AFTER yesterday's (Sunday) 2-0 win by a Watford XI over non league Winchester City, reserve team boss Malky Mackay was satisfied with the performance from his team in draining temperatures.

First half goals from Cedric Avinel and Theo Robinson saw off the challenge of the enthusiastic Hampshire side and it also gave a chance for Mackay to make use of his substitutes' bench.

Captain for the day Lloyd Doyley got 90 minutes under his belt as did John-Joe O'Toole, Lewis Young and Scott Loach.

The only unused substitute was goalkeeper James Beasant who was drafted in as cover for Loach after injuries to Richard Lee and Mart Poom, while Academy goalkeepers Bo Antal and Jonathan North are at the Milk Cup with the Hornets and Wales respectively.

He was pleased with the reaction of his men after the disappointing showing and result against Wealdstone at Ruislip Manor FC.

Mackay said: "After Wednesday they were left in no doubt about the physicality of football before you actually get the chance to get the ball down and play it.

"I thought they certainly competed well, it was very hot but they managed to get the ball down and try and pass it and also win their individual battles too. I was pleased with that aspect."

The sweltering temperatures were perhaps better suited to cricket than football but the Watford XI had to make sure they made amends for the Wealdstone game and show what they're made of.

Mackay added: "The hot conditions played a big part, the pitch was a bit fiery too, so to start brightly as we did and get the goals in the first half pleased me in the main.

"It was certainly a much better application than against Wealdstone so it was definitely an improvement compared to that."

Robinson was part of a three-man attack

In terms of fitness,  the sun would have no doubt drained the Hornets more than a usual game and it required them to stay focused and concentrate more so too.

Overall the players are building on their time on the pitch and the next game will be one where Mackay is looking towards more 90 minute performances.

He commented: "The aim at Wealdstone was to give people a half, against Winchester it was to improve that and give them more time on the pitch.

"Theo and Cedric for example had been involved against Brentford but everyone got much longer out there and for the next game we'll be looking towards 90 minutes from them.

"Concentration was very important, because of the conditions it meant they tire quicker and that tests their mental strength and their concentration.

"It's important with the heat that they get plenty of fluids on board, and they did that. They learn to make sure that they concentrate when they get hot and tired and the passes have to be to feet so really it's an extra test of them."

The much discussed style of play being implemented at first-team level is filtering down to the second string and the younger players as well. Again a 4-3-3 formation was on show in Hampshire with Will Hoskins and Theo Robinson either side of central striker Moses Ashikodi.

It's a gradual change but positive signs are starting to emerge - especially with the development of young players.

Lewis Young - Encouraging signs according to Mackay

Mackay was pleased and said: "It is a different way of playing for certain players, they have to make different runs and it's good to see them learning.

"You're getting the likes of Lewis Young appearing in little holes with the ball and Theo Robinson coming short and then having to go beyond his man - it gets them thinking about their game and they have to buy into that.

"Throughout their careers they might be asked to fulfill a variety of roles and positions and play in different systems so it's about learning as well - the youngsters need to learn their positions.

"When they do get called for the first team hopefully the change becomes seamless and if the manager wants them to go into a certain position they know the runs of that position and when to come and get the ball. It's an important factor for the development of the player.

"With Will, Theo and Moses it's about them fitting into the system and playing somewhere different to normal and making sure they're comfortable in all three positions."

The next pre-season friendly for a Watford XI side is away against Tring Athletic next Saturday (2nd August). Kick off is at 3pm.

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