Watford Under-23s went down to a 2-1 defeat against Barnsley as a goal in each half proved enough to give the hosts victory.

The first half burst into life six minutes before the interval when Stephen Mallan gave Barnsley a lead they would have expected to have taken into the interval.

However, Dion Pereira had other days as the Watford starlet popped up with a 42nd minute strike to drag his side level.

With it all to play for in the second 45 minutes, it was the home side who made the brighter start after the break in Yorkshire.

They restored their lead four minutes into the second period when Matthew Wolfe scored and Barnsley held their advantage until the final whistle.

Defeat is only the young Hornets second in their last six outings and comes on the back of a 4-2 defeat of Burnley last week.

They will hope to make a return to winning ways when they take on QPR at home next Monday.