WATFORD'S reserve side went down 2-1 to Southampton at Boreham Wood FC this evening (Thursday) as Southampton claimed the Pontin's Combination Central league title.

The victory for the visitors meant they finished two points clear of Charlton at the top of the league, while the Hornets finished in third position.

Matt Jackson, Cedric Avinel and Al Bangura were the only players with first team experience, while the rest of the players were scholars, with one schoolboy in right back Lee Hodson.

The Saints took the lead through James White - which finished off a good passing move, he was put through and free of the Watford defence by Jake Thomson.

The Golden Boys were caught out with the movement from the young Saints and White made no mistake and struck the ball low past Hungarian goalkeeper Botond Antal.

However the Hornets re-grouped and were on level terms in less than 10 minutes. Defender Avinel made his way forward for a free kick and after a pinpoint delivery from Lewis Young, the young defender timed his run perfectly and headed the ball in at the far post.

Cedric Avinel scored for the Hornets against Southampton

Before they took the lead, the Saints created plenty in front of goal. Firstly David McGoldrick headed just over the bar from a corner kick and then Antal was let off the hook was a poor clearance. Then the Hungarian pulled off a great stop from powerful striker Cedric Baseya.

The scores didn't stay equal for long though as the third goal of the first half was scored with six minutes remaining until half time.

Simon Gillett finished off a cross from the right hand flank by burying the ball past Antal, Thomson again provided the delivery this time from their right hand flank.

After the interval the Saints started the stronger before the 'Orns regained control and created some chances of their own.

Thomson was again the creator for the south coast side, but he could only watch as none of his team mates could connect with his inviting cross from the wing. 

Then for the Hornets, wide man Michael Bryan robbed Sam Argent of the ball, but his cross was blocked by the Saints as Young lurked looking for the through ball.

Liam Henderson linked up with his strike partner, but with Young off balance his shot went wide of Andrej Pernecky's post.

Watford continued to pile on the pressure with Young putting two great balls in from the right, before Al Bangura tried his luck at goal with an effort from 25 yards.

Avinel could have had his second of the night with seven minutes remaining, but his glancing header went just over the bar.

The final chance of the game fell to the in-form Henderson, his fantastic drive from outside the penalty box forced a great save from Pernecky as the seconds ticked away at the end of the game.

Referee Mr Phillips soon blew time on the end of the reserve season as the visitors secured the league title, while the Hornets will be pleased with their young second string team as they have gained plenty of experience this campaign.

WATFORD: Antal; Hodson (Clarke 88), Bennett, Jackson, Avinel; Bryan (Sordell 80), Jenkins, Bangura, Aloi; L Henderson, L Young. Subs not used: Beech. North (gk), Kiernan.

SCORER: Avinel (26).

SOUTHAMPTON: Pernecky; Imudia, Argent, Lancashire (McLaggon 84), Davies; James, Thomson, McGoldrick, White; Gillett, Baseya. Subs not used: Ranger, McNish, Dunford.

SCORERS: White (17), Gillett (39).

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