Watford’s Under-18s fact the prospect of testing themselves against the very best after being drawn at home to Manchester City in the third round of the FA Youth Cup.

Tom Cleverley’s side have enjoyed a good start to the Under-18 Professional Development League and are currently second in the South Division with 19 points from their first ten games.

However, they will be stepping up a level when they face a City team who are currently third in the Under-18 Premier League and aiming to win the overall title for a fourth consecutive season.

Watford reached the fifth round of last season’s competition, winning 3-0 at Lincoln City before a sparkling 3-1 victory over Everton in round four.

Another upset looked on the cards when they took an early two-goal lead against Arsenal in the next round, but the eventual runners-up battled back to win 4-2 in front of more than 2,400 fans at Vicarage Road.

There could be more Hertfordshire interest in the third round if Hemel Hempstead Town and Tring Athletic can make it through.

Hemel are at home to Exeter City tonight in the second round with a trip to Sheffield Wednesday awaiting the winners, while the Tring youngsters are due to head to Leyton Orient on November 23 with a trip to Newcastle United the reward.

All third round ties are to be played by December 16, with kick off at 7pm unless mutually agreed otherwise.

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