Watford’s Under-18s sealed their first win in Youth South Alliance Merit League One after overcoming Southend United 3-0.

The Hornets had to withstand early pressure before taking the lead in the 12th minute of the contest.

A corner was swung into the Southend penalty area by Jacob Cook and Shrimpers defender Emmanuel Adeyeye and goalkeeper Josh Bexon both missed the ball which nestled in the net.

The hosts almost doubled their advantage seconds after the restart when Kunle Otudeko fired narrowly past the post.

Southend did threaten the Watford goal and Arie Ammann’s reflexes were tested by Brandon Scott.

However, the Hornets second goal of the contest soon arrived after another mistake by the visitors’ defence.

Shrimpers defender Joe Bedford slipped and that allowed Ogo Obi to collect the ball, run through  on goal and calmly finish.

In the second period, Obi missed a chance to add to his tally but the Hornets grabbed a third when Otudeko rifled a shot into the net after being teed up by Max Makaka, who then saved a goal by clearing off his own line.

The Golden Boys were able to see out the closing stages comfortably and collect the three points.

Watford: Ammann; Rowan, Stevens, Kyprianou; Eleftheriou, Cook, Otudeko (Charles 75), Makaka (Ryan 79), Mason; Pereira, Obi (Zaineddine 81)