Watford

1

Cambridge United

3

James Morris found the target, but two quick-fire goals just after half-time were the difference in Watford’s first pre-season friendly of the summer against Cambridge United, with the match ending 3-1 to the visitors.

United’s Harvey Knibbs netted the only goal of the first half at the Hornets’ London Colney training ground, before the much-changed Golden Boys side conceded two Joe Ironside goals swiftly after the break.

Morris met a low Kiko Femenía cross midway through the second 45 to score Watford’s first goal of pre-season and give the hosts momentum for the remainder of the match, but Cambridge were able to retain their two-goal lead.

The likes of Maduka Okoye and Vakoun Bayo played their first games for Watford, with the latter nearly equalising 20 minutes in.

Jeremy Ngakia went close to capping off a mazy run too, beating two players before drilling a shot at goal.

In the second period Kwadwo Baah had a shot parried, alongside fellow substitute Adrian Blake, whose teasing shot was saved by goalkeeper Will Mannion.

Valuable minutes stand youngsters Blake, Morris, JJ McKiernan, Adian Manning, Scott Holding and Tobi Adeyemo in good stead also, having all received gametime from Head Coach Rob Edwards.

Focus quickly turns to the Hornets’ pre-season retreat to Austria now, which begins on Tuesday (July 5), before more friendly fixtures in preparation for the 2022/23 Sky Bet Championship season.

Line-Up

Watford:

Starting XI: Okoye (GK) (Bachmann 45’), Bayo (Baah HT, Adeyemo 85’), Cathcart (Morris 60’), Cukur (João Pedro HT, Blake 75’), Dele-Bashiru (Masina 60’), Gosling (McKiernan 45’), Kabasele (Holding 60’), Kamara (Hungbo HT), Manning (Kayembe HT), Ngakia (Femenía HT), Samir (Pollock HT)

Goal: Morris 68’

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