Berkhamsted were narrowly beaten in each of two friendlies against Kings Langley and a Watford XI as their pre-season preparations continued.

The Comrades were downed by a Matt Bateman goal at Broadwater on Saturday, before a pair of early goals from Jabril Adudeji gave a young Hornets side a lead they would not relinquish on Tuesday.

Ashton Campbell pulled a goal back against Watford before half-time, but despite a bright performance, they could not find an equaliser.

They began their week with the visit of Kings, who will play their football two leagues above them this season, and new signings Dan Jones and Campbell, deployed up front, enjoyed bright games.

Connor Calcutt went close for Kings in the first half, hitting the corner of post and bar, but it was Bateman’s second-half goal after a scramble in the six-yard box which would prove the difference.

Watford brought a youthful side to Berkhamsted three days later, and showed their exuberance from the off with Adudeji netting twice in the opening ten minutes.

His first was a back-post header after peeling off The Comrades’ defence, before smashing in an effort from an acute angle for a second.

Midway through the opening period the score was halved by Campbell, who rounded off a good move with a far-post finish.

The hosts passing football kept them in the game – and they nearly levelled the score from a Campbell volley.