hit the side netting, causing a collective sigh of relief from Watford boss Mark Warburton and Bond alike.
Villa had the last opportunity of the half as another corner was headed goalwards at the near post, only to be parried by Bond straight in to the air and strike the bar on its way back down.
With both teams unable to create any real chances, both teams looked to regroup at half time and snatch the opening goal the game so desperately needed.
Watford started the second half much the brighter and the trio of Otshudi, Whichelow and Mingoia carved out an opportunity for the latter only for Mingoia to miss the chance on goal and leave the game even.
Villa, who seemed lethargic after the break, were kept in check for most of the half - missing an opportunity to tee up a player spare at the far post and opting for a shot instead.
The chance summed up the display for the visitors as Warburton made sure his players were quicker to close down the ball and not allow the space the Villa midfield had enjoyed for much of the first half.
With 65 minutes on the clock, Warburton made two changes which helped change the tempo of the match, as Kurtney Brooks and Otshudi were replaced by Jack Warburton and Gavin Massey.
Massey would prove to be the change the game needed - he shot an early warning to the Villa defence minutes after coming on when the striker finished at an acute angle only to be given offside.
Massey would get the chance to make amends as after a defensive mistake he found himself through on goal.
As he rounded the 'keeper and struck goalwards, a Villa defender managed to block the effort on the line.
Massey then collected the rebounded ball which he played across the six yard box, only for a second scrambling defender to bundle the ball into his own net to give the Hornets the lead.
Although scrappy, the goal itself was well deserved after the Hornets had dominated much of the second half.
Whichelow had a curling effort saved well by the 'keeper late on but as time ran down the only moment of panic came in the dying seconds as Villa swung in a dangerous free kick that was well cleared at the back post.
The final whistle blew and Warburton could be happy with his team's display as they dug out a good victory showing a character and team spirit that first team boss Malky Mackay could not fail to be impressed with.
WATFORD: Bond (gk); Yiadom, Fenwick, Oshodi, Angus; Mingoia, Penny, Brooks (Warburton 65); Gibson, Whichelow, Otshudi (Massey 65). Subs not used: Irving (gk), Thompson, Rosier.
VILLA: TBC
By Matthew Pearson
