Watford Under-18s advanced to the fourth round of the FA Youth Cup following a thrilling 2-1 win away at Cardiff City.

It would take over an hour for the first goal of the game, a composed finish from Cardiff striker James Crole, and Shaq Forde then equalised from close range 10 minutes later.

Adian Manning won it for Watford two minutes from time, sealing a spot in round four and a home tie against either Chelsea or Leyton Orient for Tom Hart's side.

The Hornets controlled the early stages, with shots from Shaq Forde and Adrian Blake blocked by Bluebirds defenders, and Jack Grieves’ effort going just wide of the far post. At the other end, Caleb Hughes’ shot was stopped expertly by defender Hamzat Balogun on the edge of the 18–yard box, and George Abbott’s last-ditch slide-tackle prevented Crole from firing at Alfie Marriott’s goal.

Attempts from the hosts to press Watford were dealt with professionally. The defenders in yellow and Marriott showed composure to play out from the back and into the midfield, starting attacks via full-backs Balogun and Ryan Andrews.

There was little to separate the sides in the first half as both defences stood strong, but the deadlock was broken just after the hour mark.

Crole, who had been close to finding the target on a couple of occasions in the opening 45, burst into space behind the backline and slotted past Marriott to put Cardiff ahead.

Blake's curling shot just a minute after the game's restart signalled intent from Hart's side, and it wouldn't take long for an equaliser. Forde was able to lash home a powerful shot into the top corner to level the score on 70 minutes, with the Hornets now brimming with confidence.

Both sides came close to winning it in normal time, but the game appeared to be going to extra-time.

That was before Manning, who scored for the Hornets in last weekend's win over Bristol City, broke into the box and powered in a brilliant strike to win it with two minutes left of the 90.