Watford Under-21s took their unbeaten run to three games following a 3-1 win over Middlesbrough in Premier League Cup action at the Orbital Fasteners Stadium, with Shaq Forde’s opener followed up by a trialist brace in the second half.

A goalless first 45 saw very few clear-cut chances, before Forde’s opener two minutes after the restart set the tone for an explosive half of football, as Boro’s Sonny Finch equalised before the Hornets’ on-trial striker netted two in three minutes.

The PL Cup win takes the Young Hornets up to second in their group and in a qualifying spot, but one of Middlesbrough or West Bromwich Albion will move ahead of Omer Riza’s side after their final group game.

Typically a youthful side even at Under-21 level, Riza’s side contained two first-team squad players in winger Joseph Hungbo and left-back James Morris, and the former came closest to a first-half goal on two occasions, but Middlesbrough goalkeeper Max Metcalfe produced smart saves.

A well-worked counter-attack broke the deadlock in the second half, as Damani Hunter played an excellent through ball for Forde to convert.

Seven minutes later, the sides were level again, as Finch pounced at the back post to beat Vincent Angelini, but the score wouldn’t remain 1-1 for long.

A quickfire double from the trialist, both clinical finishes from close range, gave the Golden Boys breathing room, and left Riza with plenty to smile about as the encounter remained 3-1 until full-time.

“We’ve come off the back of three good results now,” reflected the Under-21 Lead Coach. “We’ve played West Brom, Huddersfield and Middlesbrough, and it was difficult, they’re a good side and consistent in what they do and we had to overcome that.

“It’s always a worry coming off the back of a lot of defeats to concede just after you’ve scored, but the boys felt they had the upper hand. We let ourselves down a little bit but the reaction to stay in the game and go and score two was really good.”

Reflecting on the year as a whole with 2023 around the corner, Riza has been pleased with the progress of his group.

“We’ve had a tough period in the first half of the season but the boys have learned to adjust and have taken a lot on board,” added Riza. “The proof of that was in today’s performance. I’m really happy for the boys, they’ll do a light recovery and then they’re off for a few days. They can enjoy Christmas off the back of a good result.”