THE Internet ‘Orns edged out their counterparts from Coventry by two goals to one after one of the most keenly-fought and enjoyable IFA matches for many a month.

City started much the brighter and would’ve punished Watford for their sloth had it not been for the first few of a string of outstanding saves from Hornets’ man-of-the-match, goalkeeper Kristian Melson.

Against the run of play at Woodside, the hosts were ahead thanks to an piece of skill from the unlikely source, Andy Myall. Finding himself in possession at the left-hand corner of the Sky Blues’ penalty area, he nutmegged his marker before curling a cross with the outside of his right foot to the far post where Adam Gallichan slid in to volley home his first goal for the club from close-range.

Benefiting from debutant Derek Payne’s influence in central midfield, Watford were the better side for the first 30 minutes of the second period, during which they doubled their advantage when player-manager Richard Walker floated an inch-perfect cross into the box for Dave Soloway to nudge home with his shin.

Payne’s fellow debutant Phil Myall had the chance to put the game out of sight but, after a great save saw Adam Gallichan’s volley pushed onto the crossbar, he could only nod a golden chance wide of the mark.

Coventry rallied gamely and pulled a goal back with eight minutes remaining – setting up a nervy rear-guard action from the Internet ‘Orns, capped in the game’s final minute when Melson plunged smartly at his near post to deny the Sky Blues an equaliser.

Team: Kristian Melson; Ed Sterry, Ben Bateman, Ally Hill (c), Matt Ainsley; Max Walters, Stuart Holdham, Derek Payne, Andy Myall; Dave Soloway, Phil Myall. Subs: Liam McGarry, Lee Stiles, Richard Walker.