NORTHERN Ireland's Milk Cup came to an end on Friday and saw Watford's two sides in action for the last time.

The under 17s side, playing in the Premier section under the watchful eye of Academy boss Mark Warburton, won their final tie defeating Hearts 2-1 to ensure a third placed finish.

Second year scholar Rob Kiernan was again outstanding filling in at centre half and scored the first goal with a tremendous strike from the edge of the box. Substitute Gavin Massey grabbed the all-important winning strike.

The Hornets were in the third-fourth play-off after falling at the hands of Manchester United in the semi-finals.

A pulsating 4-2 game saw the Hornets take the game to United in horrendous weather conditions.

Warburton takes up the story. He said: "We have a good opening period and should have taken a couple of our chances.

"They took the lead but we equalised through Piero Mingoia. However the damage was done through set pieces which was very disappointing especially as they were against the run of play.

"After half time we were tighter and dominated a lot of the play. We have to learn to take our chances, especially in pressured situations like these.

"We suffered again from a set piece to go 3-1 down but Andy Yiadom set up Mingoia to grab a goal back.

Piero Mingoia gave the 'Orns a fighting chance against United

"We gave it a real good go and made some good decisions and really went for it towards the end.

"United were the favourites and have players from all over the world and they've got a great crop of footballers.

"I must say for us that Rob Kiernan was again outstanding, as he has been all tournament. His distribution was excellent and he was magnificent in leading the team as one of the senior players.

"In a year we've progressed but we've still got some learning to do, especially in front of goal and making sure we take our chances.

"Going forward we need to be testing ourselves more often in competitive situations against the top teams - that will really test the boys and they'll learn from it and get better with it too."

Manchester United eventually won the premier competition, beating American side South Coast Bayern in the final.

There was heartbreak though for the under 15s in the junior section. Playing in the Dunluce Trophy Final they were rolled over by Brondby 2-0 much to the disappointment of the boys and Assistant Academy Manager Nick Cox.

Cox said: "Unfortunately the boys didn't perform during the first half on Friday. They looked a little bit tired and perhaps nervous too - it might have been one game too much for them.

"Brondby were a strong side, we picked up in the second half but couldn't get the goal we needed and their second strike was a spectacular one I must say."

The Golden Boys will now travel home today.

Click here to see highlights of the Milk Cup at the excellent BBC Northern Ireland mini site - including some of the Hornets! 

LET WATFORD BE THE PERFECT HOST