WATFORD reserves, led by Malky Mackay at centre half, beat a young Brighton & Hove Albion side 3-1 last night.

The Scotsman was the experienced member of the side alongside Douglas Rinaldi and Cedric Avinel - with the rest of the team all part of our under 18s.

Goals from Michael Bryan and Kieron Forbes before half time gave the 'Orns a 2-1 lead at the break after Sam Gargan took the lead for the Seagulls.

On a heavy pitch in wet and windy conditions at Worthing FC, the Hornets came strong after the break. Liam Henderson added a third with less then 20 minutes remaining to seal the win.

Player-coach Mackay once again had a run out at the heart of defence and was passing on his knowledge to the Academy youngsters.

He said: "We had a lot of youngsters in the team and it was important that they applied themselves properly. They needed to raise their standards and it was important they went with the right attitude, which I think they did, and they applied themselves magnificently.

"Michael Bryan came to Ipswich with us for a friendly game before Christmas and I was very impressed with the way he came on and took the game to Ipswich.

"He is a little, inventive player who wants to go and attack people and get crosses in. Michael continued with that form last night, he's a boy really but started the game and played very well.

"He wants to be creative and take the game to the opposition and I was delighted with his application."

With the many of the under 18s now having had a taster of second string action, Mackay feels there are certain areas they still need to develop and points to one of the young guns who has made huge steps.

Far from being afraid to come out of their shells at this level, they need to break out and express themselves. 

He added: "The younger lads are learning - it's a different mentality at reserve team level. The pace is different as is the aggression, the noise levels are also different - sometimes you're playing against men.

"We've got to make sure they step up to that and eventually it's up to them to take that on board, learn from the first team players and treat it as if it's their natural level and take command and control.

"Someone like Ross Jenkins is comfortable at reserve team level now, the bit he's got to add to his game is the fact that he's got to take control of others, tell other people what to do and take responsibility. I think that's something that he still needs to step up to."

WATFORD: North; Bennett, Hodson, Mackay (Oshodi 86), Avinel; Rinaldi, Forbes (Kiernan 82), Jenkins, Gibson; Henderson, Bryan. Subs not used: Lavers, Antal (gk), Maxwell.

SCORERS: Bryan (12), Forbes (28), Henderson (73),

REFEREE: D Sheldrake.

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