Pools Youth Team were knocked out of the FA Youth Cup by a slick Watford side at Victoria Park on Tuesday evening.

Two first half goals from the Premier League Academy side were enough to do the damage and help the Hornets set-up a trip to face Liverpool at Anfield in the next round.

Micky Barron's team knew they would be in for a fight but approached the game with confidence having dumped out Sheffield United at the previous stage in the competition.

However, Watford quickly began to take control of the game and were in front on 12 minutes after a good turn and shot from Sean Murray.

The lead was increased on the stroke of half time when Murray again fired home which meant Pools had a mountain to climb in the second period.

"It was frustrating to be two down at the break because we'd got back in to the game as half time approached," explained Barron.

"Watford started extremely strongly and pushed us on to the back foot for the first half hour after the goal.

"However, we had weathered that storm without conceding again and had a great chance to get level when Billy Blackford headed Callum Martin's cross just wide."

Barron's words at half time served to inspire his young players and they went at their visitors from the off in the second half.

Martin shot over the bar, while Daniel Johnson made an impact from the bench but had a shot saved and then sent another effort just wide with time running out.

"Watford were a lot better than Sheffield United and it will be interesting to see how far they progress," Barron added.

"But from our point of view I was very pleased and proud with the way we kept on going and I think the run we've been on has brought a lot of credit to the players and the Club."

Full Time: Pools 0 Watford 2

Pools: Herbert, Purvis, Dukes (Pearson), Marron, P Johnson, Mellish, Martin, Liddle, Wakefield (Hassan), Richards (D Johnson), Blackford.
Subs not used: Selby, Mooney.