HAVING scored in front of the Kop End at Anfield to set up his side with a home FA Youth Cup Quarter Final tie with Chelsea, it's been a dramatic week for young Hornet Piero Mingoia.

The promising midfielder kept his cool from the penalty spot, to score the only goal of the game last Monday (8 February) and secure a memorable victory for Watford's Academy.

"I looked around and no-one had taken the ball, so I just thought, this is my chance, I'll take it," recalled the 18-year-old.

"As I stepped up I heard the Kop start booing and whistling, but I had to stay focused and picked my corner.

"Once I saw the 'keeper make his move I just rolled it in the other side," he said.

Despite the intimidating Anfield stage, the versatile youngster was not overawed, as he and his team-mates stuck to their game-plan.

He added: "We knew they liked to play on the counter attack," he reminisced, "so as soon as we sensed they were trying to break, everyone tried to get back in position as quickly as possible.

"We had to keep it tight in general, and when we had the ball just play our football, and try and dictate the game.

"We expected a reaction after half-time, but we had to show them we could match them physically, mentally and technically."

The togetherness in Watford's youth set-up was there for all to see at the final whistle, a moment Mingoia will remember for a very long time indeed.

"As soon as we got in to the changing rooms the music went on and everyone was dancing around," he laughed.

"Nearly all the boys had family members up there too, so it's always nice to get support, it was a really good experience."

Now the dust has settled after the Anfield victory, the Under-18 side will need to draw on all of their experience from the trip, before Wednesday night's Quarter Final, at home to Chelsea.

Kick-off time is 7.00pm at Vicarage Road, and admission for the tie is £3.00 for adults, and £1.00 for children, with The Rous Stand opening on the night.

By James O'Connell

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