Two goals from Victor Ibarbo helped Watford Under-21s record a comfortable 3-1 victory over Colchester United Under-21s at London Colney this afternoon.

The Colombia international started the Under-21 Professional Development League 2 South game and netted either side of half time after young striker Alex Jakubiak had opened the scoring.

Ibarbo was one of two overage players in the Hornets starting XI, the other being midfielder Connor Smith.

The opening period was one of few chances but the Golden Boys were clinical when opportunities were created.

Ibarbo carved out an opening for Jakubiak following a powerful run forward but the striker saw his effort from 12 yards tipped over by Colchester goalkeeper Dillon Barnes.

However, the Under-21s’ top scorer did get his name on the scoresheet soon after. Jakubiak collected a pass from Smith just inside his half and sprinted towards goal.

He shifted the ball onto his right foot and drilled his shot under Barnes and into the corner. The Hornets striker has scored nine goals in his last seven games.

Ten minutes after going in front the Golden Boys added a second goal. Ibarbo received the ball on the left flank, moved into the penalty area and slotted his shot past former Barnet youngster Barnes.

Watford led by two goals at the interval but their advantage was halved shortly after the restart as Kieran Bailey tucked the ball home from close range.

Ibarbo was more influential in the second period and his pace caused the Colchester defence countless problems.

The 25-year-old was first denied by Barnes after being put through on goal before he scored his second of the contest after his curled effort took a deflection and looped over the U’s stopper.

Jakubiak and substitute Mahlondo Martin came close to adding a fourth but their respective efforts were off target and saved.

Watford goalkeeper Nathan Gartside was largely untested until the final minutes of the second period.

A late free-kick from substitute Byron Lawrence had Gartside scampering across goal but the midfielder’s free-kick ended in the side netting.

The Watford goalkeeper then smothered a shot from point blank range, saved well from Louis Dunne and tipped a shot from Femi Akinwande to ensure the Hornets clinched victory. 

Watford Under-21s: Gartside; Sesay (Lewis 70), Young, Johnson, Mason; Byers, Stewart; Ibarbo, Smith (Mensah 82), Charles (Martin 62); Jakubiak.

Watford Under-21s substitutes: Rowan, Trialist.