MALKY Mackay was positive in reflection following Watford's 1-0 defeat to League Two side Barnet on Wednesday night.

The Scotsman watched as his men failed to emulate the impressive scores of the past two pre-season friendlies but saw the test at Underhill as a good omen.

"It was exactly what we needed" said Malky.

"We could have taken two chances in the first half but we didn't. We came out in the second half but Barnet play good football on a nice pitch and it was a tough game.

"They didn't give us any time on the ball and that's what's going to be happening when we start our League games in two weeks' time. It's good that the players have spent longer on the pitch and we were able to shift the ball about.

"Overall in terms of fitness and everything we are moving one step nearer to the start of the season."

After fielding a varied side in the last two games, the manager opted for a strong starting XI against Barnet, only making substitutes well into the second half. 

He explained the aim of this was necessity as the start of the season draws ever nearer.

The former centre half commented: "We want to give longer game time to players - we will do that over the next few games as well. 

"We will change it about a bit and give players longer on the pitch. 

"Everyone is working towards playing 90 minutes on the pitch and we are judging that in games.

Former loanee players Tom Cleverley and Henri Lansbury have both scored in their pre-season matches for their Clubs so far and this sparked questions for the manager on this year's loan targets for the Hornets.

"The Premiership sides are mostly still away on their pre-season trips so it's going to be a good few weeks before they get a chance to shuffle their packs and decide what youngsters are going out" said Malky.

"Last year it was late August/early September, but we will keep in touch with the Clubs we are looking at and anything we can do before then, we will."

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