Troy Deeney played the first match since his release from prison as a Watford XI lost 3-1 to Queens Park Rangers Under-21s this afternoon.

Udinese loanee Steve Leo-Beleck scored for the Hornets as Fitz Hall and Stephen McGinn continued their recovery from injuries.

Deeney impressed during the first half before being substituted and Hall played 55 minutes with McGinn lasting 75.

QPR fielded a strong side, with Samba Diakite, DJ Campbell, Kieron Dyer and Shaun Derry all starting, and Rob Hulse coming on as a substitute.

Rangers took the lead when Campbell scored with the first of his side's two penalties after Michael Doughty was brought down, but the visitors replied before the interval through Beleck.

After the break, QPR took the lead with their second spot kick when Hulse was fouled and youngster Frankie Sutherland sent Jonathan Bond the wrong way.

Moments later Tom Hitchcock head in from close range to secure the victory at QPR's Harlington training ground.

QPR starting XI: Murphy, Sharif, Magri, Brown, Sutherland, Doughty, Dyer, Derry, Andrade, Hitchcock, Campbell.

Watford starting XI: Bond; Hodson, Hall, Hoban, Dickinson; McGinn, Smith, Chalobah; Beleck, Deeney, Forsyth.

Subs: Shnezel, Johnson, O'Nein, Bawling, Dillon, Hope.