A GOAL in each half from Crystal Palace sent Watford's under 18s crashing to defeat at London Colney on Saturday (12 April).

The 'Orns gave Middlesbrough duo Lewis McCardle and Lewis Smith a run-out after they attracted the attention of Watford's staff at the Premier League exit trials held recently.

McCardle started at left back while Smith played at centre half alongside captain Aaron Beech.

The Hornets also handed a start to Ewan Clarke after his long-term injury lay off, while Liam Henderson came on after the half time break.

Despite the fresh faces, the Eagles came away with all three points - they included John Bostock in their starting line-up, the midfielder who has already appeared for their first team this season.

WATFORD: Antal; Hodson, McCardle (Lavers 46), Beech (c), Smith (Bennett 46); Jenkins, Bryan, Kiernan, Gibson; Young, Clarke (Henderson 46). Subs not used: Sordell.

CRYSTAL PALACE: Thorp; Clynne, Adelakun, Dalhouse, Nnamani; Bostock, Dayton, Smith, Noble; Abnett, Kujudi. Subs: Djilali, Comley, Cadogan, Edwards. 

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