AN early long range effort that went in off the goalkeeper was enough for Watford's second string last night (Wednesday) as they overcame Crystal Palace in the Pontin's Combination League South.

Liam Henderson's 30 yard strike hit the bar and rebounded off goalkeeper Todor Kyuchukov with just two minutes on the clock at Bromley FC.

That early piece of action was good enough for the Hornets as the Eagles couldn't find a way past a resilient backline, which was well-marshalled by Matt Jackson.

The Hornets were young once again and included schoolboy Lee Hodson. He usually operates at right back but last night played at left back with Academy captain Dale Bennett slotting in at right back. Cedric Avinel made up the back four and partnered Jackson in central defence.

Alex Campana returned to the second string after his loan spell at non-league neighbours Wealdstone and started out wide in midfield.
 
Technical Director Dick Bate said: "It was an opportunist goal and a good start to the game. We defended well when we had to and reduced them to a minimum number of crosses and shots.

"The young ones were quite perceptive in their passing, what we didn't do was put it in the goal scoring areas with enough precision or often enough.

"We lost a little bit of intensity after half time but Crystal Palace couldn't take advantage of this. It was a good 1-0 away win."      

WATFORD: Poom; Hodson, Bennett, Jackson, Avinel; Jenkins, Campana, Forbes Bryan (Gibson 60); L Henderson, Young. Subs not used: Beech, Chamberlain (gk), Kiernan, Sordell.

SCORER: L Henderson (2).

CRYSTAL PALACE: Kyuchukov; Abnett (Dalhouse 67), Hills (Adelakun 72), Fonte, Swaibu; Hughes, Smith, Moses, Noble; Kudjodji, Hodson-Odoi (Concalves 66). Subs not used: Cadogan, Sweeney.