A 32-minute hat-trick from the Hornets’ newest signing and four goals from Liam Henderson helped Watford Reserves to an emphatic 9-3 win over Stevenage Borough.

Henderson has yet to score for the Watford first team in 21 substitute appearances but his four goals last night made it seven in three matches for the Reserves.

The score was 3-1 at half time but second-half hat-tricks from Henderson and substitute Matthew Whichelow, who recently signed a professional contract with Watford, saw the Hornets end up as convincing winners.

Watford fielded five trialists in their starting XI, including Everton duo Moses Barnett and John Nolan, but all nine goals came from Academy graduates.

Stevenage beat Watford 2-0 in the corresponding fixture last week and they took the lead at Boreham Wood FC’s ground last night after a mistake by trialist Rodney McDonald allowed Mitchell Cole to shoot and score from 25 yards out.

Piero Mingoia was the other second-year scholar to be handed a professional deal by the Hornets two weeks ago and the skilful winger set up the equaliser four minutes later.

It was his run and pass which led to Marvin Sordell, who has just finished a two-month stint with Tranmere Rovers, firing past the Borough keeper from the edge of the area.

The Hornets took the lead two minutes later when Henderson grabbed his first with a header and then the impressive Mingoia made it three goals in less than ten minutes with a strike from inside the box.

Whichelow had started on the bench but he scored a minute after coming on for the injured Sordell to make it 4-1.

The tie seemed to be over but another mistake by McDonald allowed Charlie Griffin to score and the striker made it 4-3 a minute later.

Watford regained control just after the hour mark through a powerful strike by Henderson and Whichelow grabbed his second soon after with an excellent finish.

Henderson made it seven with a header, Whichelow completed his own hat-trick with a dipping shot and Henderson rounded off the scoring in the 90th minute after good work from Mingoia.

The win sent Watford back to the top of the Football Combination East Division table and the Hornets still have three games in hand on second-placed Ipswich Town.

Watford: North; Yiadom (Thompson 64), McDonald (Oshodi 59), James, Barnett; Bryan, Quinn, Nolan, Mingoia; Sordell (Whichelow 49), Henderson. Subs not used: Bond, Brooks.

Click here to see the East Division table and other results from the Football Combination