THE Hornets came away from The Den with a draw in the Pontin's Holiday Combination League.

Two second half goals shared the points as a young Watford team took on an equally youthful Millwall side on a chilly afternoon in south London.

Steve Kabba's penalty on 75 minutes brought the scores level after midfielder Gary Noel had put the home side ahead after he drifted into the box unmarked and planted a strong header past Ian Joyce in goal.

The American continued between the sticks in only his second game for the 'Orns, while Cedric Avinel was the leader at the back. The bustling centre half looked composed throughout and more than played his part with a swash-buckling run into the Lions' box which earnt the Golden Boys the second half penalty. He was joined in defence by Lee Hodson, still only a schoolboy with the club and Dale Bennett and Ross Jenkins - both of whom are first year scholars.  

Santiago Aloi continued in midfield alongside Alex Campana, Anthony McNamee and Douglas Rinaldi while Kabba was partnered in attack by Academy striker Liam Henderson.

Joyce got an early touch of the ball as Sam Higgins' deflected shot was easily gathered by the US 'keeper. The Hornets had a great opportunity to open the scoring with 10 minutes on the clock after Rinaldi intelligently headed the ball over the full back from the edge of the area. McNamee controlled the ball and already had the beating of his man but saw his effort tipped round the post for an early corner.

From the resulting corner Avinel made a nuisance of himself in the Lions' six yard box and his blasted shot hit the leg of a Millwall defender.

Joyce was called into action midway through the first half as he tipped an effort from Noel over the bar for a corner kick. The Lions then continued their pressure as Scott Baron crossed but Higgins could only head over the bar.

At the other end Avinel headed over the bar in a crowded penalty area and ex-Hornet Chris Day had to be alert to save low down from a Kabba drive.

Half time: Millwall Res 0 Watford Res 0   

The Lions brought on substitute Ryan James immediately after the break and he looked lively throughout the second half.

Before the scoring opened on 61 minutes Rinaldi struck a free kick just wide of the post, while young centre half Bennett headed over the bar from a corner. At the other end his partner in defence Avinel made a timely tackle to interrupt a Millwall attack.

The goal seemed to spur the Lions on with Michael Noone going close and then Gary Bowes heading over after good work from substitute James.

Watford had started to change things around with Kieron Forbes coming on at the break and Billy Gibson entered the fray in the second period. He nearly set Kabba free but his shot was blocked after good work from the youngster.

The equaliser wouldn't have happened without the strong running from Avinel. Despite being out of position he confidently ran at a defender and just when the seemed to be running out of room in the box his heel was clipped by Millwall centre half Pat O'Connor. Referee Kinseley pointed to the spot and Kabba made no mistake.

The Lions came back with a couple of half chances but couldn't grab a winner and Brazilian Rinaldi nearly won it for the Golden Boys in the last minute of the game as his header was tipped over the bar by Day.

WATFORD (4-4-2): Joyce; Hodson (Brown 74), Jenkins, Avinel, Bennett; Aloi (Gibson 67), Rinaldi, Campana, McNamee (Forbes); Kabba (c), Henderson. Subs not used: North (GK), Kiernan  

Scorer: Kabba (75)

MILLWALL (4-4-2): Day; Sim (James 45), Bakayogo, O'Connor, Whitbread (c); Elenge, Bowes, Noel (Ebsworth 75), Baron; Higgins, Noone. Subs not used: Edwards (GK), Jeffreys, Semper

Scorer: Noel (61) 

Referee: Mr N Kinseley

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