Laken Torres’ late brace powered Watford’s Under-21s to an impressive 4-1 win over Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division side Tring Athletic in the second round of the Hertfordshire Senior Cup.

The Young Hornets - who last won the competition in 2003/04, and lost to eventual champions Berkhamsted in the semi-finals last season - enjoyed plenty of possession in the early stages at the Michael Anthony Stadium, but struggled to carve out a succession of clear-cut chances and threaten Josh Ameganyi in goal.

The game opened up after half-time however, and just four minutes into the second period James Collins reacted first to nudge the visitors in front after Ameganyi had parried Charlie Davis’ initial effort from range.

Tring refused to be deterred by that setback, and fewer than 10 minutes later they were back on level terms when Max Hercules expertly lobbed Jonathan Macaulay after neat play in the middle by Frankie Hercules.

But Watford kept their composure and with 25 minutes left they were back in front, the lively Zavier Massiah-Edwards - who made a positive impact off the bench in the Under-18s’ FA Youth Cup defeat to Manchester City on Tuesday - beating his man and slotting in to make it 2-1.

Both teams continued to produce chances until the Golden Boys were afforded the opportunity to seal victory in added time, when sub Kristian Shevchenko was felled in the 18-yard box. Torres duly dispatched the subsequent penalty kick, before the 18-year-old put further gloss on the scoreline with a cool finish close to the death.

The win represents a positive end to 2023 for Charlie Daniels’ side, who are now set to travel to Hertford Town of the Southern League Division One Central in the quarter-finals of the cup in the New Year.