Watford Res 0 v Charlton Athletic Res 2

A goal in each half by visiting Charlton Athletic was enough to bring an end to the second string's four game unbeaten run last night.

Trailing to an early goal by Rurik Gislason, the Golden Boys manfully in the first half but when James Walker doubled the Addicks advantage six minutes after the interval there was no way back for the hosts.

Prior to the game Watford reserve team manager, Gary Smith, no doubt casting an eye towards next season, named four trailists amongst his starting eleven, Saheed Sankoh, Gareth McCleary, Sheku Kamara and Ishmael Welsh.

There was a bright opening to the contest on a pleasant late April evening but Watford soon fell behind.

Barely four minutes had elapsed when a sweeping move involving Josh Wright, Danny Phillips and Alex Varney ended with Gislason striding purposefully forward before rifling a terrific 25 yard shot that whistled past Scott Loach in the home goal.

The remainder of the half saw plenty of entertaining end to end action with Ben Gill and Kamara having opportunities to level for the home side, whilst for the Addicks, the Icelandic born Gislason, who was to prove a thorn in Watford's side all evening, almost doubled the South Londoners advantage, rattling Loach's crossbar with a sizzling shot just prior to the interval.

The second half began with Charlton Athletic firmly in the ascendancy and Phillips had already gone close when Walker struck a decisive blow to secure the destination of the points. Timing his run to perfection Walker collected a deceptive through ball from Gislason before dancing around Loach and slotting into an unguarded net.

The Golden Boys did briefly attempted a late rally and after Joel Grant and John Joe-O'Toole had fashioned a decent chance for Theo Robinson, the in-form youngster lacked composure and fired over when well placed, but in the end the Addicks held on reasonably comfortably for the victory that moves them up into fourth place in the table.

For Watford, a disappointing end to their recent excellent run which has taken them well clear of the bottom two places in the table.

For Reserves League table click here