Watford Reserves were unable to end their spell in the Combination East Division in style as they lost 3-0 to Southend United this afternoon.

The Hornets’ second string are quitting reserve league football this summer and could have retained the East Division title with victory in their final game of the season.

But the 3-0 defeat away to Southend saw the Hornets drop to third and Ipswich Town, who beat Luton Town 1-0 this afternoon, secure the title ahead of Oxford United on goal difference.

Watford will wonder how they went into half time level this afternoon after several decent chances but Southend broke the deadlock around the hour mark and secured the win with two goals in the last ten minutes.

One positive from the defeat was that winger Michael Bryan came through the contest fine as he recovers from an ankle injury.

Watford starting XI (substitutions currently unknown): Bonham; Thompson, Hoban, Bevans, Tumwa; Isaac, Murray, Rosier; Bryan, Assombalonga, Massey. Subs: Horner, Irving, Hamilton-Forbes, Gardner, Deer.