Watford youth team coach Dave Hughes said he could not criticise the “brilliant” Hornets Under-18s despite the side going down to a 2-0 defeat to Colchester United.

Hughes was quick to point out his team performed well in Thursday's loss and felt similar performances would secure positive results in the future.

“In respect of the game, the lads were brilliant,” Hughes told Watford’s official website.

“I’ve got no criticism. We were 1-0 down at half-time and I thought we dominated the second half. They got a second goal against the run of play but credit to the lads the spirit didn’t drop.

“They kept plugging away, they kept pressing. We hit the post, and had another couple of opportunities.

“Overall the performance was excellent, what we’re lacking at the moment is that little bit of end product in the final third but it will come, I’m sure.”

On Saturday, the young Hornets lost 2-0 to Leyton Orient Under-18s.

The side can now enjoy a break until their next match against Portsmouth on April 5, where they will hope to end their two-game losing streak on the road.