Spurs Reserves 2 Watford 1

Chris Hughton's reserve side deservedly recorded their first win of the season after dominating in the rain at St Albans.

But boss Hughton admitted the nerves set in late on as Watford pushed for an equaliser.

Fielding a strong side, Spurs were handed the perfect start when fit-again Willem Korsten, playing up front, rifled home from 20 yards in the fifth minute.

Chad Mansley tested Ian Walker after nine minutes but the next half-hour was one-way traffic with the impressive Stephen Clemence shooting just wide and Matthew Etherington finishing tamely before the young winger played a huge role in the second goal.

Etherington played a one-two with Darren Anderton and rounded keeper Chris Day only to see his shot hit the inside of the post - rebounding to the feet of Ledley King to slot home from close range.

Clemence forced a fine save from Day but Hornets pulled a goal back with their first meaningful attack just before the break. David Warner stood a fine cross up at the far post met firmly by Charlie Miller and Walker could only push the ball into the roof of the net.

With Jose Dominguez on at half-time, the second period followed a similar pattern.

Etherington's superb burst to the byline left Dominguez with Day to beat but the Portugese winger shot high, wide and out of the ground.

Etherington and Korsten also shot wide after fine work by Anderton but then almost a shock at the other end after 65 minutes as Doherty's slip let in Miller - Walker saved the one-on-one chance.

It was still all Spurs with Korsten inches wide, Dominguez failing to get a shot off in time after the pass of the match from Anderton and Korsten hitting the side netting. Watford started to push on though and Warner failed to get on the end of a tricky cross from Fabien Forde.

Fittingly on his return from injury, Anderton set up the final chance for Neale Fenn again forcing a fine save from ex-Spur Day. A deserved win.

Spurs Reserves: Walker, Hillier, Jackson, King, Doherty, Thelwell, Anderton, Clemence, McEwen (Dominguez 45), Korsten, Etherington (Fenn 83). Unused subs: Davies, Gower, Kelly.