WATFORD'S youngsters struggled to match the physicality and age of an experienced Ipswich team at Portman Road on Saturday (5 August).

The young side were pitched against an older Ipswich side in East Anglia and despite a decent first 30 minutes from the Hornets, a goal from the Tractor Boys in the 44th minute made sure the home side were in front going into the break.

A string of poor refereeing decisions in the second half affected the youngsters' concentration and the players paid the price for this on two more occasions as Ipswich went 3-0 ahead.

U17-19s manager Mark Warburton said: "We have to learn from that game - to stay focused, maintain concentration and ensure that we don't get punished for basic errors and mistakes again.

"A number of the players have performed well in the past few weeks" commented Warburton.

"But they started to look tired and jaded towards the end of that match.

"Due to some longer term injuries we are currently dealing with, we find ourselves with low squad numbers and that affects the whole team - physically and mentally."

WATFORD: Irving(gk); Yiadom, Lavers (Hemati 55), Penny (Murray 65), Fenwick, Thompson, Whichelow, Brooks, Otshudi (Rosier 55), Isaac, Mingoia. Subs not used: Hamilton.

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