NIGEL GIBBS will put his faith in youth tonight (Wednesday, May 8) as Watford Reserves aim to beat West Ham United and clinch the FA Barclaycard Reserve League (South) title.

The Hornets go into their final game of an extremely successful campaign only a point behind leaders Fulham, but with a significantly inferior goal difference which means only a win will do.

One blow for Gibbs is the absence of striker Scott Fitzgerald, who has been ruled out with a back injury, but Richard Lee, Jason Norville, Gary Fisken and Anthony McNamee are also expected to figure.

This will be the Hammers' second game in two nights after a 2-1 victory over Arsenal ended the Gunners' title chances.

To find if the Hornets are celebrating, log onto http://www.watfordobserver.co.uk tomorrow (Thursday).

May 7, 2003 16:00