Hayden Mullins hailed Watford Under-23’s character and determination after an injury-time winner ensured they maintained their 100 per cent start to the campaign with a 2-1 victory against Sheffield United last night.

The young Hornets had swept aside Hull City 5-0 in their opening game at Vicarage Road last week, but more battling qualities were required at Chesterfield’s Proact Stadium as trialist Kaylen Hinds netted the late second goal after Joseph Hungbo’s opener had been cancelled out.

“The character they showed, the way they played and determination they showed was brilliant, absolutely excellent,” lead Under-23 coach Mullins told the club website. “There are loads of bits we can get better at and improve but the result was very good.”

Mullins continued: “Every game is going to be different. You are not going to control a game and have 80 per cent possession. Sheffield United are a very good side with some good players and they played a high press game and tries to get after us.

“We weren’t at it at the start if I’m honest, but we tidied things up and believed in ourselves a bit more.”

The young Hornets took the lead when former Crystal Palace youngster Hungbo finished from close range after the Blades keeper had been unable to gather the ball after the Hornets had attacked at pace.

Sammy Omperon equalised for the hosts when he fired past Adam Parkes, but Watford won it in stoppage time when former Arsenal forward Hinds finished after a cross had reached him at the back post.

Watford Under-23: Parkes; Balogun, Barrett, Hudson, Gordon; Hungbo, Whelan, Phillips, Bennetts (Wise 79); Trialist, Dalby. Subs not used: Adebiyi, Hoskins, Green, Crichlow.