Watford Under-21 coach Harry Kewell admits his side have a lot to work on after suffering a 6-2 defeat against Crystal Palace yesterday in Professional Development League 2 South.

The Australian was forced to name several of the club’s Under-18 players in the starting line-up as young professionals such as Tommie Hoban, Connor Smith and Bernard Mensah were absent - they could be included in the Watford squad for tonight’s Capital One Cup clash at Preston North End.

The Under-18s had faced Palace on Saturday and drawn 0-0. Several players from that side took to the field again two days later. Tiredness certainly played a factor in the comprehensive scoreline.

Palace broke the deadlock in the 13th minute through Keshi Anderson but the advantage was short-lived.

Moments after going ahead Hornets striker Michael Folivi was brought down in the area and Alex Jakubiak stroked home the spot kick.

Anderson restored the hosts’ lead midway through the opening 45 minutes and Aaron Bissaka tucked home Reise Allassani’s free-kick just before the interval.

Palace continued the scoring after the break. Anderson steered in a cross to complete his hat-trick before grabbing his fourth of the afternoon soon after.

The Eagles netted a sixth from the penalty spot through former Barnet loanee Connor Dymond before Jakubiak notched his second spot kick of the afternoon with eight minutes remaining.

Reflecting on the defeat Kewell, who played for Liverpool and Leeds United during his playing career, told Watford’s website: “They were quick in attack but it was just little mistakes [that cost us].

"Overall though I’m not too disappointed. There’s a lot to work on and I can’t wait to get in there. But you also must remember that we had six or seven 18-year-olds involved today that played on Saturday.”

He added: “All I asked was that if they gave me their all I would be happy. We got beaten by the better team but I’m fine with that because the lads gave everything they could have.”