Adorjan came more and more into the match and looked the most likely to provide an equaliser. His low shot was comfortably held by Bond.

Then the Hungarian’s flicked pass put John Flanagan in on the right, but from his inviting cross Emilsson headed agonisingly wide.

Adorjan also tried to catch Bond out soon after but the keeper was equal to his chipped effort as Liverpool pressed forward. He did have the ball in the net in injury time, but Ince, who had provided the cross, was flagged offside. And that proved to be Liverpool’s last chance.

Coach Borrell was disappointed with his side’s first-half display. He said: “It was very disappointing. The first-half display was unacceptable.

“In the second half we deserved a bit more. We played a bit better. We tried to get the ball forward more. We were more dynamic and better with the ball. The chances were not absolutely clear, because they were good defending.

“We came from a fantastic performance (in the last round) against Leicester, we beat Wolverhampton here and went to Manchester United and won in the league. But in the first half was too lightweight. That is not good if you want to win.”

LIVERPOOL YOUTH: Chamberlain; Flanagan, Wisdom, Sama, Robinson; Ellison (Adorjan 45), Roberts, Coady, Ince; Dalla Valle, Ngoo (Emilsson 45). Subs: McGiveron, Jacob, Roddan.

WATFORD YOUTH: Bond; Yiadom, Oshodi, Fenwick, Angus; Whichelow, Penny (Isaac 61), Brooks, Mingoia; Massey, Murray. Subs: Thompson, Irving, Warburton, Otshudi.