WATFORD Academy recorded their first win of the season following a dramatic second half recovery - coming back from two goals behind to record a morale boosting 3-2 win for the young 'Orns.
Things look bleak at the break with Birmingham in front by one goal and when the visitors added a second just after an hour the game looked to be wrapped up. However the Golden Boys didn't give up and thanks to goals from Kieron Forbes, substitute Matthew Whichelow and Marvin Sordell the home side fought for a much needed three points.
The victory was even more impressive considering the home young side were without the services of front men Ewan Clarke and Liam Henderson. This meant midfielder Forbes partnered Sordell in attack for the Hornets.
Birmingham started the brighter and James O'Brien was having a big influence on the games for the Blues. His first time volley was easily gathered by Jonathan North in the Watford goal then his free kick was powerfully headered over the bar by the big centre half Krystian Pearce.
The visitors took the lead after 20 minutes following a knock down from a Birmingham striker, Stefan Milojevic's shot from the edge of the box and his shot was deflected and looped over the helpless North.
Watford schoolboy Piero Mingoia had started brightly for the Golden Boys and was full of running down the right flank, he was joined by fellow schoolboy Lee Hodson at right back.
North had to be at his best to deny Robert Gradwell's bullet header from a pinpoint cross just three minutes before the interval. The Blues start the second period strongly and forced a couple of early corners. However the Hornets grow in stature throughout the game with Forbes and Billy Gibson looking dangerous going forward.
Despite the pressure from Watford, Birmingham grabbed a second after 63 minutes to make it 2-0 as substitute Jake Jervis finished cleanly after a break down their left flank.
The knock back didn't stop the 'Orns attacking with Forbes continuing his quest for a goal - the youngsters shot was blocked from eight yards after a neat header down by wing man Gibson.
Forbes got his reward after 73 minutes to make it 2-1 as he stayed onside and calmly beat the goalkeeper to give the home side a fighting chance. Just three minutes later and the scores were level when substitute Whichelow fired past the goalkeeper after a great ball from Forbes in behind the left back.
Then with seven minutes remaining the dramatic comeback was complete when Sordell finished off the job after a scramble in the area. Gibson made the initial run and Forbes saw his shot blocked before the first year scholar fired home in the crowded penalty area.
Birmingham tried to fight back and forced three late corner but the nervy Hornets managed to hold on for their first points of the season and they were very much deserved after a spirited, battling performances that showed all of their qualities.
Watford: North; Hodson, Bennett (c), Beech, Brown; Jenkins, Mingoia (Whichelow 64), Kiernan, Gibson; Sordell, Forbes. Subs not used: Oshodi, Antal, Brooks.
Scorers: Forbes (73), Whichelow (77), Sordell (83).
Birmingham: Lyness; McKerr, Timmins, Pearce, Joyce (c); O'Brien, Lea, Hunt, Milojevic; Gradwell (Jervis 45), Osman. Subs not used: Sheldon, Platt, Rowe.
Scorers: Milojevic (20), Jervis (63).
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