Cardiff City 7, Watford 1
Striker James Waite scored four Bluebirds goals in their crushing under-23 Development League win against Watford at Cardiff City Stadium.
Waite’s four plus goals from Macauley Southam, Robbie Patten and Robbie Bird earned City a convincing victory.
Talented winger Waite played through the middle in attack and caused Watford problems with his movement and the timing of his runs.
Former first team goalkeeper Ben Amos was in Cardiff City’s team, who had Craig Bellamy in their coaching team.
Three goals in seven minutes before half-time put the young Bluebirds in control.
Macauley Southam produced a quality finish after being put through by 19-year-old Belgian midfield player Marco Weymans on 37 minutes, chipping over goalkeeper Charlie Bannister as he tried to block.
Robbie Patten fired number two after 39 minutes and Robbie Bird whipped home a swerving free-kick just before half-time.
Cardiff’s fourth goal was scored by James Waite, who tapped in from close range after 57 minutes following unselfish work by Southam to lay on the chance.
Six minutes later Southam had to be helped off after suffering an ankle injury with substitute Keenan Patten taking over.
City were opened up after 64 minutes when Watford’s Dennon Lewis ran at the defence, cut inside and smashed a low shot under keeper Amos from 20 yards.
Waite almost made it 5-1 after a move involving Weymans and substitute Sion Spence. Weymans chipped a delightful pass for Spence on the right and he pulled the ball back, but Waite was just off target
Seconds later, though, Waite did scored his second of the match and took Cardiff’s tally to five.
Weymans almost capped an impressive display on the left, but his curling, dipping right-foot shot just flew past the far post.
Waite then completed his hat-trick with a clinical low finish after more good approach work by Weymans and the same combination worked again in injury time.
Weymans laid on the assist and Waite netted his fourth of the match.
City included French defender Jordan Blaise, a 21-year-old former Bordeaux player who was signed two years ago, and Connor Young, the son of ex-Bluebirds defender Scott.
Cardiff City: B Amos, C Coxe, R Abbruzzese, J Veale (capt), J Blaise, C Young, M Southam (K Patten 63), R Patten (S Spence 46), J Waite, M Weymans, J Bird. Subs not used: S Bowen, O Byrne, J Bodenham.
Watford: C Bannister, D Lewis, T Robinson (J Cabrera 71), C Stewart (capt), L Rogers, C Rowan, R Ovenden (J Roe 77), A Charles, O Adeyemo, O Obi (D Sesay 46), D Pereira. Subs not used: A Thomas, M Ryan.
Referee: Gary Parsons.