Alex Jakubiak continued his impressive form with his 13th goal of the season was unable to prevent Watford’s Under-21s going down 2-1 to Cardiff City.

The second-year professional netted for the tenth time in eight games but despite increased pressure from Harry Kewell’s side in the second half it was the Bluebirds who took the spoils.

Cardiff took the lead after 11 minutes at the Cardiff International Sports Stadium when defender Semi Ajayi headed home at the back post from a deep free kick.

And the hosts doubled their lead in the 27th minute as former Manchester United striker Federico Macheda wriggled past a couple of defenders before firing low into the bottom corner.

Watford’s first presentable chance arrived in the 36th minute when Bernard Mensah had an effort deflected behind for a corner.

George Byers delivered the resulting corner and although defender Jorell Johnson got a solid contact, he was off target with a first-time effort.

But the Hornets halved the deficit four minutes before the break when Connor Smith made it to the byline and cut back for Jakubiak to convert his 13th of the season.

That goal buoyed Kewell’s side and they might have drawn level shortly after the break when Luke Wakeman denied Jakubiak five minutes into the second half.

Skipper George Byers then thumped the base of the post with a 25-yard free kick before substitute Mahlondo Martin brought another smart stop out of the Bluebirds’ keeper.

Alfie Young squandered Watford’s final chance to snatch a point, heading wide from Dennon Lewis’ inviting cross.

Watford: Trialist; Sesay, Johnson, Young, Mason; Byers (c), Stewart; Charles (Hall, 79), Smith (Martin, HT), Mensah (Lewis, 52); Jakubiak.

Subs not used: Gartside (GK), Doherty.