A WATFORD XI went down 3-1 this evening (Wednesday) to Wealdstone at Ruislip Manor FC.

Boss Malky Mackay opted for a young starting line-up, including strikers Will Hoskins and Moses Ashikodi, who was in confident mood after his brace for the first 11 against Boreham Wood the night before.

Defender Lloyd Doyley was captain for the evening and the most experienced player in the startling line-up. 

The non league outfit started the game in lively fashion and within 10 minutes they were 1-0 up thanks to their powerful approach to the match.

Watford's young starting 11 hadn't got to grips with the Stones and the home side made their advantage count. 

The 'Orns didn't get going and were overpowered by the Middlesex based side. By the time the half time whistle blew the score was already 3-1.

It was the home side who came out of the traps flying from the opening whistle, sending in a number of high balls to test the handling of goalkeeper Scott Loach.

Up on the roof...Aidy takes a look at proceedings

With seven minutes on the clock, David Hicks hit a peach of a shot that dipped over Loach from 25 yards out to send the noisy crowd to step up the volume even more.

It spurred the Stones on further and the Hornets were still shell-shocked. Derek Quayle tried his luck while powerful striker Ben Alexander nodded a header wide.

Alexander then tried an ambitious effort but the ball soon nestled on the top of the net, much to the relief of the Watford defence.

Watford couldn't stop the goals coming and it was soon two. Alexander finally found the back of the net - following a long throw, the striker with his back to goal, managed to turn and drill an unstoppable drive past Loach.

The 'Orns dusted themselves down and Ashikodi ran at the Stones and his goalbound effort was blocked by Jamie Gray.

Moses is stopped on his route to goal

On 38 minutes Watford dragged themselves back in the game. Rob Kiernan found space and time on the Watford left and crossed for Lewis Young at the back post and the youngster directed a header past the 'keeper.

Ashikodi then saw his header saved while Lawrence Hunter drove wide after Hoskins fierce shot was blocked.

The warning bells were still ringing for the 'Orns as Dean Papili's effort was saved brilliantly by Loach after Dale Bennett lost possession of the ball.

There was one final sucker punch before half time as Avinel scored a bizarre own goal - his looping touch surprised everyone after a cross in from the right and the ball nestled in the net much to the amusement of the home crowd.

The second half wasn't quite as eventful as the teams started to match each other and the pre-season substitutions interrupted the flow of the game around the hour mark.

Junior Osborne was introduced immediately after the break in place of Bennett, with captain Doyley moving to centre half and the sub slotting in at right back.

Young found the back of the net against the Stones

Early on in the second period Ashikodi had two chances - his first shot was saved then his near-post bullet header hit the woodwork after a fine cross.

Wealdstone's Lee Chappell was awarded a yellow card on 58 minutes after a late, reckless tackle on Young - one which didn't go unnoticed by the referee after a series of questionable challenges.

For the opposition ex-Academy youngster Kieron Forbes was introduced before the hour mark in central midfield and he came up against some of his former teammates.

After 60 minutes the Hornets started making changes with Billy Gibson, Ewan Clarke, Liam Henderson and Piero Mingoia all entering the field.

Hoskins returns to the Watford side

However the fresh pairs of legs couldn't change the outcome of the game as the Stones held on to their deserved lead and saw the game out to get one over their local league opposition. 

WATFORD (4-3-3): Loach; Doyley, Bennett (Osborne 46), Avinel, Parkes (Hodson 80); Kiernan (Brooks 80), Bangura, Young (Mingoia 69); Hoskins (Henderson 60), Ashikodi (Gibson 65), L Hunter (Clarke 69).

WEALDSTONE (STARTING 11) (4-4-2): Barnard; Hawes, Chappell, Gray, Massey; Hicks, Quayle, O'Leary, Burrell; Papali, Alexander.

BOOKINGS: WEALDSTONE; Chappell (59 professional foul). WATFORD; none.

SENDINGS OFF: WEALDSTONE; none. WATFORD; none.

GOALS: WEALDSTONE; Hicks (7), Alexander (30), Avinel OG (45+1). WATFORD; L Young (38).

REFEREE: M Thompson.

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