Jonathan Lawson scored a first-half brace before Watford Under-21s ran riot in the second half to beat Coventry City 6-0 at Vicarage Road on Friday.
Watford were in control throughout and a number of individuals shone, notably the right-hand side combination of Albert Eames and Max Smith, as coach Aidy Mariappa hailed their "ruthless" display".
Kiefer Gorman, 16, was also instrumental at the base of midfield as the Hornets established control early.
Lawson got the ball rolling in terms of goals, bundling in the rebound after his initial header from Conrad Hunt's cross had hit the post.
Lawson at the double! ⚽️⚽️
2-0 🐝 pic.twitter.com/yRxv7N2abu— Watford FC Academy (@WatfordFCAcad) March 27, 2026
The striker, who made his first-team debut at Stoke City a fortnight ago, made it two before the break, dispatching sweetly from Smith's through ball.
It was total domination after the break, Aidy Mariappa's side launching wave after wave of attack as they pinched the ball in midfield and released their array of exciting forwards.
Smith added a third after Lawson's effort had been blocked, the right-winger smashing in from close range.
Skipper Josh Mullins added a fourth with a header from Amin Nabizada's corner, before Amar Sanghrajka's strike squirmed through the hands of Coventry goalkeeper Oscar Richards.
Keyes finishes into the bottom corner! 🎯
6-0 🐝 pic.twitter.com/ZT9sEYEr8r— Watford FC Academy (@WatfordFCAcad) March 27, 2026
And substitute Josh Keyes completed the scoring with a fine individual effort after winning the ball back in midfield, bending the ball into the corner from outside the box.
Mariappa told the club website: "There was a real ruthless edge to the boys today.
"In previous games we've had good chances and not really capitalised, and the boys have been conscious of that this week.
"It's a clean sheet as well and I think to get a win at The Vic is special for the boys.
"They all know what it means to play here and I think every single one of them was brilliant today.
"They all took full responsibility for the performance on the pitch. There are not many games where I don't have to say anything on the sidelines but this was one of those games.
"I just let them crack on! Playing here is a great opportunity for the boys to showcase their talents at the stadium."
Watford XI: Browne (GK), Eames, Hunt (London 74), Mullins (C), Georgiou, Gorman (Barrett 68), Smith (Smith-Daley 78), Sanghrajka (Moulton 78), Lawson, Shevchenko (Keyes 68), Nabizada
Share