Diego Fabbrini’s double ensured a strong Watford XI came from behind to beat Royston Town 3-1 last night and progress into the third round of the Herts Senior Cup.

Fabbrini has not played for the first team since September but the Italy international impressed at the Southern League Division One Central club’s Garden Walk ground.

The 24-year-old scored two goals in three minutes midway through the first half to pull it back to 2-1 before hot-shot academy striker Michael Folivi made it 23 goals for the season in the final minute.

Usually the Golden Boys name an Under-18s side in the Herts Senior Cup but last night seven professionals were included in the XI. Rene Gilmartin, Tommie Hoban, who captained the side, Sean Murray and Connor Smith were among those who featured.

Dennon Lewis scored a brace for the Hornets’ Under-18s on Saturday and he was twice denied by Royston goalkeeper Yates early on.

But Kaan Fehmi, who had already narrowly missed, opened the scoring on 18 minutes when he slid in to reach Jack Bradshaw’s fine cross.

Fabbrini equalised with a low finish following good work by Lewis down the left and his strike from the corner of the area made it 2-1 soon after.

The pitch was not in the best condition but it didn’t stop the former Empoli forward from impressing and he almost grabbed a hat-trick early in the second period.

Gilmartin ensured the Golden Boys retained their lead 12 minutes before the end with a save from close range and then Folivi rounded off the victory with an impressive finish.

Royston: Yates; Bradshaw, Collins, Bridges, McDevitt, Theobold, Wharton, Nightingale, Fehmi, Watters, Dobson. Subs: Ingrey, Endacott, Lockett, Kilgallon, Powell.

Watford: Gilmartin; Kyprianou (Stevens 70), Hoban, Rowan, Doherty; Smith, Murray (Folivi), Byers; Martin, Fabbrini, Lewis. Subs not used: Gartside, Stewart, Otudeko.