Watford Under-21s saw their four-game unbeaten run ended as they went down 4-1 to Ipswich at their at Playford Road training ground this afternoon.

The young Hornets had not lost since late August, but this defeat means they drop two places to sixth in the Premier League Development League South table.

Ipswich moved above them as a result of today’s victory, while Bristol leapt from fifth to third courtesy of a 1-0 win over second-placed QPR earlier this afternoon.

In the 13th minute confusion in the home side’s defence presented Aidan Coyne with a chance but he shot over the target.

Midway through the first half James Collins let fly from the edge of the box, forcing a fine save from Town keeper Henry Gray.

However, it was the home side who took the lead five minutes before the break when Leon Ayinde ran onto a through-ball and tucked away the chance.

Ipswich doubled their lead in the 55th minute when Matty Roberts shifted right and then sent a low shot into the corner of the net.

The home side had the ball in the net again on the hour mark but Harry Barbrook’s effort from a rebound was ruled out for offside.

With just more than 20 minutes left, Watford pulled a goal back when Josh Mullins hammered home a half-volley following a scramble in the penalty area.

But any hopes of salvaging something were extinguished in the 74th minute when Ashley Boatswain’s header finished off good approach work by Roberts.

Ipswich then added a fourth in the 84th minute when Nico Valentine was sent clear and calmly slotted home.

The hosts has Dan O'Connor sent off for a foul in stoppage time.

Watford: Macaulay; Eames (Balogun 82), Trialist, Gaspar, Mullins, Stallard, Adu-Poku (Lawson 75), Coyne (Gould 75), Collins, Davis, Watkiss (Nabizada 75). Sub not used: Ortelli