WATFORD begun their week in Northern Ireland yesterday (Monday) with a 1-0 victory over County Down at Anderson Park in Coleraine in the Milk Cup.

Just the one goal separated the teams and it was defender Dereece Vanderhyde who set the Hornets rolling. 

Watford's under 15 side are competing in the Junior section over the course of this week.

Nick Cox, Watford's Assistant Academy Manager Under 12-16, spoke to www.watfordfc.com about the competition so far.

The squad spent last night watching Northern Ireland draw 1-1 with Mexico at the Showgrounds in Coleraine.

There was a Watford interest with second year scholar Adam Thompson appearing for Ireland and he netted as well for the under 19 side.

The Academy youngster has already appeared for the Hornets' first team this pre-season.

Speaking on the victory over County Down, Cox said: "There was a big crowd and early on our boys were incredibly nervous.

"For them it was the first time they have played in that 'big' tournament environment, where results mean something.

Watford's Nick Cox

"So, those nerves showed a bit but we started well after half time and improved during the second half.

"That gave them some confidence and we went on to get the goal."

It was a physical encounter with County Down who drew large support from the locals.

Despite the majority of the crowd backing the opposition, Watford's Golden Boys eventually came through the test and it was a test his youngsters learnt plenty from.

Cox added: "It was a learning experience for the youngsters but it is one which is beneficial.

"They are three years behind Gavin Massey for example, and he learnt to play under pressure in these sorts of environments.

"All in all it wasn't the best performance, but it was certainly a great result for us."

Massey signed a professional contract with the 'Orns during the summer after making his first-team debut on the final day of last season. He too has represented Watford's Academy at this prestigious tournament.

Watford today (Tuesday) face Aspire at 3.30pm.

Here is the travelling squad in full, including their positions.

Beau Amos (defender)
Dominic Ball (midfielder)
Jazzi Barnum-Bobb (defender)
Bobson Bawling (midfielder)
George Byers (midfielder)
Jamie Calvin (striker)
Philip Dearman (wide midfielder)
Kamaron English (wide midfielder)
Ali Hamid (wide midfielder)
Ryan Hope (midfielder)
Alex Jakubiak (striker)
Jorrell Johnson (defender)
Craig Manderson (striker)
Justin Marrah (defender)
Alex Moss (midfielder)
David O'Connor (defender)
Stephen Richards (goalkeeper)
Dereece Vanderhyde (defender)
Daniel Wilks (goalkeeper)

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