WATFORD'S senior squad at Northern Ireland's Milk Cup yesterday (Thursday) lost out to Manchester United in the semi final of the under 17s competition.

The Hornets didn't go down easily though giving the north west side a stern test in front of a large crowd at Ballymena.

The final score was 4-2 to Manchester United with first year scholar Peiro Mingoia bagging both goals for the Golden Boys.

Following their victories in the two qualifying games, the Hornets had qualified for the knock out stages and won 4-0 in the quarter finals.

Despite the defeat to United the senior team have one final game today (Friday) against Hearts.

Mingoia bagged two against the Red Devils

Please click here for the full details as to how the fixtures are drawn at the Milk Cup.

Meanwhile earlier yesterday (Thursday) Nick Cox's under 15s, who are competing in the junior section, took part in an enthralling six-goal affair at Portrush.

Watford faced Co. Londonderry with the final score being 3-3 after the Irish side equalised in the last kick of the game.

Charlier Kasler, Oli Archer and Adam Fenwick were the goalscorers for the 'Orns.

The Hornets were on the receiving end of some harsh referee's decisions but goalkeeper Jonathan Bond pulled off some magnificent saves.

Eventually the Watford boys won the resulting penalty shoot out 3-1 - with Kasler, Fenwick and Bernard Mensah slotting home from the spot.

Assistant Academy manager for 12-16s, Cox, said: "We suffered again from not being able to kill the game off, despite scoring three good goals.

"Our strikers are perhaps lacking a bit in confidence but we've got one last game to go on Friday.

"There were a lot of local fans there supporting Londonderry and we managed to withstand some periods of pressure which is pleasing."

The younger 'Orns are fighting fit with the help of the medical staff in Ireland and despite a few niggling injuries the squad is in better shape than last year.

Cox hopes to see Trey Horne involved after the player had missed out all week due to injury.

The Hornets now play Brondby at Limavady in the Dunluce Trophy Final at 11am today (Friday).

Further news and reaction to follow later today at www.watfordfc.com.

Check out the excellent BBC Northern Ireland sport website here which features videos from this year's tournament. 

GET SMS ALERTS FIRST AND FASTEST - CLICK HERE