Mackay impressed with defence

Mackay: Pleased with point

SKY SPORTS ON SKY
There's more live football on Sky Sports than ever before, including the Barclays Premier League, UEFA Champions League, Clydesdale Bank Premier League, England away Euro 2012 qualifiers and La Liga. With four live Sky Sports channels, as well as Sky Sports News, you'll never miss a moment on Sky. Click here for more.

Related links

Teams

• Hull City
• Watford

Also see

• Fantasy Football
• Experts
• Transfer Centre
• Sky Sports on Sky
• Play Super 6

Watford manager Malky Mackay was delighted with his side after they managed to nullify the threat from Hull City, holding out for a 0-0 draw.

The Tigers were thrashed 4-0 by Millwall in the Championship last weekend and Mackay was fearing a backlash as his team travelled to the KC Stadium.

But Watford produced an accomplished display in defence and the Hornets boss was pleased with the point.

"I was delighted with the performance," said Mackay. "We have come up to Hull to a team that has just come down from the Premier League. They have an experienced manager and have brought in Jay Simpson and Robert Koren, who are very good players.

"They were coming off a bad result last week and desperate to prove something.

"I'm very happy with a clean sheet. Our back four worked their forwards all afternoon and that allowed (goalkeeper) Scott Loach to have a pretty quiet game.

"To play the way we played and create chances, I'm delighted, but I'm also disappointed not to collect three points."

Mackay had encouraging words for debutant Josh Walker, who came on as a second-half substitute following his free transfer from Middlesbrough.

"With Josh, it was very last minute because the situation changed at Middlesbrough," he added.

"We had him for a couple of days and realised he is someone who will really add to the squad. He's young and wants to kick on."

Hull reaction

Hull have now failed to score in their last two games but manager Nigel Pearson was taking the positives after last week's thrashing.

"Whenever you draw games at home, especially goalless ones, you have to look at it in a balanced way," he remarked.

"After last week's heavy defeat we had to get a response, and we know home form is going to be important.

"There were more positives than negatives out there, but I know there are areas of our game where we need to improve.

"We have only scored two goals in three games and it has been a bit of a problem in the past."

On new signing Jay Simpson, he added: "It was tough for him as he's only trained with us once, so he was thrown in at the deep end today.

"I know he'll be a good acquisition and will help us to be more penetrating."