Watford bruised by a Hull of a beating

AFTER a remarkable 104 years of frustration and false dawns, Hull City stand on the verge of finally ending their wait for Premier League football after virtually securing a path to the Championship play-off final.

This comfortable victory that leaves Watford facing a major battle to prevent more disaster in what is rapidly becoming Adrian Boothroyd’s annus horribilis.

Two of Hull’s limited number of players with previous Premier League experience, Nicky Barmby and Dean Windass, both scored in the first half to put Brown’s men in control ahead of the second leg on Wednesday night.

Barmby and Windass — with a combined age of 73 — are both desperate to sign off their careers in the land of cash and controversy, a prospect that is now inching closer to reality. With Watford now having won only once in 15 attempts, it will take an amazing transformation for the Hornets to rescue their season.

But Brown said: “It’s still all to play for and I’m not taking anything for granted.

“I’m disappointed we didn’t get a third and that’s crazy to come away from a game disappointed with a 2-0. I’ve told the players that.

“The key to our changing room is the experience and they will be guarding against complacency. Nobody will be allowed to take their foot off the gas.

“It’s been an up and down season for Nicky but I was delighted with him. For him and Dean to both score is magnificent for them.

“We’ll be preparing for the next game with a winning mentality and not taking a draw into account.”

Watford, who had John Eustace sent off, only sneaked into the play-offs on goal difference and their run this year would look embarrassing even to the three teams relegated from the Championship.

With four consecutive home defeats without scoring, Boothroyd can only take confidence from Watford’s excellent away record into the second leg.

After a delirious pre-match build-up, the Hornets looked to have lived up to the hyperbole when Dan Shittu headed in Jobi McAnuff’s corner, but the goal was disallowed for a foul on Boaz Myhill.

But that was as good as it got and Watford’s hopes were dead and buried within 23 minutes. Hull stunned Vicarage Road in the 7th minute when Barmby capitalised on a clever pull-back by Frazier Campbell, after Shittu’s botched clearance.

Then Windass headed in his 200th career goal after Campbell’s header hit Leigh Bromby and rebounded off the crossbar.

Watford were improved after the break, with Myhill producing a incredible reflex save to keep out Matt Sadler’s volley, but after Eustace’s dismissal, for a foul on Richard Garcia and then alleged headbutt, the game was up.

Boothroyd, who will appeal against the straight red card, said: “I would imagine it is advantage Hull. But anything can happen and we still think we’re alive.

“We’ve got nothing to lose and if we score first you never know. We’re good away and Hull are good at home so it should be a cracking game.

“It is as well as we have played for a long time but defensive lapses cost us — and refereeing decisions. ”

WATFORD (4-4-2): Lee 5, Doyley 5 (O’Toole 73, 5), Sadler 6, Bromby 6, Shittu 5 (Demerit 60, 6), Eustace 3, Williamson 5, McAnuff 7, Ainsworth 6 (Priskin 73, 5), Ellington 4, Smith 6.

Subs not used: Poom, Mariapp.

HULL (4-4-2): Myhill 8, Ricketts 6, Dawson 6, Turner 7, Brown 7, Ashbee 7, Hughes 6, Garcia 6 (Doyle 74), Barmby 6 (Fagan 64), Windass 7 (Folan 68), Campbell 7.

Subs Not Used: Walton, Duke.

REFEREE: Kevin Friend (Leicestershire) 4: Terrible decision for the disallowed goal.

MATCH RATING: *** Hull were worthy winners, although Watford were unlucky with the disallowed goal.