Watford 1-2 Hull City

WATFORD WENT down to a hard-working Hull side who twice swung for the Hornet`s and twice landed their punches. The Hornet`s failed on a number of occasions to reciprocate despite having more chances and better territory.

Manchester United loanee Cory Evans got the Tigers opener before Robert Koren wrapped up the points at the death. Martin Taylor got a late 'Orns consolation.

Malky Mackay was able to call on the services of left-back Lloyd Doyley once more, meaning Lee Hodson moved to right-back. Aidy Mariappa returned from suspension to partner Taylor.

The visitors took the lead after just three minutes when Evans turned home Liam Rosenior`s near-post cross to beat Scott Loach.

Watford eventually got a foothold in the game, Andy Weimann lashing a low shot just wide of Brad Guzan`s right-hand post after a driving run from deep.

Taylor then nodded a corner wide of the far post whilst Weimann again came close as he lashe a left-footed effort against the stanchion behind the goal before Danny Graham saw his curler tipped over as Watford turned the pressure up.

Half-time: 0-1

Hull were never truly in danger until the second half though as the Hornet`s chances continued to flow.

Taylor saw another header drop wide of the net Will Buckley hooked a half-volley over from close-range.

Mackay introduced Marvin Sordell and Matty Whichelow, who added some pace to the game in the absence of an on-form Buckley. The two combined when Whichelow lobbed a pass into Sordell`s path, the Hornet`s number 20 zipping a shot wide of the far post.

The Tigers grabbed a decisive second in the 90th minute when a breakaway saw sub Tom Cairney centre for Robert Koren to power home a header. Scott Loach had fouled up just minutes before when he let Aussie striker Richard Garcia poke goalwards after slipping during a routine clearance.

Watford finally managed to bury one chance in the second minute of injury time, Taylor powering a header past Guzan from a corner.

Sordell came close again when he pulled back at the death, no-one able to bundle the ball home at the far post.

Full-time: 1-2

Watford: Loach; Hodson, Mariappa, Taylor, Doyley; Cowie, Eustace (c), Jenkins (Deeney 87), Buckley (Sordell 71); Graham, Weimann (Whichelow 79).

Subs not used: Gilmartin (gk), Mingoia, Thompson, Drinkwater.

Hull City: Guzan; Rosenior, Hobbs, Gerrard, Dawson (c); Harper (Cairney 85), Chester, Evans, Koren; Fryatt (Garcia 67) , Mclean (Simpson 56).

Subs not used: Duke (gk), Devitt, Amoo, Belaid.

Referee: Mr D Phillips

Attendance: 13 355