James Spencer pulled off a stunning late save as Stockport clung on for only their fourth home win of the season.

The 16-year-old, who is set to sign a professional contract on his birthday next week, showed remarkable reflexes to keep out Heidar Helguson's diving header three minutes from time as Watford threatened to steal a point.

Fraser McLachan had struck a magnificent opener for Carlton Palmer's side and Luke Beckett doubled their advantage 12 minutes into the second before Danny Webber gave the Hornets hope.

With County long since relegated and Watford's chances of reaching the play-offs requiring Carol Vorderman-esque mathematics, both managers took the opportunity to introduce some fresh faces.

Most noticeably, there was a debut for Spencer who replaced Andy Dibble - a man more than twice his age - in the County goal, while Peter Clark came in for Colin Woodthorpe at the back.

Watford boss Gianluca Vialli handed Webber, on loan from Manchester United, his full debut, and there were also starting places for Tommy Smith, David Noble and Paul Okon at the expense of Helguson, Lee Cook and Micah Hyde.

Stockport's failings this season have been well documented, but Watford fans expecting a comfortable victory had clearly not taken note of the fact that their side had won just one of the last nine away games going into this encounter.

What County lack in terms of quality they more than make up for in effort and commitment, and a combination of their constant harrying and the tight confines of the Edgeley Park pitch did enough to upset Watford's rhythm in the first half.

McLachan's 10th-minute goal was in sharp contrast to what had come before - and what was to follow.

Dave Challinor's long throw from the left was headed out only as far as the edge of the penalty area, where McLachlan struck a dipping left-foot volley past Alec Chamberlain's despairing dive.

The 4,086-strong crowd rose to their feet to applaud, something of a rarity at Edgeley Park given Stockport's dreadful form this term.

It took a marvellously timed interception from Patrick Blondeau to thwart Welsh following Luke Beckett's cut-back as County chased a second, while Stephen Glass' whipped free-kick across the face of the hosts' six-yard box was as close as Watford came to levelling matters.

Mclachlan missed a simple opportunity to double his tally when, with his back to goal six yards out, he scuffed a shot into the arms of a grateful Chamberlain.

As the sun broke out in the second half, so Watford's play brightened up.

First, Glass threatened with a powerful left-footed drive that sailed past Spencer's upright, and substitute Lloyd Doyley ignored the assistant referee's flag to fire a shot against the bar.

But Stockport ended Watford's revival in the 58th minute when Palmer fed Ali Gibb on the right flank.

Gibb was allowed too much time and space to deliver a delightful cross on to the head of Beckett, who needed the slightest of touches to steer the ball inside the far post.

Shouts of 'It's just like the San Siro' from the stands spoke volumes for the confidence of the home fans, but their joy was cut short when Webber stole in at the far post after 66 minutes to slide home substitute Anthony McNamee's cross.

A flurry of substitutions ensured the energy levels did not drop, although neither side possessed enough invention to fashion many clear-cut openings.

One fell to Smith, who weaved his way into the County area with eight minutes remaining before John Hardiker made a crucial block.

Then came Spencer's moment to remember, denying Helguson from point-blank range, and it took the crossbar to deny Colin Woodthorpe at the other end.

Stockport stood firm through five minutes of stoppage-time to earn three morale-boosting points, and the standing ovation afforded them as they left the pitch was nothing less than they deserved.

Teams:

Stockport: Spencer, Hardiker, Clare, Challinor, Clark (Woodthorpe 69), Gibb, Briggs, McLachlan, Palmer (Byrne 75), Welsh (Ellison 57), Beckett.

Subs Not Used: Dibble, Wild.

Booked: Welsh, Palmer, Ellison.

Goals: McLachlan 11, Beckett 59.

Watford: Chamberlain, Blondeau, Robinson, Galli (Doyley 45), Cox, Noble (McNamee 63), Okon, Glass (Helguson 63), Mahon, Webber, Smith.

Subs Not Used: Baardsen, Hand.

Booked: Blondeau, Webber, Doyley, Chamberlain, Helguson.

Goals: Webber 68.

Att: 4,086

Ref: R Beeby (Northampton).