Jack Grieves' first-half header earned Watford Under-21s a hard-fought victory over Coventry City in the PL Professional Development League.

The striker rose superbly to power home Leo Ramirez-Espain's corner in the 28th minute at London Colney, with first team Interim Head Coach Tom Cleverley among those watching on.

Charlie Daniels' young Hornets had chances to add to the score but also did well to weather Coventry pressure at the other end as they secured a valuable clean sheet.

For Daniels the result was particularly pleasing after three defeats in a row without a goal, including losing 5-0 to both Swansea City and Sheffield United.

“Ultimately after the last few weeks what we were looking for was a defensive display and a togetherness to really stop leaking goals, and I think we really saw that today,” Daniels said to watfordfc.com.

“For the clean sheet, everyone had to graft, everyone had to knuckle down and what it brought off the back of that was chances.

“If we scored a couple more it would have made life a little bit easier, but all in all it was a very good performance.”

Jake Watkiss impressed in the early going for Watford and forced a good low save from Coventry keeper Luke Bell.

Grieves then ran across the box and fired over before a trialist forward deflected an effort wide from close range.

A flowing move on 17 minutes saw Watkiss send Grieves away on the wing, but the trialist was unable to turn home his low cross.

Watkiss was forced off with an injury shortly afterwards but the hosts then struck with Grieves’ aerial effort.

Coventry sought to respond with Bradley Stretton deflecting a shot which could have been awkward for Alfie Marriott, before the Hornets keeper was able to save.

The Sky Blues enjoyed a strong spell after the re-start with Demi Lusala bending one shot over the bar.

Watford weathered the storm to ensure that Marriott was not really tested, before taking the ascendancy again in the closing stages.

The trialist teed up Zak Fraser-Grante for a shot which was well saved by Bell, before the former stung the palms of the keeper.

Two further chances then arrived for the trialist, who firstly got too close to Bell before shooting which meant his effort smashed into the keeper’s chest.

He then cut inside and forced the Coventry keeper into a diving stop as the match ticked away.

At the other end, there was still time for a stoppage time scare as Coventry’s substitute trialist angled a shot across goal and only just wide.

“It was a really good header from Jack,” Daniels said on the winning goal.

“It was probably the hardest chance we had today and Jack took it, which just shows his quality that he possesses. I’m really pleased for him.

“I think we defended really well, I think the back four was good. I thought Alfie Marriott in goal was very good. We blocked shots and when it did come through to him it was a nice pick up.

“All in all, it was a good defensive display and on the ball we created a lot of chances, so it was a good day.”