WATFORD reserves beat their Leyton Orient counterparts 1-0 at Boreham Wood this evening (Monday), where a solitary goal from Liam Henderson after 10 minutes was the difference between the two sides

Gareth Williams started for the Hornets and got just over 70 minutes of action under his belt as part of his continuing recovery from serious cruciate ligament damage.

Henderson continued his recent impressive record in front of goal as he finished off a neat attacking move. His strike partner Lewis Young got on the end of Henderson's flick-on and his ball in to the back post was put back across goal by Michael Bryan.

Henderson was there to finish the move off and met the ball before the defender to claim his fifth goal for the second string this campaign.

In a game of few openings, Henderson's decisiveness in front of goal proved to be crucial and made all the difference to earn another three points for the Hornets.

The Golden Boys included Middlesbrough duo Lewis McCardle and Lewis Smith in their starting line-up so the coaching staff could see them in action.

The pair also started for the under 18s in their weekend defeat at the hands of Crystal Palace.

Both are defenders, with McCardle a left back, while Smith plays at the heart of defence. They are currently second year scholars and were spotted at the recent Exit Trials.  

Orient had a goal disallowed just three minutes after the 'Orns took the lead. Adam Bolle slotted the ball past Hungarian 'keeper Botond Antal but the assistant referee already had raised his flag.

Santiago Aloi later hit the woodwork for the home side with a swirling shot after collecting a cross-field ball from Williams.

Aloi's shot had Orient 'keeper Jack Giddins beaten but he could only watch in disbelief as it rattled against the post.

The visitors were restricted to long range efforts - and they were mainly coming from midfielder JJ Melligan.

After the interval the O's had a couple of half chances with Melligan trying to set Harry Baker free and Loick Pires heading over Antal's bar.

The biggest danger for Leyton Orient came from set pieces with Brian Saah and Clayton Fortune both commanding figures in the penalty box.

Williams was withdrawn just after the 70th minute and the Hornets readjusted their team. Ross Jenkins, naturally a midfielder but playing at right back, was moved into the holding midfield role with Dale Bennett entering the fold at full back.

The Hornets were good value for their win and gave plenty of youngsters another opportunity to shine for the second string.

The reserves are in action next Wednesday (23 April) when they visit Aldershot, kick off is at 2.00pm. 

WATFORD: Antal; Jenkins, McCardle, Avinel, Smith; Williams (Clarke 72), Bryan, Rinaldi, Aloi (Gibson 45); L Henderson, Young (Bennett 72). Subs not used: Beech, Kiernan.

SCORER: Henderson (10).

LEYTON ORIENT: Giddins; Martin, Daniels, Saah, Fortune; Melligan, Baker, Shields, Pires;  Sylvester (Marsh 76), Bolle. Subs not used: Sydes, O'Donnell.

REFEREE: Mr R P Whitton.

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