SANTIAGO Aloi started his first game for the Hornets on Tuesday evening and found the back of the net but his first strike couldn't stop the Golden Boys going down 3-2 to Southampton.

Aloi struck in the 24th minute with a free kick to give the second string the lead and youngster Liam Henderson added a second before half time after a mix up in the Southampton defence.

The hosts pulled one back shortly after the re-start through Cedric Baseya and equalised from the penalty spot thanks to the experienced Jason Euell on 68 minutes.

Young centre half Dale Bennett nearly got a third for the Hornets towards the end but his shot was tipped over the bar. Then Baseya won it for the Saints with just minutes remaining as the inexperienced Watford side lost their way after the break.

Malky Mackay said: "We fielded a relatively young side given injuries, suspensions and some players being away on international duty, but they performed admirably. The penalty was debatable, but such is life.

"Considering we were up against internationals such as Lucien Mettomo, we acquitted ourselves very well.

"Ross Jenkins did very well, he was playing at right back which isn't his natural position but he looked very comfortable.

"Although the result was disappointing, it was an excellent experience for some of the younger lads who were experiencing their first taste of reserve football.

"Without a doubt, the whole pre-match build up is key to a young player's development. From the pre-match meal to the way the manager handles the players before and during the game - it's all key to their development."

SOUTHAMPTON: Poke, Hatch, Mettomo (Immudia 60), Lancashire, Vignal, Thomson, Euell, Giallombardo, Dutton-Black, Baseya, Licka (Paterson 60). Subs: Jones, McLaggon, Pernecky.

Scorers: Baseya (x2), Euell

WATFORD: Joyce, Jenkins, Hodson, Brown, Bennett, Bangura (Forbes 17), Campana, Aloi (Sordell 73), Rinaldi, L Henderson, Kabba (Oshodi 78). Subs: North, Kiernan

Scorers: Aloi, Henderson

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