A very youthful U21 squad left themselves a little too much to do in an entertaining if sometimes frustrating evening at Landore.
Having worked our way back to level terms early in the 2nd half, we promptly missed a penalty immediately afterwards – only to have visiting Watford streak away to build an unassailable 3-1 lead. All 4 goals were scored in a frantic 15 minute period.
With Wednesday’s FA Youth Cup tie against Southampton looming, a number of players were rested and – with a couple of players suspended as well – this evening’s squad took on an even younger complexion, 4 of our U16 squad being given opportunities.
We operated 3-5-2: Ben Hughes; Osian Williams (s – Bobo Evans 88m), Arthur Parker, Richard Faakye; Zac Jeanes, Glory Nzingo, Mitchell Bates (captain), Milo Robinson (s – Wahab Ojetoro 77m), Kai Rhodes (s – Elis Thomas 88m); Harvey Gray (s – Kyrell Wilson 58m), Sammy Henia-Kamau.
Unused sub: Evan Watts.
On a freezing night, the game started at a ferocious pace, Watford looking neat and attack minded. Although left winger Nabizada was highly right footed, he caused us enough early issues to show he’d be a major threat. We also created a lot of problems for ourselves with some ponderous distribution from the back, the worst instance of which was a pass out straight to Keyes on the edge of the area. The resulting first-time shot fortunately went over the bar. A few minutes later, Arthur Parker scrambled the ball off the line after Keyes charged down a Ben Hughes clearance.
There were half-chances for both sides, no goals, Watford edged it on first half possession, but still all to play for.
Watford went ahead on 56 minutes in quite peculiar circumstances. Right back Eames stole about 15 yards to take a throw, the referee let it go, Watford spread the ball out left and winger Nabizada moved inside, rode a couple of challenges and scored with a low finish.
Kyrell Wilson was immediately introduced and within minutes delivered a cracking cross for Glory Nzingo to equalise with a clean header. Kyrell was upended in the box shortly after, but keeper Browne guessed correctly to keep out his resulting penalty.
Watford made good their escape by quickly converting 2 further goals, both lightning unchecked breaks once again down our left and finished clinically. In fairness, Watford’s substitutions strengthened their performance.
We continued to craft chances, going mightily close through Henia-Kamau, but lacked that element of fortune to force back another recovery.
Understandably, a couple of our younger players found the step up a little daunting. Kai Rhodes settled into the game and came out of the evening with most credit, even delivering a delicious nutmeg to Watford full back Eames to advance into the Watford area. It’ll have been great experience for these youngsters.
Of the comparatively more experienced players, Arthur Parker put in a strong central defensive display, Mitch Bates grafted tirelessly in the middle, Zac Jeanes is looking increasingly comfortable in his wing back role, Kyrell Wilson added a potent 2nd half threat.
Former Bournemouth full back Charlie Daniels was Watford’s coach.
Scoring: Nabizada 0-1 56m; Nzingo 1-1 61m; Torres 1-2 68m; Massiah-Edwards 1-3 70m.
I got my lefts and rights confused – all 3 Watford goals came down our right side of defence & Watford’s left side of attack.