FOR the second year running the Hornets went out of the FA Youth Cup at the Quarter Final stage after Chelsea this evening (Wednesday) came out on top at Vicarage Road.

Watford's Under-18 side were knocked out of the FA Youth Cup, sponsored by E.ON, after the Blues struck four times.

Two goals were scored in each half as the Premiership side exerted their power over the 'Orns.

David Kerslake named his strongest starting XI for the visit of the Blues on a cold evening in Hertfordshire.

It was a slow start to the game with Chelsea causing the Hornets few problems.

The talented Matthew Whichelow did well to win Watford's first corner of the match and Piero Mingoia floated the shot in from the right, but the effort was unfortunately blocked by the Blues defence.

Adam Fenwick made a vital clearance soon after at the other end for the Hornets as Chelsea started to increase the pressure at Vicarage Road. 

Kurtney Brooks in the thick of the action

But, the young 'Orns dealt well with their advances, keeping their heads in midfield and made some good passes forward.

For a 15 minute period they pinned their opponents back but once Chelsea got on the ball the Hornets started to sit a bit deeper and that brought the Blues on and encouraged further attacks.

When they did get on the ball the 'Orns looked dangerous - Sean Murray was dropping deep and influencing the game, despite his tender age.

Watford won a free kick down the left and after a speedy ball in from the wing Gavin Massey's delicate header was sent just wide of Sam Walker's post.

Chelsea thought they had taken the lead on 23 minutes when Marko Mitrovic buried the ball from a few yards out, however it was disallowed amazingly for handball.

Youngster Sean Murray pushes forward

Watford breathed a sigh of relief but they could have easily been one down just a minute later as a powerful strike from Joshua McEachran was blasted just over Jonathan Bond's crossbar.

The visitors did indeed take the lead on 27 minutes as Aliu Djalo hit a strong effort past the dive of Bond.

Bond was in action on 36 minutes as he tipped an effort over the bar after a stringing shot.

Three minutes later Gokhan Tore placed a ball in quickly from the left and Bond managed to keep hold of it.

Watford captain Eddie Oshodi nearly put through his own net as the ball deflected off the defender but Bond was quick to react and saved Oshodi's blushes.

On the stroke of half time Oshodi was amongst the action again as he tussled with Marko Mitrovic and referee Gavin Ward pointed to the spot.

Matty Whichelow on the ball

There wasn't a lot in the exchange but Bond was soon facing Milan Lalkovic from 12 yards and he stepped up and slid the ball to the right. 

The second half didn't contain many opportunities as the Hornets were largely frustrated by the big, strong Chelsea side.

Mingoia saw his free kick float just over the bar with an effort that saw Walker scampering across his line.

Chelsea added a third on 61 minutes as centre half Jeffrey Bruma powerfully headed home after a delivery into the box from fellow defender Billy Clifford.

Bond made a fine stop on 70 minutes as the west Londoners kept the pressure up.

Sub Chez Isaac after coming off the bench

Watford substitute Chez Isaac had a looping header saved after he entered the fray and Mingoia saw a further shot flash wide of the Chelsea goal.

Three minutes from time McEachran finally got his goal with a ferocious far post left-footed volley.

Tore picked him out in the box and he made no mistake with Bond exposed against the powerful shot. 

WATFORD: Bond; Yiadom, Fenwick (Thompson 62), Oshodi (c), Yiadom; Whichelow, Penny (Isaac 59), Brooks (Warburton 85), Mingoia; Murray, Massey. Subs not used: Bonham (gk), Smith.

CHELSEA: Walker; B Clifford, Mills, Bruma, Conteh; C Clifford (c), Lalkovic, Djalo, Mitrovic; McEachran (Saville 90), Tore. Subs not used: Blackman (gk), Devyne, Sampayo, Ince.

SCORERS: WATFORD; none. CHELSEA; Djalo (27), Lakovic (45+1), Bruma (61), McEachran (87).

BOOKINGS: WATFORD; Penny (53), Yiadom (63), Books (71). CHELSEA; none. 

SENDINGS OFF: WATFORD; none. CHELSEA; none.

ATTENDANCE; 2, 270.

REFEREE: Gavin Ward.