WATFORD'S Academy side went down 2-0 in the Midlands last weekend as Aston Villa recorded their 16th win of the season.

The hosts took the lead in the first half through Andreas Weimann after a powerful run and shot. They added a second after former Hornet, Harry Forrester's low shot across goal was turned in by James Collins.

Watford's under 18s fielded a depleted team with Aaron Beech missing for two weeks after being stretchered from the field against Ipswich in the FA Youth Cup last week. Lewis Young also had to miss the trip to Villa after injuring his shoulder.

Villa would have been Watford's next opponents had they got through their youth cup game cup with the Tractor Boys.

The injuries meant opportunities for under 16s players such as Kurtney Brooks and Eddie Oshodi. Andy Yiadom also came off the substitutes' bench to replace Michael Bryan, while Matthew Whichelow came on for fellow schoolboy Piero Mingoia.

Academy coach Sean Dyche was pleased with the application of his young side, despite the disappointing result.

He commented: "They gave it their best; we picked up a few injuries at Ipswich so Saturday was a big ask for them against a Villa side who included three under 19s. While we finished the game with five under 16s and that is a massive gap.

"They applied themselves correctly and had a go at getting a result, unfortunately we went down 2-0 but there were positives to come out of it. But it is awkward when the gap is that wide with the opposition.

"We've spoken about it all season, and I don't want to sound like a broken record, but we do try and get the youngsters in early which is not always beneficial in terms of getting results for the youth team. But obviously the bigger result we're looking for is getting players in the first team."

Dyche also revealed that second-year striker Ewan Clarke is close to making a comeback after a considerable spell on the sidelines with an ankle injury.   

For the under 16s the step up to playing against stronger opposition is a necessary step should they want to eventually make the grade. Dyche added: "It's a great part of their development to go up to the next stage. There is a considerable difference between under 16s and 18s.

"We've had a blow because our second years have been missing because of injuries, with Clarke, Beech and Young all having long spells out of the side.

"It does affect the group because the second years have got that bit more know-how and aren't as naïve at times and they are physically stronger.

"It has been a strange mix this season, we've had to rely heavily on the younger lads coming up from the under 16s. Certain people who we think are strong are coming along nicely in the right direction." 

Watford's under 18s are in action this Saturday against Reading at London Colney, kick off is at 10.30am.

WATFORD: North; Hodson, Lavers, Oshodi, Bennett (c); Brooks, Bryan (Yiadom 50), Forbes, Mingoia (Whichelow 78); Henderson, Sordell (Kiernan 33). Subs not used: Antal (gk), Gibson.

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