Watford Youth...5 Argyle Youth...0

THE Pilgrims' youngsters were given a harsh reality check by an impressive Watford team at their London Colney training ground.

After the euphoria of back-to-back 2-1 wins over West Bromwich Albion and Chelsea, respectively, the Greens were on the receiving end of a trouncing.

Watford's highly-rated academy has been hailed as a model for all clubs to follow, if England are to revive their long-term international fortunes.

The Hornets' performance added credence to the theory, although Argyle more than matched their opponents in the opening 20 minutes.

Defender Sam Sawyer and right-winger Jed Harper-Penman both spurned good chances, which they were made to regret when the home side netted in the 24th minute and again two minutes later.

Watford added further goals in a five-minute spell shortly after the break, but Argyle wasted an opportunity to pull a goal back when substitute Luke Young had a penalty saved by the home keeper.

The Hornets completed the scoring with a fifth 15 minutes from time.

The defeat represented a hat-trick of convincing wins for Watford over the young Greens in the last three years.

Argyle: Ollie Chenoweth (Jack Ord 71); Jack Stephens, Curtis Nelson, Sam sawyer, Connor Clifford; Jordan Copp (Luke Young 70), Jed Harper-Penman (Matt Rickard 35), Jordan Berry (Dan Hart 46), Jake Baker; Lewis Coombes, Jared Sims (James Gilby 46).