Preston North End 3-1 Watford

WATFORD ENDED their campaign with a disappointing defeat at the hands of Phil Brown`s already-relegated Preston, that despite an early lead handed to them by Andi Weimann.

Weimann handed the 'Orns a 13th minute lead before Barry Nicholson cracked home from distance. Iain Hume then handed the Lilywhites the lead from a free-kick before teenager Jamie Proctor wrapped up the points late on.

Watford included four academy scholars in their travelling party with Britt Assombalonga, Tommy Hoban and Sean Murray all involved with the later starting. Hoban`s inclusion made him the 21st player to come through the Hornet`s academy to feature this season and the eighth to come through this season, as scholar Matt Bevan (@MattyBevss) said on Twitter, an impressive stat: "8 boys from my youth team up in the first team squads this season both bench and playing, what an achievement for them lads!"

Watford got the opener after 13 minutes after a good passing move saw a low cross from the left turned home by the on-rushing Andi Weimann from close-range.

Preston levelled soon after as Barry Nicholson was allowed the time and space to crack home from distance, Scott Loach once again looking questionable as he failed to get a strong hand on the Scot`s strike.

PNE then took the lead with a wonderful free kick from Iain Hume. From just outside the area the Canadian lofted the ball up and over the Hornet`s wall and into the top right-hand corner.

With just two minutes to go the job was rounded off when teenage North End forward Jamie Proctor danced round the last Hornet`s defender before nudging the ball past Loach.

Preston North End: Turner; Leather, Morgan, Devine, Jones; Nicholson, Carter, Ashbee (Middleton), Treacy; Hume (Proctor) and Hayes (Miller).

Subs not used: Arestidou (GK); Clucas, Barton and Mayor.

Watford: Loach; Hodson, Mariappa, Taylor (Hoban), Doyley; Cowie, Eustace (c), Murray (Whichelow), Deeney (Buckley); Weimann and Sordell.

Subs not used: Gilmartin (GK); Drinkwater, Assombalonga and Bryan.

Referee: Mr F Graham.

Attendance: 10 953

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