Watford’s Under-18s made it two games unbeaten with a 2-1 victory against Wigan Athletic on the road, as Michael Adu-Poku and Prince Sikiru etched their names onto the scoresheet.

In the second match of the season, the Young Hornets were slow out of the blocks as the Latics notched the first of the encounter. Watford would remain composed and on the half-hour mark they levelled the score as Adu-Poku converted from the spot after being brought down.

Following the interval, Watford wasted no time in maintaining their dominance on the ball as Sikiru scored what would be the all-important winner, tapping home from close range after a Charlie Davis strike was parried into his path.

Recently-appointed Under-18 Lead Coach Charlie Daniels was pleased with how his side played against a tricky Wigan outfit.

“The first 15 minutes were a bit scrappy and the game was a fight, which I explained to the players before the game was a possibility,” said Daniels.

“We tried to weather the storm, but unfortunately, they got the first goal and we could’ve done better to avoid that. From when they scored though, we were in total control. We kept the ball really well and found our wing-backs in really good positions and we created lots of chances in open play. It meant we deserved the penalty and the goal, which Michael Adu-Poku took well.

“In the second half, from minute one, we continued that domination in possession. We started playing some really nice, intricate football. When the substitutes came on throughout the half they didn’t look out of place and they excelled our performance, if anything, which was a pleasing sign for me.

“We got our second through a set-play, something that we have been working on for the last few weeks and it’s pleasing to see it come out in a game.”

The Under-18s boss wants his players to remain at this high level throughout the upcoming season.

“Of course, it is important to get the victory, but for us it is important to see them progressing as a person, as well as a player,” he explained.

“On the flip side of that we do need to pick up points and it’s really pleasing that we have started unbeaten. If it wasn’t for a late goal in our first match, it would’ve been two consecutive wins.

“I’m really pleased with how they have started, but it’s just the start and there is a long way to go in the season. It’s been a very good start so far and we want them to keep it up.”

Following the departure of previous Lead Coach Tom Hart, Daniels was appointed as his successor having been around the club and the Under-18 side as an assistant for almost a year.

The former Bournemouth full-back is excited about the future and is looking forward to putting his own tactical stamp on the Academy side.

“I’m really enjoying working with the Under-18s,” Daniels continued. “Ever since I came in, everyone at the club has made me feel really welcome and I have learnt a lot from Tom [Hart] before he departed.

“I feel like I’m now ready to take it on as my first full-time role. I’ve been really pleased with how it has worked out, how the players have responded to my sessions, the way I want them to play and how I want them to improve as a player.

“For me, we want to play progressively – forward passes, forward runs, creating chances and getting into the opposition’s box as much as possible. I want us to be very athletic, energetic and intelligent footballers as well. I want players to be adaptable in games and listen to the words that I’m saying. I’m really looking forward to seeing how the future goes.”

Daniels has set out his expectations for the campaign ahead and is hoping to see as many players as possible stepping up the age groups within the Academy.

“The lads have been so good, and the players have been so responsive with what we are trying to teach them,” he added.

“Especially with the first-year scholars coming in, they have had to adapt to full-time football, and I’ve felt that they have had a really good pre-season which is showing in how many are playing for the Under-18s and how well we are doing.

“If we can get as many players as we can playing Under-21s football, that will be really good for us. On the flipside, if we can do better than we did last year in the league, that’s also a positive. For us, it is about progression and development.”