Watford’s Under-18s got back to winning ways in Merit League One after goals from Ashley Charles, Michael Folivi and David Sesay helped the young Hornets complete a 3-1 win over Exeter City.

Charles fired the Golden Boys ahead in the sixth minute after he dribbled into the penalty area and finished accurately into the far corner.

The Grecians then pulled a goal back to level the contest but in first-half stoppage time, Michael Folivi found the net to restore Watford’s lead.

The Hornets dominated the second period but could only add one more goal to their total. It came when substitute Sesay prodded home after a goalmouth scramble.

Watford’s lead professional development coach David Horseman was pleased with his side’s clinical finishing during the contest.

“Our possession was good on what was a bit of a bobbly pitch, and we were very competitive and organised,” he told the club’s website.

“It was similar to the MK Dons game in that we had chance after chance, but fortunately this time we took one late on and ended up deserved 3-1 winners.”

“Another six Under-16s got some decent game-time, so it was a real young team,” he added. “Next year’s Under-18 team is looking like it’s going to be a good one.”

Watford Under-18s: Gartside; Rogers, Young, Rowan, Martin; Otudeko (Ryan, 60), Cook, Charles; Lewis, Folivi, Pereira (Johnson, 30 (Sesay, 75)).