WATFORD reserves came away from Adams Park with a win despite a dominant first-half performance from an athletic Wycombe Wanderers side. 

The Hornets fielded a strong team for their second fixture of the Pontin's Combination League. Player/coach Malky Mackay returned to his roots starting in the centre of defence, marshalling the back four alongside Matt Jackson.

The hosts dominated the early proceedings with the Hornets starting in sluggish fashion. It was the pace of the Chairboys which was the constant danger throughout the game. Wycombe's front two of Reuben Reid and John Sutton, plus winger Derek Duncan caused all sorts of problems for the Golden Boys.

The Hornets were forced into a change after 11 minutes when Douglas Rinaldi was stretchered from the field; the Brazilian had struggled all game and had gone down earlier clutching the lower side of his back. He was replaced by Academy midfielder Kieron Forbes.

Anthony McNamee provided a restbite to the constant attacks from the hosts when his cross from the left flank forced a corner after failing to reach Steve Kabba or Alex Campana. From the resulting corner, Scotsman Mackay headed wide of goal.  

Wycombe were using both of their flanks well and were exploiting the holes appearing in the wide positions. From this they created chances and they should have gone in ahead at the break.

A mistake from captain Jackson wasn't punished when Reid took the ball on and was clean through, but he could only hit his shot over the bar - it was another let-off for the 'Orns as they couldn't raise their game to the pace of the Chairboys.

Wycombe had a goal disallowed after Will Antwi was judged offside after Andre Boucaud picked out the centre half from his free kick from the edge of the box.

Yet more opportunities were springing up and this time it was Cedric Avinel, playing out of position at left back, who was called upon to make a last ditch challenge before the Wycombe striker could pull the trigger.

The Chairboys took the lead after 21 minutes when a superb cross-field ball evaded Avinel and the Wycombe wide man played a quick ball into the box which was converted by Reid from six yards out. It was the least the hosts deserved for all their pressure.

However, against the run of play the Hornets managed to get themselves back in the game with their first real attack of the match. Will Hoskins played in fellow forward Steve Kabba who eventually managed to finish the move off after it initially looked as if he took if too far.

Substitute Forbes also tested the hands of Adam Holloway in the Wycombe goal. However despite the rare chances for the 'Orns, it didn't stop the pressure coming again from Wycombe. 

The Hornets changed formation during the later stages of the half with Mariappa pushing forward in a central midfield position leaving Jackson, Mackay and Avinel in defence.

Just before the break Wycombe had a chance to take the lead again but Jackson was there to block a shot by Sutton after a deep cross found spaces in the defence once again.  

Half time: Wycombe Wanderers 1 - 1 Watford

Hoskins had the first effort after the break but was ruled offside after his header hit the bar following a free kick. The ex-Rotherham man then blasted a shot over the bar after Mariappa's excellent ball through.

Scott Loach was busy in goal for Watford and was called into action twice in the space of a few minutes. First he denied Sutton after Reid again used his pace to get the better of the Hornets and then he saved well from left back Craig Woodman. 

At the other end Hoskins was trying his luck whenever possible but so far had failed to call Holloway into a real save.

Following a flurry of substitutions the Hornets took the lead after 78 minutes when Alex Campana got his head to McNamee's cross in to the back post - despite the best efforts of Holloway the ball bobbled over the line.

That proved to be the final goal action of the game and despite a disappointing first half performance the Golden Boys will be happy to come away from this hard test with all three points.

WATFORD: Loach; Mariappa, Jackson, Mackay, Avinel; Campana, Rinaldi (Forbes 11) (Osborne 68), O'Toole, McNamee; Kabba (Henderson 73), Hoskins. Subs not used: Bennett, Horton (gk).

WYCOMBE WANDERERS: Holloway; Rice, Woodman (Obersteller 73), Antwi (Cattell 45), Christon; Crooks, Phillips, Boucaud, Sutton (Samba 62); Reid, Duncan. Subs not used: Turley, Reading (gk)

BOOKINGS: WATFORD; none. WYCOMBE WANDERERS; Reid (79) .

SENDINGS OFF: WATFORD; none. WYCOMBE WANDERERS; none.

GOALS: WATFORD; Kabba (25), Campana (78). WYCOMBE WANDERERS; Reid (21).

REFEREE: Mr G D Scott