WATFORD'S second string found their shooting boots yesterday (Thursday) at Roots Hall as they beat Southend United 5-1 with Lewis Young firing a hat-trick.

The Academy graduate opened the scoring on eight minutes as he cut in from the left and fired a shot past the home goalkeeper.

In recent weeks the 'Orns have often not be rewarded for their possession, but they took their chances at Roots Hall in this totesport.com combination fixture.

The second was added just after the hour mark as Lee Cox put past his own 'keeper after Liam Henderson crossed into the middle.

Young grabbed his second of the game and Watford's third just before the break. He fired past Nathan McDonald after Henderson's cross.

The pressure continued after the break as the Hornets made it 4-0.

Young grabbed his hat-trick on 55 minutes, finishing off from the penalty spot.

The Shrimpers grabbed a goal back on 70 minutes as Rhys Henry shot past Stuart Searle in the Watford goal.

The final strike came on 83 minutes as captain Jordan Parkes hit a 25 yard shot that flew in past McDonald.

WATFORD: Searle; Thompson, Parkes (c), Oshodi, Angus; Bryan, Brooks, Penny, Young (Otshudi 85), Henderson (Mingoia 77), Sordell (Whichelow 68). Subs: Antal (gk), Isaac.

BOOKINGS: WATFORD; Parkes.

SENDINGS OFF: WATFORD; none.

GOALS: WATFORD; Young (8, 41, 55), OG, Parkes (85).

REFEREE: J Hopkins.