Watford season ticket holders gained free entry to the Hornets’ Under-21s match against Queens Park Rangers this evening. They certainly got more than their money’s worth. Those who attended were rewarded with six goals, which were equally shared, and an impressive comeback from the Golden Boys.

The 3-3 scoreline tells its own story. It was a game that swung back and forth from the opening whistle.

The Hornets have often played inexperienced sides at Under-21 level this season. Tonight’s starting XI was anything but.

Senior internationals Alessandro Diamanti and Victor Ibarbo started and they were supporting summer signing Obbi Oulare who led the attack Watford could’ve taken the lead in the opening minute of the contest. Diamanti knocked a pass over the Rangers defence for Oulare.

The Belgium Under-21 international rounded goalkeeper Alex Smithies, took a touch and directed a shot towards goal. Fortunately for the visitors, Arlind Ajeti scrambled onto the goal line and blocked the striker’s effort.

Young full-back David Sesay then flashed a shot across goal before Ibarbo curled a 20-yard strike inches wide of the post.

The Colombian international demonstrated his pace moments later as he led a Watford counter attack. Ibarbo clipped a pass to Carl Stewart who knocked the ball back to Connor Smith.

The Irishman had plenty of time to pick his spot but he directed his shot narrowly over the crossbar.

Rangers hadn’t offered much of a threat going forward until that point but, with their first real attack, they broke the deadlock.

A deep cross into the Watford penalty area was knocked down by Sebastian Polter and Aaron Mitchell was on hand to collect the ball and direct a shot past Nathan Garside.

The R’s almost doubled their lead seconds later as a long pass over the Hornets defence saw Michael Petrasso race onto the ball.

Gartside came sprinting out of his goal but got nowhere near collecting and former Leyton Orient loanee Petrasso lifted a shot over the Watford goalkeeper and towards goal.

The ball appeared to bounce over the line but Alfie Young hooked it clear and play continued.

However, Rangers didn’t have to wait long for a second. Petrasso was the provider as his low cross was turned home by Polter from close range.

In the second period Watford attempted to press higher up the pitch and they carved out a clear-cut chance.

Oulare was put through on goal and Smithies raced out of his area to narrow the angle.

The powerful striker attempted to clip the ball over the Rangers stopper but only directed the shot comfortable wide.

Rangers soon came close to a third as a deep cross was met by Petrasso at the back-post and the tricky winger dragged his shot wide of the target.

Diamanti then demonstrated his prowess from set-pieces. The Italian international stepped up to a free-kick 25 yards out and whipped his effort over the wall but against the crossbar.

But just after the hour mark Watford pulled a goal back. Ibarbo sprung clear of the Rangers backline, brought the ball onto his right foot and struck a shot past Smithies via a deflection.

Watford thought they’d scored an equaliser minutes later when Ibarbo’s pass allowed Diamanti time to lob Smithies but the goal was rightly ruled-out for offside.

But just as Watford were building up a head of steam they conceded a third goal. Petrasso was again the creator as his pass allowed substitute Axel Prohouly room to fire a shot across goal and into the corner.

The Hornets, however, hit back instantly. Oulare broke through and was brought down in the penalty area by Cole Kpekawa. A penalty was awarded.

Alex Jakubiak, who had moments earlier replaced Young, dispatched the spot kick with ease. The introduction of Jakubiak had livened up Watford’s attack and, three minutes after pulling a goal back, the striker netted an equaliser.

Patient build-up play saw Diamanti flick the ball to Ibarbo, his shot rattled against the post but rebounded to Jakubiak who tucked home his second of the evening.

Rangers’ consistent threat, Petrasso, fired over in the closing minutes before Diamanti stung the palms of Smithies with another testing free-kick.

The Italian midfielder then whipped a shot from the edge of the penalty area inches wide as Watford searched for a winning goal.

From the resultant goal kick the referee blew for full-time. The game ended level.

Watford Under-21s: Gartside; Sesay, Johnson, Young (Jakubiak 69), Doherty; Smith, Byers, Stewart (Charles 54), Ibarbo; Diamanti, Oularé (Mensah 78).

Watford Under-21 substitutes: Thomas, Hall.

QPR Under-21s: Smithies, Kakay (Komodikis), Kpekawa, Ajeti, Suk-Young, Mitchell, Comley, Corkery (Prohouly), Hamalainen (Grego-Cox) , Petrasso, Polter.

QPR Under-21 substitutes: Brzozowski.