Watford Under-21s suffered a disappointing 2-0 defeat at Coventry City this afternoon.

Harry Kewell's side struggled to threaten their hosts at the Ricoh Arena as their poor form in Professional Development League Two continued.

Tommie Hoban stepped up his comeback from hip and groin injuries as the defender played the first 45 minutes of the game.

Hoban played alongside Joel Ekstrand, who has missed most of the last year with cruciate ligament damage, in the centre of defence with the pair both hoping to improve their fitness following injury layoffs. 

Ola Adeyemo started up front after recently signing a contract with the Hornets after impressing on trial.

Watford goalkeeper Nathan Gartside did well to keep out Ruben Lameires' low strike.

The Hornets went close through captain George Byers but his effort was blocked by goalkeeper Corey Addai.

George Thomas fired the hosts into the lead before the break with a superb strike from the edge of the area.

Coventry almost made it 2-0 but Lameiras fired against the post.

The Sky Blues hit the woodwork again in the second half through Dion Kelly-Evans.

Watford's best chance fell to Byers in the 75th minute but his acrobatic effort flew past the far post.

Coventry sealed victory shortly afterwards when Jordan Shipley's shot was saved and Kyle Spence tapped in the rebound. 

Watford: Gartside; Lewis, Ekstrand (Johnson, 72), Hoban (Hall, 45), Young; Murray, Byers, Stewart, Mensah; Jakubiak, Adeyemo.