TWO missed penalties didn't help the prospects of victory for Watford's Under-18 team, whose season got underway up at The Academy of Light with a 4-2 reverse to Sunderland at the weekend.

Despite defeat, youth team coach Joe McBride was pleased with many aspects of the performance - and the view that Watford could well have won the match was reflected in Sunderland's official website's view of the game (click HERE to read it).

"There wasn't a great deal between the teams, both myself and Sunderland's coach Kevin Ball agreed on that afterwards," reflected recently-appointed Joe, who is profiled in our Leeds United match programme this Saturday.

"We created lots of chances so we've got to be pleased with that, coming against what is effectively Premier League level opposition."

Lewis King, the Black Cats' keeper, was their stand-out performer, denying Gavin Massey with the game still goalless, before Britt Assombalonga curled home for Watford to open the game's scoring.

Two Matthew Fletcher goals had the Wearside hosts ahead by half-time, however. And it was 3-1 soon into the second half when Adam Mitchell was set clear to smash home with conviction.

King was at it again soon afterwards, this time denying Sean Murray from the penalty spot - and again the Black Cats made Watford pay with James Brace making it 4-1.

Connor Smith reduced the arrears for the Hornets, some 20 minutes from the end, and there was still time for Watford to spurn a second penalty when Gavin Massey struck a post with his effort.

"One of the most pleasing aspects of the game was that we had the three stand-out performers on the pitch," added Joe.

"They know who they are and that stays within the group but, overall, for a youngish side I'm pleased with a lot of what I saw.

"The result is an obvious disappointment but aspects of the performance give us cause to be optimistic about the players' prospects."

Team line-up details to come.

WATFORD FC ACADEMY'S MISSION STATEMENT:
"DEVELOPING ADAPTABLE PLAYERS THAT ARE ABLE TO COPE WITH THE TECHNICAL, TACTICAL, ATHLETIC AND PHYSIOLOGICAL DEMANDS OF THE MODERN PROFESSIONAL GAME" 

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