Watford Under-23s got their campaign off to a winning start as goals from Michael Folivi and Dion Pereira gave them a 2-0 win against Leeds United.

The hosts started the Professional Development League game on the front foot and created a number of chances in the opening exchanges.

Folivi was first to try his luck after just three minutes, firing low at the Leeds goal only to be denied by United’s number one.

The visitor’s stopper had to be alert once more moments later when tipping Ashley Charles’ free-kick over the bar.

United mustered their first genuine chance with 20 minutes on the clock when Malik Wilks fired wide from 20 yards.

They went close once again after a Leeds man rounded the Watford keeper only to see his effort blocked on the line by the retreating Charlie Rowan.

It would take until well into the second period for the stalemate to be broken when a well-worked move found Folivi in space on the edge of the box.

The striker settled himself and fired home via the post with a fierce drive.

Leeds were in no mood to take defeat lying down and were close to levelling with 16 minutes to play as Watford cleared the ball off the line three times in quick succession.

It was as close as United came to an equaliser and the Hornets put the game to bed in the 90th minute.

When the goal did arrive it was delightfully worked in its execution as a counter attack set Pereira clear, and last season’s Young Player of the Season lobbed the ball over the keeper.

The Under-23s will hope to build on the display when they take on Hull City away from home next Monday.