Watford Ladies Under-18 Warriors edged to a 2-1 win in a highly competitive County Cup match at Royston Town.

There was nothing to choose between the two sides in the opening exchanges, but Watford gradually got into their stride.

Safiya Dean had two good chances before finishing off a flowing move to put the visitors ahead after 23 minutes.

They kept up the pressure and a composed run and finish by Charlotte Forster gave Watford a two-goal advantage at half-time.

Royston came out strongly in the second half though, and within a few minutes had pulled a goal back.

They continued to threaten but Watford hung on to secure a quarter-final tie against Sarratt Rebels.

Watford Under-13 Harts faced Stevenage Starlets with both teams looking to push up the league.

The Harts started well with Diana Oliveira squeezing home a shot between the keeper and post and they doubled the lead when Loula-Belle Grace calmly slotted home their second.

Stevenage piled on the pressure after the break but in a great counter-attack saw Matilda Mantle cross for Tracey Yeboah to make it 3-0.

A stunning 25-yard free-kick into the top corner gave Stevenage some hope before Yeboah netted her second to seal a 4-1 win.

The Under-12 Harts bounced back from going 1-0 down early on at Bedmond Youth to also run out 4-1 winners.

The visitors grew into the game and soon after the break Sinead Haysman’s long-range effort looped over the keeper to equalise.

Watford continued to dominate, taking the lead shortly after with Libby Whyte firing into the bottom corner with her first goal for the club.

Haysman tapped in her second before Sophia Garrett found the net to complete the scoring.