First-half goals from Kian Tydeman and Jonny Stuttle proved enough for a point as the AFC Bournemouth development squad were pegged back in a 2-2 draw at Watford.

Despite going into the break at the Watford FC training complex with a two-goal lead, forward Michael Adu-Poku netted a quickfire brace on the hour mark to ensure the spoils were shared.

The result means Alan Connell’s side sit third in the Professional Development League, level on points with leaders Millwall in a congested top of the table.

The Cherries started brightly at London Colney. Dom Sadi worked home keeper Jonathan Macaulay with a fierce drive before Max Kinsey fired over.

Sadi then forced another stop from the Watford gloveman at his near post as the visitors kept pressure on the Hornets.

The breakthrough then came for the Cherries on 43 minutes. Karlos Gregory’s neat through ball set Stuttle on his way.

After his initial effort was saved, Tydeman was on hand to turn home the rebound.

Stuttle then got in on the act two minutes later. After Noa Boutin skipped down the left and sent in a dangerous cross, the Cherries frontman turned in to double his team’s advantage.

Full-back Boutin could have added a third just after the break. After again surging down the wing, his drilled effort flew just wide of the near post.

However, the Cherries were then made to pay on 59 minutes. Adu-Poku charged in on goal before striking past Cameron Plain.

A minute later, the Hornets stung again. Adu-Poku found the bottom corner to level up the contest.

The Cherries attempted to rally once more. Balraj Landa forced a save after finding space inside the box following a corner.

But the visitors failed to find a winner and were left to settle for a share of the points.

AFC Bournemouth: Plain, Tonks, Boutin, Brown, Kinsey, Harris, Tydeman, Sadi, Stuttle (Okoh, 70), Landa, Gregory (Osborne, 88).

Unused subs: Crisp (g/k), Holman, William.

Watford: Macaulay, Gould, Buers, Gaspar (Hamiga, 46), Coyne, Stallard, Adu-Poku, Grieves (Gyamfi, 46), Torres (Fraser-Grante, 46), Davis, Massiah-Edwards (Adeyemo, 74).

Unused sub: Mullins.