RECORD-BREAKING kid Theo Walcott made history at St Mary's last night as he became the youngest-ever player to appear for Saints reserves in their 3-0 win over Watford.

As Walcott stepped off the bench in the 74th minute at 15 years and 175 days of age, the Newbury-based schoolboy beat the previous record, set by Andrew Surman in 2002, by 21 days.

Saints had two goals from Dexter Blackstock and one from Arron Davies to thank for their victory in a one-sided affair as Blackstock produced an impressive display to give head coach Steve Wigley food for thought.

Saints created a host of half chances in the first 40 minutes but stepped up their game in the build-up to half- time.

They came close to opening the scoring on three occasions with Davies and Eddie Anaclet both denied by fine saves from keeper Alec Chamberlain and Blackstock narrowly failing to connect with Paul Telfer's low cross across the face of the goal.

Saints wasted little time in breaking the deadlock after the break.

Anaclet couldn't get a clean connection on Telfer's long throw-in but the ball fell to Blackstock at the far post and his 10-yard shot bounced up off the turf and beat Chamberlain inside his near post.

The home side continued to create chances and from a Telfer corner in the 63rd minute Tunisian defender Alaedinne Yahia thumped a header against the bar for the second home reserve match in succession.

But Blackstock doubled Saints' lead eight minutes later as he received Telfer's throw-in, turned his marker and saw his right-foot shot deceive Chamberlain at the near post.

Two minutes later Saints had a penalty appeal turned down as Blackstock appeared to have been fouled by Ben Herd as he cut in from the by-line.

England Under 17 international Walcott then replaced Anaclet to partner Blackstock up front and quickly won over the St Mary's crowd with his electrifying pace and superb ball control.

After just three minutes on the pitch he received the ball just over the halfway line and ran at the Watford defenders before slipping the ball wide to Chris Baird, who won a corner.

Then, in the 80th minute, Walcott had a 20-yard shot blocked and Simon Gillett followed up with a superb volley which rocketed back off the post into Blackstock's path just eight yards out.

The goal was at his mercy but the ball came at him so quickly that it was difficult to react and he fired over the bar.

Two minutes later Blackstock challenged Chamberlain and the ball fell for Walcott, whose low 12- yard effort was well saved by the recovering keeper.

The ball broke for Davies on the left-hand edge of the box and he curled a beautifully-placed shot into the far corner.

Saints still had time to hit the woodwork for the third time as Walcott's cross was deflected onto the top of the bar.

SAINTS (4-4-2): McNeil; Critchell, Higginbotham, Yahia, Baird; Anaclet (Walcott 74), Jones (Sparv 84), Gillett, Telfer; Blackstock, Davies.

Att: 753

Referee: A M Turner