AFTER an early start from Hertfordshire, Watford under 18s went down 2-0 at the hands of Norwich City in East Anglia.

The Canaries scored a goal in either half through Kris Renton to see of the threat of the Hornets. Both sides found form before half time with the home starting the stronger and the 'Orns coming back into things after 20 minutes.

After Renton opened the scoring Watford had two great chances to equalise and take the lead but couldn't find their scoring boots in a frustrating period for the youngsters. Wide man Billy Gibson forced a great save from Norwich keeper Declan Rudd.

Renton grabbed another in the second period for the Canaries as the pressure from the under 18s faded away.

Raphael Brown returned to the starting line-up alongside captain Dale Bennett, replacing centre half Aaron Beech.

The Academy are next in action on Saturday at London Colney when they face Birmingham City, kick off is at 10.30am. 

WATFORD (4-4-2): North; Hodson, Lavers, Bennett (c), Brown; Jenkins, Kiernan, Forbes, Gibson; Sordell, Henderson

Subs not used: Owusu, Antal (gk), Maxwell, Whichelow

NORWICH CITY: Rudd; Matthews, Habergham, Lathrope, McLean, D Kelly, Daley, R Kelly (Stephenson 80), Renton, Smith (Adeyemi 88), Yong

Scorers: Renton (24 & 75

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