Two late goals saw Watford’s Under-18s suffer a 2-0 defeat against Leyton Orient in their Youth Alliance South East Division opener on Saturday.

Christian Owusu netted for the O’s in the 80th minute before their victory was secured when Victor Adeboyejo struck in the closing stages.

The two sides traded early chances. Sandro Semedo sent a shot into the side netting for Orient before Hornets striker Michael Folivi was denied by Ben Card.

Semedo then fired over twice in quick succession before Watford goalkeeper Shaun Rowley saved from Freddy Moncur.

After the interval, the Hornets improved. Mahlando Martin’s close-range effort was stopped by Card who then again denied the midfielder.

The match seemed to be heading for a draw but, with ten minutes remaining, Orient struck as Owusu raced through and, despite Rowley getting a touch on the shot, the ball bounced over the line.

It was 2-0 soon after. Montel Ageymang spotted the run of Adeboyejo who collected a pass and slotted in.

Dennon Lewis thought he had grabbed a late consolation for Watford in stoppage time but his effort was ruled out for offside.

Watford: Rowley; Young, Hall, Rowan, Kyprianou; Makaka, Stewart, Choi (Otudeko 60 (Rosenthal 75)), Martin; Folivi, Lewis.