Harry Kewell watched on as his managerial career at Watford got off to a horrific start, with the under-21 side slumping to a 3-0 hammering at the hands of non-league outfit, Maidenhead United.
The appointment only being announced last week, the former Liverpool and Leeds star took the reigns as the manager of Watford's newly formed under-21 squad, who will enter in the Under-21 Professional Development League 2 South, where they will face stiff competition from the likes of Hull City and QPR.
The game saw the opportunity for former Watford player, Alan Devonshire, to put his managerial credentials on the line by challenging his former employers.
York Road was the scene where Jake Reid managed a quick fire double, which was added to by Gavin James. The 3-0 route was watched on by Harry Kewell in the stands.
Inexperienced side named by Kewell
At large, it was an inexperienced side named by the Golden Boys of Vicarage Road. Rene Gilmartin got the nod to continue in goal, while Northern Ireland under-21 star, Josh Doherty, continued at full-back with Charlie Rowan occupying the other flank. Jorell Johnson and Essaid Belkalem continued their fine pre-season form together to complete the defense.
Kewell adopted a standard 4-2-3-1 formation, something implemented within the senior squad following Quique Sanchez Flores' appointment, with George Byers and Jacob Cook at the base of midfield. Bernard Mensah was in a more advanced central position, who was flanked either side by the ever-exciting Mahlondo Martin and Dennon Lewis. The team was completed with Alex Jakubiak playing as the lone striker.
Maidenhead United take their chances
The game was an exciting encounter, with both teams going at it from the off. Watford dominated large spells of the first-half before they went behind in cruel fashion, as the ball struck the back of the net thanks to a fine finish by Jake Reid, just as the clock hit half-time.
Half-time came and went, but the story did not deteriorate, with Jake Reid netting his second quickly after the restart. The game was finished with substitute Gavin James emphatically making it 3-0, after a lot of changes by both sides seemed to kill the tempo to the game.
Head of academy Chris McGuane, as well as Harry Kewell and youth coach, David Horseman, will have a lot of work to do before their campaign begins on August 10th, with an encounter against Sheffield Wednesday.