A 3-0 reverse away at Crewe Alexandra this afternoon meant it was two defeats in the north-west in four days for Watford Unxder-21s.

Having lost to Everton in the Premier League Cup on Friday night, conceding two goals in stoppage time, the squad for the game at the Mornflake Stadium was pretty similar.

Players with first-team experience such as Tobi Adeyemo, Michael Adu-Poku and Leo Ramirez-Espain started, along with Keiky Almeida who moved to Watford from Brazil in the summer.

The youngsters mirrored the first team by going behind after two minutes when, following conceding a penalty, Calum Agius scored from the sport despite Jonathan Macaulay diving the right way.

Watford rallied, and wing-back Jake Watkiss – who has scored in both the last two games – forced a 10th-minute save from home keeper Tom Booth.

The Alex stopper denied Watkiss again 11 minutes later, tipping his long-ranger effort onto the crossbar.

The woodwork was then rattled at the other end as Fin Roberts released a shot on the run that came back off the frame of the goal.

Crewe doubled their lead in the 36th minute when Agius ran onto a flick from Adrien Thibaut and drove a shot past Macaulay.

It could have been worse for the Hornets when Thibaut beat Almeida in first-half stoppage time, but Macaulay saved his shot meaning the home side went in 2-0 up at the break.

Just after the hour mark, captain George Abbott headed over the bar from a corner.

The home side made certain of victory in the 78th minute when defender Lewis Billington headed home from a corner.

The defeat leaves Watford sitting fourth in the 11-team Premier League Development League South table.

Fans can watch the next Under-21s game against Charlton Athletic, as it is being played at Vicarage Road on Friday (September 20), at 1pm.

The Sir Elton John Stand will be open for the game, and all seats are unreserved.

Season ticket holders can scan their season ticket and get in for free, while it’s £5 for adults and £1 for Under-18s.

Tickets can be purchased by visiting tickets.watfordfc.com or calling the Supporter Services team on 01923 223023. 

Watford: Macaulay; Abbott, Watkiss (Nabizada ht), Ramirez-Espain, Almeida (Gould ht), Vancea, Eames, Coyne, Adeyemo, Massiah-Edwards (Garcia-Romero 71), Adu-Poku (Torres 71). Unused sub: Browne