Under-21: Watford 1-3 Millwall
Today at 10:30 AM
Mihailo Ivanović scored twice as Watford Under-21s slipped to defeat in the Premier League Professional Development League at London Colney.
Millwall claimed a half-time lead through Raees Bangura-Williams but Watford were unlucky not to level after Jake Watkiss’ free-kick struck the bar.
Serbian international striker Ivanović’s double made it 3-0 to the visitors – with his second coming from the penalty spot.
Jonathan Lawson headed home a consolation goal for Charlie Daniels’ side in a match where Hornets goalkeeper Gabriel Ortelli made a number of good saves.
First-team squad members Daniel Jebbison, Pierre Dwomoh, Antonio Tikvić and Kayky Almeida were all named from the start for a game which took place in chilly conditions.
Daniel Kelly dragged an early shot wide for Millwall before a Josh Keyes effort at the other end was blocked on its way to goal.
Ivanović bounced a shot just wide following a corner before Ortelli brilliantly tipped a powerful strike from Aidomo Emakhu behind.
Bangura-Williams curled home into the corner for the opener shortly after the half-hour mark, and it could have been worse for the Hornets before the interval as Ivanović missed the target with a free header.
Watkiss’ free-kick rattled the woodwork shortly after the second-half began, and Keyes fired straight at Lions keeper George Evans as Watford emerged from the break strongly.
Another good Ortelli save came as he denied Ivanović after a low cross, and a driving run from Jebbison then teed up Keyes to curl wide.
The Hornets made a triple switch in search of a leveller but Ivanović slammed home from inside the area to double Millwall's lead before being denied when one-on-one by Ortelli.
Watford could not prevent the Serbian from getting his second, however, as he tucked home from the spot before Lawson’s close-range header got the Hornets on the scoresheet.
The Under-21s will next be in action away at Swansea City (Monday December 9, 7pm KO).
Watford: Ortelli, Eames, Almeida, Dwomoh, Tikvić (Abbott HT), Clarridge, Watkiss (Buers 64), Sikiru, Jebbison (Lawson 64), Fraser-Grante (Garcia-Romero 75), Keyes (Torres 64).
