Dramatic victory sees Watford reach Under-18 Play-Off Final.

Watford Under-18s won 2-1 against Burnley thanks to an Amin Nabizada goal in the 89th minute, advancing to the Professional Development League Play-Off Final.

Despite travelling to Turf Moor to face the Northern Division champions, the Hornets returned home with an excellent victory, advancing them to the final against the winners of the other semi-final between Bristol City and Sheffield Wednesday at Ashton Gate tomorrow.

It is yet another fantastic achievement for Matt Bevans, Lloyd Doyley, and their Under-18 squad, who have already reached the FA Youth Cup semi-finals this season.

 

The hosts got off to a great start this evening, going ahead after nine minutes when Vernon Masara curled a shot past Hornets custodian Sam Morris.

Shortly after, the custodian made a good save to turn Oli Pimlott’s shot around the post.

Watford’s Zavier Massaah-Edwards had a chance, but Burnley defender Jack McEvilly saved it with a good headed clearance.

However, four minutes before halftime, the visitors evened things up.

Full-back Raul Vancea got away down the flank, and Kristian Shevchenko swept his cutback into the net.

Morris saved a teasing cross from Zach Johnson shortly after the break, but it was a tight and even half with both teams looking capable of scoring.

 

The Hornets did exactly that in the 89th minute.

It was a trademark Nabizada goal, and he had only come on as a substitute with half an hour left to play.

He won the ball on the left, danced past a few tackles, and finished confidently.

Morris came up with another crucial save three minutes into stoppage time, and Watford’s 2-1 victory was confirmed shortly after the final whistle.

It was a stunning turnaround for the Hornets, who were defeated 5-1 at home by Burnley just a few weeks ago while clinching the Northern Division title.

Watford, who finished second behind Bristol City in the Southern Division, had never reached the play-offs before.

Now, they have reached a final for the first time in a season that has shown just what a talented crop of youngsters the club have in their Academy.

Morris; Hunt, Vancea, Ramirez-Espain, Moulton, Georgiou, Smith, Sanghrajka (Akinyimika 90), Okosun, Shevchenko (Nabizada 60), Massiah-Edwards. Subs: Scriven, Barrett, and Riza.

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