A Watford XI beat Charlton Athletic Under-21s 3-0 in a friendly at London Colney this afternoon.

The returning Nyron Nosworthy and young strikers Uche Ikpeazu and Bernard Mensah scored the goals.

A total of 23 players were given minutes, including youngsters from the Hornets' Under-18 squad.

West Bromwich Albion loanee George Thorne played the first half while Nosworthy was introduced during the opening 45 minutes.

Watford were unable to break the deadlock in the first period. Fernando Forestieri had a back heel blocked and Troy Deeney was unable to beat goalkeeper Nick Pope from close range.

Diego Fabbrini then created a chance for Deeney but the Hornets striker was only able to send his shot wide of the post.

There were ten changes at the interval with only Nosworthy remaining from the first half.

And the centre-back put Watford in front as he headed home a Lewis McGugan corner five minutes after the restart.

Charlton came close to equalising as Joe Piggot and Adebayo Azeez both saw efforts hit the post.

But the Hornets made sure they were victorious with two goals in the final 20 minutes.

Ikpeazu exchanged passes with Mensah before he powered through to score and then Mensah rounded the goalkeeper before slotting in from a tight angle.

First half Watford XI: Almunia; Belkalem (Nosworthy), Ekstrand, Cassetti; Faraoni, Thorne, McEachran, Pudil; Fabbrini, Deeney, Forestieri.

Second half Watford XI: Woods; Nosworthy, Hall, Kyprianou; Barnum-Bobb, McGugan, Iriney, Martin (Rosenthal, 67); Acuna, Ikpeazu, Mensah.