Under-18s overcome the Tigers

The Robins had a dream start as they took the lead inside the opening five minutes. The Hornets lost possession in their own half which allowed City to break, and it was Marlee Francois who tucked the ball into the back of the net.

City then defended well to prevent Watford from equalising throughout the remainder of the first half.

However, the visitors came out strong in the second half, piling the pressure on the City defence and just before the hour mark they found an equaliser.

City responded in the 70^th minute to give regain a one-goal advantage. Forward, Sam Bell, rounded the Watford keeper and slotted the ball past the defenders and into the net.

And it wasn’t long before City grabbed another goal. A nicely worked passage of play found Cam Salmon just inside the box and the midfielder chipped the keeper to make it 3-1.

In the closing minutes of the game, Watford were awarded a penalty. However, Aaron Sainsbury made a fantastic save to prevent the Hornets from adding to their tally.

Despite Sainsbury’s heroics, Watford did manage to pull one back in the 90^th minute.

The Under-18s held on to the win in stoppage time and came away with all three points against a strong Watford side.

Starting XI: Aaron Sainsbury, Mark Thuo, Khari Allen, Callum Pearson, Max Williams, Jago Lott, Joe Porton, Josh Owers (C), Sam Bell, Marlee Francois, Ayman Benarous. Subs: Prince Henry, Luca Smith, Jemar South Thomas, Cameron Salmon, Tommy Backwell

Bristol City FC Academy news sponsor: PD&CL Building Services

Written by: Sally Gill