Watford’s Under-18s suffered their third successive defeat as an inexperienced side were beaten 2-0 by Leyton Orient on Saturday.

Youth team coach Dave Hughes looked to have an eye on squad building for next season by fielding seven players from the Under-16 squad.

The Hornets had the first chance of the match as Il Myeong Choi played in Michael Folivi but his shot was saved by O’s goalkeeper Ben Bridle-Card.

The visitors to London Colney then went in front as Josh Uzun headed home against the run of play.

Orient added a second before the interval as a passing move ended with Freddy Moncur firing past Watford’s Shaun Rowley.

In the second period, the Hornets had more possession and managed to put the visiting defence under pressure.

Panos Armenakas shot wide and a deflected strike from Bobson Bawling forced Bridle-Card into a reaction save.

Watford goalkeeper Rowley made important stops to keep his side in the hunt as both Shola Oladipo and Sinclaire Sandy tested him from range.

With time ticking away it was Folivi who had the final opportunity. He burst into the box but saw his shot saved by Bridle-Card.

“The Under-16s play a different way to the older boys so they’ve come into a new system today," Hughes told the club website. 

“They have to adjust to that and come to terms with the way we play.

“Having said that, I have to say, Michael Folivi has played the last two or three games for us and has been brilliant.

“Coming into this environment is hard and to set standards of quality to the level that he has bodes very well for the future.”

The young Hornets will look to get back to winning ways when they take on Portsmouth on Saturday, April 5.

Watford: Rowley; Young, Rowan, Doherty; Bawling, Stewart, Choi (Martin, 63 (Otudeko, 82)), Makaka (Cook, 55), Mason; Folivi, Armenakas.

Unused substitutes: Wallen, Hall.