Brice Dja Djedje again showed his credentials - even as a centre-midfield player - despite Watford Under-23s' 2-0 defeat at Charlton this afternoon.

Karlan Ahearne-Grant and Tarique Anderson settled the game in six first-half minutes, as they were beaten for the third league game in succession.

The Ivorian international turned provider for most of the Hornets' chances in South London but Charlton's fleet-footed forwards had the final say, showing a clinical touch in front of goal.

Watford should have pulled a goal back in added time, but Randell Williams, who had earlier just missed a Djedje cross, somehow did likewise from Dion Pereira's fine delivery.

The confidence built from Watford's win at Southampton in the Premier League Cup last week was evident from kick-off at Greenwich Borough.

Williams' first miss saw him just fail to connect with a Djedje free-kick, before Max Ryan headed another set piece from the former Marseille man over the bar.

The natural defender, who has complained of being frozen out of Watford's first team, was again in impressive form throughout after netting in that win at Southampton last time out.

Charlton's pace would prove increasingly troublesome to the visitors and Ahearne-Grant finished off their first real chance with an effort with such power Sam Howes could only palm it into the corner for the opener.

That real burst of power let the Addicks in for a second before the break, as Joy Mukena's misplaced pass was rapidly played forward and Anderson swept home.

Dion Pereira finally forced a save just as the half drew to a close, and after the restart Williams had an effort turned round the post.

But that improvement would only prove temporary, before Charlton regained their rhythm and made Howes keep out two shots in quick succession.

Djedje could have got his side back in the game but smacked an effort at Dillon Phillips in the final half-hour, before Williams missed another cross from Pereira with moments to go.

Watford Under-23s: Howes; Ryan, Rowan, Mukena; Eleftheriou, Stewart, Djèdjè, Mason; Pereira; Williams, Bradbury (Folivi 61).

Not used: Lacy, Rogers, Sesay, Charles.