LIAM Henderson's late strike for the Hornets meant the Academy ended their season by earning a point against Tottenham Hotspur.

The striker recently penned a professional deal with the Golden Boys and after entering the field on 72 minutes, he fired a low shot past the 'keeper with just a minute of normal time left.

On a blustery Saturday morning at London Colney, the game started at a whirlwind pace with Spurs attacking with force.

It wasn't all one way traffic though as Rob Kiernan made a strong run from midfield but couldn't quite connect with a through ball after excellent, neat interplay involving Lewis Young and Ewan Clarke.

The Hornets had a big let off after five minutes when giant goalkeeper Bo Antal misjudged a back pass and as the ball drifted past him, it looked certain to open the scoring but luckily for the Hungarian the ball went just wide of his post.

Spurs' John Obika was a threat and the powerful striker's forceful runs were stretching the 'Orns. He made his threat count after 20 minutes when he converted from six yards out after a telling pass from his strike partner which cut the Academy defence in half.

After half time Dale Bennett had to be at his very best to challenge and deny the visitors as his blocked a goal scoring opportunity. The centre half was showing the qualities behind the decision to reward him with a pro contract.

Obika should have made it 2-0 to Tottenham, but Antal made a telling save and slowly the game began to swing to the side of the Hornets.

Young was making some intelligent runs in attack and was always looking to set up one of his team mates.

In midfield, Ross Jenkins put in another solid performance, a reliable and steady player, he kept the ball well for Watford and offered adequate protection for the defence.

Clarke's shot was then saved after a great cross in from Young from the right hand flank.

Watford's right back Lee Hodson found himself in an unusual position up the pitch and he drew a great save from Oscar Jansson in the Tottenham goal.

Young continued his pursuit for an equaliser and his effort was well saved by Jansson but the introduction of Henderson and Fabrice Otshudi showed the Hornets' attacking intentions.

Liam Henderson

With more forward players on the pitch, the Academy put Spurs under pressure and in the 89th minute the home side were rewarded.

Young can be credited with creating the goal as he showed great determination to keep the ball in play and beat his man down the right flank.

The youngster then slipped a beautiful ball through to Henderson and in a flash he had planted a low drive in the corner of the net for his 10th of the season at this level. 

Tottenham finished second in the FA Premier Academy League (Group B) and the under 18s will be pleased to end their season on a positive note.

WATFORD: Antal; Hodson, Lavers, Beech (c), Bennett; Jenkins, Kiernan, Bryan (Otshudi 72), Gibson; L Young, Clarke (L Henderson 72). Subs not used: North, Sordell, Brown.

SCORER: L Henderson (89).

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR: Jansson; Smith, Hutchins, Kasim, Mtandari; C Butcher, Fraser-Allen (Townsend, 60), Cox (Parrett, 60), Hutton; Obika, Mason. Subs not used: Olsen, L Butcher, Clare.

SCORER: Obika (20). 

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