An early Abbie Lafayette goal on her full Watford debut put the Hornets ahead on their travels against London City Lionesses, but the hosts recovered and claimed all three points in a 3-2 defeat for Damon Lathrope’s side in Dartford.

Wing-back Lafayette, who arrived in the summer from Ipswich Town, found the target on 16 minutes before the Lionesses hit back through Connie Scofield and then took the lead themselves with a Danielle Carter strike before half-time.

A mix-up in defence allowed Chaney Boye-Hlorkah to double London City’s advantage in the first 10 minutes of the second half, and though the Golden Girls reduced the deficit through Carly Johns’ second goal in as many games, they were ultimately unable to claim a share of the spoils.

Starting the game on the back foot, the Hornets grew in confidence on the ball and responded quickly to early chances for the hosts.

Debutants Michelle Agyemang and Katie Reid were handed starts, with fellow Arsenal dual-signing Laila Harbert named on the substitutes’ bench.

Agyemang looked bright in the early stages and had two shots on goal, with her first attempt cleared off the line after goalkeeper Grace Moloney got a vital hand to the ball.

Another of Agyemang’s chances was deflected to the left flank minutes later, teeing up Lafayette to drill home at the near post for a deserved lead.

The advantage was short-lived however as Scofield slotted in an equaliser on the 20-minute mark, with the home side going ahead through summer signing Carter six minutes later with a powerful strike.

Gunners youngster Agyemang took a heavy tackle five minutes before the break and was replaced by Bianca Baptiste, putting a premature end to a bright debut in yellow.

Put under pressure in the holding midfield role, Sophie McLean’s pass fell into the path of Boye-Hlorkah, who lofted the ball over Olivia Clark and in with the Watford goalkeeper off her line.

Lucía León’s threaded pass set up Johns to halve London City’s lead in a quick response, commencing 30 minutes of Watford pressure at Princes Park.

Baptiste went close on two occasions, with one clear-cut chance heading goalward only for a last-ditch block. Lionesses captain Lois Joel then made a crucial defensive contribution, denying Harbert a shot on goal.

Goalscorer Johns had the final attempt deep into eight minutes of added time when she lashed an effort just wide with both sides packed into the hosts’ box, confirming a first defeat of the new season for Watford.

The Golden Girls are set for another away trip next weekend to face Charlton Athletic, searching for their first victory of the campaign.