Watford’s Under-21 side came back from two goals down to seal a 3-2 win over Gillingham and book a place in the last 16 of the Under-21 Premier League Cup.

On a freezing night at Vicarage Road, Gillingham led at the half time break thanks to an early goal Luke Norris.

The Gills doubled their lead moments after the restart when Aiden impressively fired a volley past Arie Ammann but Alex Jakubiak struck twice in four minutes to level the game.

Striker Michael Folivi netted a sumptuous strike from distance to complete the turnaround for the Hornets.

There were six players in Watford’s starting XI with first team experience – the most notable was midfielder Almen Abdi.

Ammann was in goal in front of a back four of Alfie Young, Tommie Hoban, Charlie Rowan and Josh Doherty.

Sean Murray, Abdi, George Byers, Connor Smith and Jakubiak made up the five-man midfield with Uche Ikpeazu, who is set to join Crewe Alexander on loan, up front.

Gillingham started brightly and broke the deadlock in the fifth minute of the contest. Hoban was forced to clear the ball for a corner which was taken by Blanchard. His delivery was headed back across goal and Norris was on hand to tap home at the back post.

The young Hornets reacted positively. Jakubiak won two corners, the second of which eventually led to Hoban nodding in from close range after Ikpeazu had been denied. However, the defender was deemed offside and the goal was ruled out.

The Gills quickly responded and only a fine save from Ammann, who got down low to push clear a Norris header, kept the deficit at one goal.

The Gills enjoyed the majority of possession in the opening half. Abdi was quiet in the opening exchanges and rarely just into positions where he could threaten the visitors defence, however, his influence grew as the half progressed.

Jakubiak was lively and swapped from the left flank to the right. He created a fine chance for the Hornets to level in the 28th minute.

The striker span away from his marker and played an accurate pass through to Ikpeazu. He collected and fired towards goal but Mahlon Romeo came across and did excellently to block.

Ikpeazu then wasted another chance to level. Abdi swung a corner into the six yard box, the striker held off his marker but could only direct his header from close range over the crossbar.

The powerful 19-year-old again came close in the closing stages of the half. Byers slotted a pass through and Ikpeazu’s low drive was push away by Morris.

Gillingham’s stopper was again tested before the break. A lofted pass was controlled by Smith and he lashed an effort towards goal. Morris was again alert and tipped the ball wide. It was the final chance of the opening period.

The Hornets made a half time change. Ikpeazu was replaced by Folivi, who has scored 20 goals for Watford’s Under-18s this season.

The Golden Boys started the game sluggishly and it was a similar story in the second period. Gillingham took advantage and doubled their lead.

A deep cross to the back post found Blanchard unmarked 15 yards out. With the ball dropping, he timed his volley perfectly and his shot flew past Ammann in the Hornets goal.

Watford hadn’t struggled to create opportunities and Jakubiak was denied by Morris after a neat pass from Folivi. Moments later the Hornets pulled a goal back. A defensive mix up allowed Jakubiak plenty of time in the Gills box and he comfortably finished.

Abdi was brought off on the hour mark and was replaced by Carl Stewart. Two minutes later, Watford levelled.

Folivi crossed low into the area and Jakubiak controlled. He held off his defender and toe poked the ball into the corner.

The Hornets then completed a ten-minute turnaround. Folivi collected a pass 30 yards out and unleashed an unstoppable shot past Morris. It was a tremendous strike.

Gillingham had faded as an attacking threat as the half progressed but Josh Staunton headed over a corner whilst Ammann comfortably saved from Josh Pritchard.

The visitors attempted to fight back late on but the Hornets marshalled the contest well.

Gills attacks were quickly snuffed out of halted by professional fouls up field - although Doherty was forced into an outstanding clearance at the back post. 

Four minutes were added but Watford weren't troubled. They saw out the contest and booked their spot in the next round of the competition. 

Watford Under-21: Ammann; Rowan, Hoban, Young, Doherty; Abdi (Stewart 60) Murray (Lewis 83), Byers; Smith, Jakubiak; Ikpeazu (Folivi HT).

Watford Under-21 substitutes: Gartside, Martin.

Gillingham Under-21: Morris. Hare, Romeo, Staunton, Davies (Dickenson 50), Linganzi (Cundle 83), Webster (Sellens 71) Blanchard, Norris, Pritchard, Freiter.

Gillingham Under-21 substitutes: Hadler, Bent.