Former Ipswich and Sunderland striker Connor Wickham scored again for Watford Under-21s as they came from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 away at Brentford.

Wickham was making his second outing for Charlie Daniels’ side and was once again named as a triallist, having scored a 30-minute hat-trick in last week’s 3-0 away win at Colchester.

The 31-year-old has been without a club since the start of the season, and has been training with the Academy in order to get fit, while also passing on his experience to the youngsters.

There is currently nothing to indicate Wickham – who has not played a senior game since featuring for Charlton against Shrewsbury on April 20, 2024 - will be signed permanently by the Hornets.

The draw denied the Bees the chance to top the Premier League Development League South table, while Watford stay fifth, four points behind fourth-placed Cardiff City with a game in hand.

The home side made the running from the off at Wheatsheaf Park, and there were only six minutes on the clock when Iwan Morgan hit the base of the post after being played in by Ben Krauhaus.

It didn’t take too long for the Bees to make the breakthrough though, and in the 19th minute Isaac Holland punished a mistake in the Watford defence to make it 1-0.

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Josh Keyes sent a shot over the before the home side made it 2-0 in the 24th minute.

It was a debut goal, and one of quality, from Romelle Donovan as he skipped through challenges before rifling a shot home from the edge of the box.

Four minutes into the second half Watford pulled one back as Keyes sent over a corner and Wickham rose well and steered a header into the far corner.

Just past the hour mark Tobi Adeyemo weaved a path into the box but saw his shot blocked.

The Hornets equalised with 12 minutes to go when Keyes had a shot blocked, Wickham helped win the loose ball, and Keyes fired it across the keeper and inside the back post.

The Under-21s are in action again on Monday when they host Cardiff City at London Colney.

Watford: Ortelli; Gould, Buers, Eames (Sikiru 90), Akomeah, Mullins, Adu-Poku, Keyes (Assiedou 90), Trialist, Adeyemo (Garcia-Romero 84), Lawson (Gaspar 72). Unused sub: Hunt