Ipswich Town U21s let a 3-0 lead at half-time slip to lose 5-3 at Watford this afternoon. 

First half goals from Leon Ayinde, Jesse Nwabueze and Tommy Taylor had put Town in a 3-0 lead but a storming second half comeback saw the Hornets to victory at London Colney. 

John McGreal's side went into this game off the back of winning their last two matches, with them featuring trialist goalkeeper Solomon Honor, from Blackburn, in the starting XI again. 

Town were ahead after only four minutes when Ayinde netted his ninth goal of the season. Zak Fraser-Grante had the ball in the net shortly after, but the effort was ruled out for offside.

East Anglian Daily Times: Tommy Taylor scored his third goal in three games.Tommy Taylor scored his third goal in three games. (Image: Ross Halls)

Jesse Nwabueze went on to double the young Blues lead in the 35th minute, before Tommy Taylor scored in his third straight game to make it 3-0 shortly before half-time.

But four minutes after the restart, the hosts pulled a goal back when their trialist scored and then James Collins – who had set up the first goal – headed home to make it 3-2 just a couple of minutes later.

The comeback was complete for Watford just after the hour mark when Collins slotted home for his second of the afternoon.

Watford then turned the game on its head totally in the 68th minute when the triallist rounded the Town keeper and tucked home their fourth and his second of the game, before James Clarridge headed home to make it five. 

Town had the chance to pull a goal back when the Hornet's captain Aidan Coyne was sent off and the young Blues were awarded a penalty, but Jacob Mazionis' spot kick was saved by Myles Roberts. 

A disappointing day for Town but a learning curve for this young Blues side, with them looking to bounce back next Tuesday when they host AFC Bournemouth at Portman Road (1pm KO).

Town: Honor, Agbaje, H Barbrook (c), Mazionis, O'Connor, Okunowo, Nwabueze, Foyo, Taylor, Ayinde, Morgan.