Hornets youth coach Dave Hughes was pleased with his team's perseverance and ruthlessness as Watford Under-18s thumped Stevenage 4-0 on Saturday.

The young Golden Boys created good chances in the first half but they didn't take the lead until the 66th minute when Tom Rosenthal found the top corner.

That sparked a flurry of goals as Josh Doherty converted from the penalty spot after Dennon Lewis was fouled before Lewis then added a third himself with a neat lob and captain Jorell Johnson headed home a fourth.

“The football we played in the first half was exceptional – we dominated possession and had some good chances but didn’t capitalise," Hughes told the official club website.

“In the second half we were very ruthless and converted our chances, and I think the lads can be really pleased.

“We passed the ball really well but the most pleasing factor was how quickly we pressed when we lost possession, and how quickly we tried to win the ball back as early as we could.”

Hughes added: "The perseverance, desire and determination to keep doing the same things, and not start chasing the situation because we hadn’t scored, I thought was exceptional."