A LONE goal by Anthony McNamee was sufficient to see Watford under 19s through to a 1-0 victory against a physical and hard-working Reading side.

Coach David Hockaday was pleased with the clean-sheet and the performance, even if disappointed more chances were not converted into goals.

With man-of-the-match Jamie Hand prompting from midfield, ably supported by Dominic Blizzard, it was one-way first half traffic, before Reading crowded the midfield and stepped up the tackles after the break.

Keeper Richard Lee did not have a save to make, and after Jason Norville had rattled the crossbar, McNamee found space on the left, cut inside and cooly slotted under the advancing keeper.

*After a bright start, in which Ben Hammond and Liam Walsh went close, Ashley Young arrived perfectly to slot calmly at the back post to give the under 17s the lead over Reading.

In the second half, an early mix-up let Reading back into game, with an own goal by Robbie Williams, which only served to spur the Watford boys on.

In one flowing movement, starting at right back, and finished with a superb strike by Walsh, enabled Watford to regain the lead.

The quick-thinking Jamie Collins, who had already made two goals, then put the ball down to score from a set piece to round off a 3-1 win.

After an unhappy start the under 17s have recorded two successive and satisfying victories.

September 21, 2001 11:40