YOUNG defender Lee Hodson was part of the starting XI for the Hornets on Saturday, who overcame Plymouth in a significant win at Vicarage Road.

The Academy graduate could almost be considered an 'old-hand' at first team games, having made 30 appearances since his debut nearly a year ago. But the local lad is calm about the 'Orns important looming fixtures in the coming weeks.

"The three points on Saturday was vital going into our last few games" said Hodson.

"From a defenders point of view, it was great to get a clean sheet as well, after conceding the late goal against West Brom last Monday.

The young defender battles for the ball with Chelsea's Florent Malouda

"On a personal level, it was great to play.

"The crowd were behind us and as soon as the goal went in, we relaxed into the game.

"We continued to keep our head in the game and concentrated, which was the key to getting the three points at the end.

"We've not had luck on our side recently, it seemed that every decision was going against us and goals would come from free-kicks that shouldn't have been.

"But against Plymouth we won everything and never gave them a sniff."

Having never lost a game when they have scored first, the Hornets defender said that the stats don't matter when it comes down the job that needs doing on the pitch.

He said: "No one really thinks about the stats to be honest.

"When you go one up in a game, you have to hang onto it. We all knew that we had to stick together and it was important to hold out for the win."

Hodson making his first team debut against Derby County last May

With several injuries and suspensions to deal with on the day, manager Malky Mackay picked quite a different squad from what most fans would be used to watching at Vicarage Road, but Hodson explained why the game at the weekend was so important for the younger members of the team.

"Saturday gave other players the chance to prove themselves" he said.

"For example you just need to look at Dale Bennett and Stephen McGinn who have both been looking great in training and the reserves over the past few weeks.

"We've got a strong squad and that is showed in situations like that. If someone gets injured, another player can come straight in and do a good job, it should be like that.

"Now we have to take this into Saturday's game against Leicester."