THE long trip home to Hertfordshire must have been a subdued one on Saturday evening for the Hornets following their 2-0 defeat to Sheffield United, but midfielder Scott Severin was determined to see the result more as constructive criticism for the team.

"Of course there are positives we can take from the match, you have to when results like that happen" said the former Aberdeen man.

"We knew it was going to be a tough physical battle against Sheffield United and I think at periods we were the better team and played some good football.

"This is encouraging and hopefully in the coming weeks, we can play some good football and get the results that go with that."

After conceding an early goal, the Scotsman explained that the Golden Boys found it hard to get their feet back on the gas.

"It was the early first goal - which was sloppy on our part - that really stung us.

"I didn't think it was a free kick in the first place, and then they took it quickly.

"It's something we need to sort out so that was disappointing.

"The second one was just as bad, we felt we were on top and then we conceded at a crucial time and that probably killed the game for us.

"I think if they hadn't scored that second goal it could have been very different, we were starting to get into the match, especially after half time.

"Up until they scored their second goal I think we were the dominant team after coming out in the second half, and I definitely think we could have got an equaliser then."

Severin on Blades: "We knew it was going to be tough"

The imposing physicality and strength of Kevin Blackwell's side just seemed to get the better of the Hornets at Bramall Lane.

"I think the way to win games now is to pass the ball - rather than playing the long ball so you are able to get the ball in the area.

"As you can see, we're not the tallest of teams in the league, so we need to get the ball down and pass it.

"Hopefully with a few more training sessions under our belt you'll see the best part of it.

"We knew they were going to be hard to play against and that they are one of the better teams in the league, but I really do think we did well against them in long periods of the game."

Severin told www.watfordfc.com that he felt his team didn't cause United 'keeper Mark Bunn enough problems.

"We didn't really test the goalkeeper at Bramall Lane - Danny Graham and Ross Jenkins had a few strikes, and I had one or two myself but that wasn't enough.

"I think if you want to score goals you have to have a go at the goalkeeper; even if he saves it.

"Once you've had a go, you can bat it back in again for a rebound, but when you're just not hitting the target you're not going to score."

Severin celebrates scoring his first goal for the Hornets against Barnet

With another busy week coming up for the Hornets, the ex-Aberdeen captain remained upbeat.

"If we can work on our defending and getting the goals in, I know we can start to have a good season.

"We're looking forward to the challenge on Tuesday night at Nottingham Forest.

"It will be another difficult game, but in this league you have to prepare yourself for these tough ties and we'll go into the game in good spirits."

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