Watford Res 1 Arsenal Res 0

A first half goal by Liam Henderson ensured Watford's Second-String recorded a meritorious one goal victory over a youthful Arsenal outfit, who lost for a fifth game in a row.

Golden Boys manager, Dick Bate had kept faith with the side which lost at home to Reading last Wednesday, and was rewarded with a terrific all-round display against their much vaunted opponents.

A bright opening saw Watford dominate the early exchanges and Albert Jarrett soon arrowed a header wide of the upright when well placed before the visitors, watched by Arsene Wegner fashioned their first real chance, Jay Simpson firing in a low shot that Scott Loach in the home goal did well to push around the base of a post.

Undeterred, Watford continued to attack and should have opened the scoring in the 18th minute.

Dominic Blizzard, the captain, won a penalty after being brought down by Paul Rodgers, but Vito Mannone in the Arsenal goal saved Albert Jarrett's spot-kick, diving to his left to deny the former Brighton & Hove Albion man with a fine stop.

The hosts remained in the ascendency however, and after powering a header wide, Henderson opened the scoring, finishing neatly from close range after Mannone had fumbled a Jarrett corner.

Blizzard nearly added a second as half time approached, and although Arsenal responded well, a fierce drive from Francisco Merida Perez fizzing just past an upright with Loach struggling, the hosts retained their lead until half time.

The second period began much as the first and Theo Robinson had a chance to double the home side's advantage, but as the half wore on it was the North Londoners who looked the more likely and after a couple of near misses, Mark Randall smashed a terrific 25 yard shot that hit the cross bar before bouncing away to safety.

Vincent van der Berg twice, and substitute, Rui Fonte had further efforts for the Gunners as they strove for parity, while at the other end Mannone had to be alert to push away a fierce Blizzard effort.

Thereafter Watford managed to hold on pretty comfortably for their first victory of 2007, and a fifth Barclays Premiership Reserve League South success of the campaign.

For Reserves League table, click here