A solitary goal from midfielder Matthew Whichelow was enough for the Golden Boys on Saturday (27 September) morning as they overcame their opposition from the Midlands.

On a misty morning at London Colney - which later turned to glorious sunshine - Watford maintained their unbeaten home record.

The Hornets welcomed back Rob Kiernan and he captained the side, taking up a role in the centre of defence, replacing Eddie Oshodi.

Schoolboy striker Gavin Massey was handed his first start for the under 18s in attack, partnership Marvin Sordell, who has been in such fine form so far this term.

The Hornets were young once more with only three second year scholars and non contract player Michael Bryan taking up a position wide on the right of midfield.

Bryan had a few early darting runs down the right channel, one such piece of skill eventually saw his curling effort go over the bar.

Kiernan slotted in well after injury and was vocal throughout the clash - before being substituted during the second half.

Returning skipper Rob Kiernan

After another tricky run from Bryan, Birmingham defender Dan Preston had to be alert with a well-timed tackle to prevent the Hornet from striking at goal.

The Blues had brought a large side to Hertfordshire but during the early exchanges they were struggling to get to grips with the home team. Theo Angus provided a sweet cross but Sordell's glancing header flashed wide of Dean Lyness' post.

On 13 minutes, Bryan was continuing his assault on the visiting right back as he cut inside and delivered a well struck shot which flew just over the bar.

Shortly after the Blues had one of their best efforts of the game as Jake Jervis was found with a searching ball and he had the freedom to race away and strike a shot that was well saved by Jonathan North, the rebound was then cleared by defender Lee Hodson.

The chances continued to come as at the other end Massey saw his shot saved by the visiting 'keeper.

Birmingham's Robert Gradwell then put in a strong shot across goal and Watford's Andy Yiadom had to put in one of a number of strong defensive tackles against an opponent twice his size.

On 22 minutes Whichelow put Massey through, he rounded the goalkeeper but the danger was eventually cleared by a covering defender.

Six minutes later the Hornets took a deserved lead and it proved to be the winning strike. It was a good sustained period of pressure where Massey rounded the 'keeper and crossed for Sordell who saw his header saved.

With the 'Orns straight back at them, Whichelow picked up the ball and crashed a curling shot into the net that went over the outstretched goalkeeper.

Second goal of the season for Matthew Whichelow

Birmingham reacted before half time as Robert Gradwell sent in a low drive that went just wide of North's post. Then the Welsh stopper produced a first class save to deny Jervis who had hit a powerful shot, North turning the ball round the post for a corner.

After the half time interval, chances continued for both teams. Piero Mingoia sent in a lovely cross but Sordell saw his header go wide.

Kiernan left the field just after the hour mark with Hodson taking over the captaincy. Faisal Hemati came on in defence and put in a composed performance for one so young.

Sordell was still pursuing his first goal of the morning but Lyness tipped his curling shot round the post.

Watford had lots of possession during the later stages of the second half but they were unable to double their lead.

The victory was a good one for the 'Orns, especially with so many inexperienced youngsters playing and without the services of Oshodi, Billy Gibson, Fabrice Otshudi and defender Louis Lavers.

Next Saturday (October 4) the Academy are away to Coventry. To see our dedicated Academy section please click here. 

WATFORD (4-4-2): North; Yiadom, Kiernan (c) (Hemati 61), Hodson, Angus; Bryan (Isaac 61), Whichelow, Brooks, Mingoia; Sordell, Massey. Subs not used: Penny, Antal (gk), Thompson.

BIRMINGHAM CITY (4-4-2): Lyness; Rutter, Anderson, Preston, Rowe; Sheldon (Hubbins 61), Sammons (Dunphy h/time), Packwood, Kodalak; Jervis, Gradwell. Subs not used: Rowe.

SCORERS: WATFORD; Whichelow (28). BIRMINGHAM CITY: none.

REFEREE: J Comley.