Joao Pedro played his first 90 minutes in a Watford shirt as he took part in a thrilling 3-3 draw for the Under-23s against Charlton Athletic.

The Brazilian helped set up one of the young Hornets' three goals and almost added his name to the score sheet as well in a display that impressed academy manager Richard Thomas.

"João did some great stuff and you see exactly what qualities he has," said Thomas.

"He turns people inside out and once he learns he just needs to beat someone once and put it on a plate for someone, he'll rack up his goals and his assists. But he showed moments where you go, 'That's why he's here'. He just needs to adjust to the level and the environment."

Watford took the lead in the game through Sam Dalby before they twice had to come from behind courtesy of goals from Cameron Green and Ryan Cassidy to earn a draw.

With the Hornets conceding three goals before half-time, Thomas said he gave his players a stern talking to at the break and was pleased with their reaction.

"We tried to change some things and get some messages across," he said.

"We were casual and complacent and we needed an intensity about us. We have got some good players here and teams struggle to keep up with us when we move the ball cleanly and efficiently when we are switched on and focused. You are going to come second if you don't switch on and the first half proved that. The response was excellent.

"We've spoke a lot about clean sheets lately and the fact we can't keep any has been a part of our focus. Going 45 minutes without conceding a goal second half is something to cling to and take forward. We are conceding too many and we've got to do something about that."