Under-17: Defeat For Hornets In Professional Development League Cup Final

Watford Under-17s missed out in the final of the Professional Development League Cup as Fleetwood Town claimed a 3-2 victory at their Highbury ground.

All five goals were scored in a chaotic first half and the Hornets could not find a route back after the break.

The visitors made the breakthrough inside 10 minutes after a through-ball from Amin Nabizada looked to find Kristian Shevchenko, who entered a foot-race with Fleetwood keeper Ollie Bellizia.

The ball ran past the home stopper and Shevchenko collected before cutting back inside and firing home a finish.

Reece Wilkes equalised for the hosts with a strike into the bottom corner after a cutback from Jack Doherty, and the Cod Army went in front when Conor Haughey headed home Liam Roberts’ free-kick.

The topsy-turvy half continued when Shevchenko turned provider for captain Zavier Massiah-Edwards, who finished well into the top of the net.

But Watford conceded again before the end of the half as Roberts dashed inside before finishing well at the near-post.

Fleetwood enjoyed the better of the chances after the restart as previous sunny conditions made way for a chilly evening.

A short corner routine was worked onto the post and Roberts should have converted from close range following a Wilkes cross.

Sam Morris denied Roberts with a good save with his feet at the near post, and Fleetwood captain Pele Smith fizzed a volley just wide.

Watford’s chance came and went right at the death when Massiah-Edwards got in and behind following a long ball but volleyed off-target.

“It was a game where I don't think we showcased our full ability," Adam Balletta, who took the team, said to watfordfc.com.

“We never quite got everything ticking together.

“Ultimately we're disappointed that we didn't get over the line.

“They have to learn from the experience and learn to manage the occasion.

“We do need to find a way to get over the line in these competitions because that's where we want to be.”