Watford Under-21s overcame the second-half dismissal of recent signing James Clarridge on his debut to claim a 1-0 away win at league leaders QPR last night.

The former England youth international, who joined from Nottingham Forest at the start of this month, was dismissed for a second bookable offence but the young Hornets still went on to win the game courtesy of a goal from Michael Adu-Poku in the first half at Hanwell Town.

It gave Watford back-to-back league victories, this one coming against a Rangers side that had only lost twice before last night and which included first-team defenders Osman Kakay and Aaron Drewe.

The game also marked the return of striker Tobi Adeyemo, who has been sidelined for most of the season so far – he came on for the final 20 minutes.

Laken Torres saw the home keeper Harry Cant save his 16th-minute shot before Favour Fawunmi curled an effort just wide.

The Hornets scored what turned out to be the winner after 27 minutes when they broke quickly and counter-attacked in a move that ended with Adu-Poku firing into the top corner.

Jonathan Macaulay saved well from Harry Murphy just before the interval, and QPR  threatened early in the second half when Fawunmi fired wide.

Clarridge was sent off in the 55th minute but the Hornets dug deep.

Samuel Sackey twice sent shots wide of the target for the hosts with Steven Bala also sending an effort wide.

The closest QPR came to breaking through a resolute and determined rearguard action came when Fawunmi sent in a cross-shot that was blocked and cleared.

The victory lifts Watford to seventh in the table, and they are due to host fourth-placed Bournemouth at London Colney next week.

Watford: Macaulay; Gould, Buers, Gaspar, Coyne, Clarridge, Adu-Poku, Davis, Torres, Fraser-Grant, Massiah-Edwards. Subs: Balogun, Adeyemo, Stallard, Trialist, Hamiga,