Oxford United Reserves went down to a disappointing 1-0 defeat against Watford at Loop Meadow Stadium.

The totesport.com Football Combination East Division leaders were looking to extend their unbeaten record, but failed to do enough against a lively Watford side.

In a goalless first half, Leigh Franks went the closest to breaking the deadlock when his free header flashed over the bar from Richie Baker’s free-kick on 36 minutes.

Earlier, United were grateful to keeper Simon Eastwood, who made a super save at his near post to keep out Gavin Massey’s efffort.

After the break, Baker went close with an attempted lob from long-range.

Watford turned up the pressure and took the lead on 59 minutes when defender Tom Aldred headed home a cross past Eastwood.

It could have got worse, but Chez Isaac’s shot came back off a post after Eastwood had missed the ball.

At the death, Franks was unlucky when his header struck a defender on the line,as United’s unbeaten run ground to a halt.

They tried to get back into the game, with Mitchell Cole firing over a decent chance, but Watford finished the stronger.

Oxford United: Eastwood, Parish, Kinniburgh, Franks, Owen, Bulman, Baker, Deering, Clist, Woodley, Cole. Subs not used: West, Alderman, McDonagh, Hinchcliffe, Silver Attendance:153.