Striker Marcus Bent could be pitched into first team action as soon as this weekend after impressing during 45 minutes reserve action at Vicarage Road. Town lost 1-0 to the Watford second string.

Bent came through with no ill effects and, despite not scoring, hopes that medical staff will give him the OK to be involved at the weekend. With his match fitness very much lacking a place on the bench looks like the most he can hope for.

Manager Joe Royle watched him and Martijn Reuser in action with the Dutchman likely to be involved in the first team squad for the first time since Royle took over at the weekend.

Watford had their own striker making a comeback in Gifton Noel-Williams. He played 70 minutes of the game and should be included in their side for the first team game against the Blues at Portman Road on Saturday.

The winning goal last night came from Noel-Williams' replacement, Elliott Godfrey, who headed home in the 75th minute.

Town incuded Andy Marshall in goal and left Richard Naylor behind due to the current lack of fit central defenders at the club at present.

Town: Marshall. Bloomfiled, Richards, Beevers (Dickinson 80), Chaffey, Hogg, Reuser, Abidallah, M Bent (Okay 46), Morrow (Robinson 80), Westlake.

Photo: Action Images

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