Watford U18s 4 Brentford U18s 1 | OneFootball

Brentford Under-18s were defeated 4-1 by Watford away from home on Saturday afternoon.

Despite a number of first-half chances, the Hornets capitalised and ensured they would take home all three points.

Jon-Paul Pittman's side started the game in good fashion, moving the ball well as they probed in the early stages of the game.

Michel Boni had an early opportunity to give the Bees the lead, heading over from an Otis Honor free-kick.

Poliakov was next to go close but a last-ditch challenge diverted his goalbound effort wide.

Watford took the lead against the run of play through Max Smith whose strike beat goalkeeper Trialist A.

Despite the setback, the west London side were not relenting in their chance creation as Honor and Boni both forced the goalkeeper into good saves.

The deserved goal eventually came as Peters’ shot was spilled into Boni’s path and the striker finished well, reacting quickest to the loose ball.

Watford regained the lead almost instantly as Kristian Shevchenko took advantage of some confusion from the Brentford defenders and finished inside the box.

A third was scored on the stroke of half time by Max Smith as the attacked raced clear on goal and found the finish to beat the Bees' keeper at his near post.

The second period began with increased impetus from the away side and Peters won a penalty early on. He stepped up to take it but the goalkeeper saved.

As the half wore on, there was little to report as neither side could muster any opportunities for more goals.

With the full-time whistle approaching, a deliberate handball from Freddie Taylor in the box gave Watford a penalty and the right-back received a straight red card.

Smith grabbed his hat-trick from 12 yards out and completed the scoring with that late fourth.

Brentford U18s are next in action on Saturday 29th March as they take on Peterborough United away from home.

Brentford: Trialist A, Taylor, Ivanov, Golding (c), Powis, Francis, Owusu (Bobb-Semple 62), Honor, Boni (Giscombe 80), Poliakov (Halil 62), Peters.

Unused subs: Lyon, Payet.

Booked: Owusu 58

Red card: Taylor 90+4

Watford: Thrussell, Clark, Hunt, Akinyimika, Stephenson, London, Cowie, Riza (c), Norville, Shevchenko, Smithj

Unused subs: O.Akinyimika, Lamidi, Mcloughlin, Ali-Sticca, Brant (T).

Booked: Stephenson 25, Riza 80