Under-21: QPR 0-0 Watford

Watford Under-21s ended a run of three consecutive defeats with a 0-0 draw away to Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road, in a game where they had the better of the chances.

The first half saw a lack of clear-cut opportunities for both sides, with Josh Mullins' header over the bar the closest either team came to an opener.

The Young Hornets were better after the break, with Prince Sikiru missing a golden chance to break the deadlock as the visitors were made to settle for a point.

Today's draw extends the Under-21s' winless run in the PL Professional Development League to six matches, leaving them sixth in the table.

On a sunny afternoon in West London, Jake Coomes' wayward shot from outside the box marked the game's first opportunity, before the same player went closer for the hosts with his second attempt, firing just over the bar.

There were then loud shouts for a Watford penalty after Sikiru went down in the box, but the referee awarded a goal kick. 

Watford's first real chance followed soon after, with James Morris' deflected pull back being powered towards goal by Albert Eames, only for his effort to go wide.

The Hornets then went close again after great work from Morris down the left to win a free-kick in a crossable position. Josh Keyes delivered, but Mullins could only head over from close range.

The visitors continued to enjoy the majority of possession, and fashioned a further chance after Jonathan Lawson worked the ball to Zavier Massiah-Edwards, who then cut in from the left before curling his effort off-target.

The Hoops did well to sustain the pressure, before quick-thinking created a chance. Nathan Sheppard claimed a cross before quickly distributing the ball towards the final third, forcing Alfie Marriott to rush off his line.

He did get to the ball first, but caught the man as well, conceding a free-kick and earning a yellow card for his troubles.

However, Watford were able to break directly from the set-piece. Lawson did well to progress the ball along the left wing before delivering a low cross that Keyes sent goalwards, only to be blocked by some valiant defending.

A lengthy stoppage due to an injury to Cory Adjetey-Brew sucked the momentum out of the game, with the match lacking further action as half-time was called.

The Hornets started after the interval in a much more positive fashion, thanks in part to the willing runs made by half-time substitute Caleb Wiley, who made several exciting dribbles.

Tobi Adeyemo then spurned a great opportunity, sending his free header from a corner over the bar.

Massiah-Edwards almost produced the moment of quality the game needed to break the deadlock, powering a weak QPR back pass from around 20-yards out against the bar, before Sikiru headed over the rebound from close range.

Watford continued to dominate the ball in the second half, with Massiah-Edwards again doing well down the right to cut the ball back across the box, but Adeyemo’s effort towards goal was blocked.

Eames, moved into midfield for the latter part of the game, fired a hopeful shot wide as time ticked down to full-time.

Neither side could force a late winner as this Thursday afternoon clash trickled out into a stalemate, with Watford now looking ahead to a trip to Bristol City next Tuesday (March 25, 1pm KO).

Watford: Marriott (GK), Eames, J.Morris (Wiley HT), Gaspar, Mullins (C), Gould, Massiah-Edwards, Sikiru (Garcia-Romero 58), Adeyemo (Stephenson 75), Keyes, Lawson (Smith 80).

Unused subs: S.Morris (GK).