WATFORD reserves went down to Wycombe Wanderers this evening (Monday) as two goals from Chidi Ogbuagu was enough to win it for the visitors.

The Wycombe striker bagged either side of half time - while midfielder Billy Gibson scored for the Golden Boys in time added on at the end of the first half.

It was the first home game for the Hornets' second string since November and the team went into the game on the back of two wins over Crystal Palace and Brighton & Hove Albion.

Matt Jackson was the experienced pro amongst the side and was captain for the evening. Other professional players with first team experience included full back Jordan Parkes, back from a loan spell at Brentford, Cedric Avinel and Douglas Rinaldi. Santiago Aloi also started in midfield.

The other starting places and all the players on the bench were from David Dodd's Academy side - and included schoolboy Lee Hodson, who started at right back.

The starting 11 didn't have an out-and-forward amongst the ranks so Lewis Young and Kieron Forbes made up the makeshift striking partnership.

Dodds joined Technical Director Dick Bate in taking charge of the side, with Malky Mackay and Alec Chamberlain away with the first team squad in Dubai.

It was a game with few clear cut chances and Wycombe came away with the points due to their clinical finishing in front of goal. Striker Ogbuagu bagged both of the goals - his first coming with 15 minutes on the clock.

Calum Botham delivered a good cross from Wycombe's right flank and Ogbuagu was there to finish from close range.

Watford's best attacking play during the first period was mainly coming from Gibson, his telling crosses from the right flank caused danger and on one occasion defender Mike Williamson had to divert with a rushed clearance which went behind for a corner.   

Gibson got his reward and drew the score level in injury time - after Tom Cadmore slipped, Gibson nipped in and tucked away his chance to give the Hornets a confidence boost.

However instead of kicking on after the break, Watford started slowly and almost immediately found themselves 2-1 down with Ogbuagu taking advantage from close range after a good delivery. Now chasing the game the Golden Boys stepped up the pace and put the Chairboys under pressure.

The management changed the formation too, taking off Hodson and bringing on first year scholar Rob Kiernan. He slotted into midfield and left Jackson, Parkes and Avinel in defence.

The home side forced a number of corners during the second 45 but couldn't find the clinical touch in front of goal. Midfielder Ross Jenkins met a Kieron Forbes corner but saw his shot saved and then Rinaldi's deft touch from a Gibson cross didn't have enough power to go over the line.

Jenkins saw a curling shot well saved by Jamie Young but ultimately the 'Orns couldn't produce a moment of magic to unlock the solid Wycombe defence.  

WATFORD: North; Hodson (Kiernan 80), Parkes, Jackson, Avinel; Jenkins, Gibson, Rinaldi, Aloi; Young, Forbes. Subs not used: Beech, Antal (gk), Sordell, Lavers.

SCORER: Gibson (45+1).

WYCOMBE WANDERERS: Young, Stockley (Daly 63), Cadmore, Boucaud (Turley 45), Christon, Williamson (Pearce 45), Phillips, Rice, Fitchett, Ogbuagu, Botham. Subs not used: Reading (gk), Brathwaite.

SCORERS: Ogbuagu (15, 46).

REFEREE: Mr K Yeo.

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