"The score line certainly didn't reflect the game because we had some good chances to add to our own total," he told the official website. 

"I was pleased with some of the performances for us, with Simon Hackney and David Fox doing really well."

Hackney was one of the U's two goalscorers, grabbing a late consolation to cap a lively performance from the man recently recalled from his loan spell at Morecambe.

The home side were the ones to get their noses in front, though, leading by two goals going into half time, before Sam Corcoran got to the ball just before Watford keeper North to tuck the ball home.

In a game full of chances, the Hornets showed decisiveness in front of goal to extend their lead to 5-1 as the second half wore on, but the U's kept probing and prompting and got their reward with Hackney's late strike.

The match also saw Lee Beevers return to action after an extended lay-off following his shoulder injury.

Joe added: "Lee Beevers got through forty five minutes on his return to action after a long lay-off and it was a good experience for some of the younger lads.

"They got the chance to play against a good Watford side, who were clinical in their finishing and took their chances.

"Overall, there were lots of positives we took from the game, despite the result."

U's: Cousins; Maybury, Beevers (Hamilton 45), Heath, Fox, Bender, Corcoran, Hackney, Lartey (Sanderson 51), Pavett, Malton.

Subs not used: Dickey, Arnott, Ajim