MALKY Mackay was a satisfied man in the sunshine at Vicarage Road after watching his side take part in their last pre-season friendly of the summer.

The Golden Boys beat Charlton Athletic by a single goal in WD18 - thanks to Danny Graham's first half strike.

The results are not important of course at this stage, but it was another clean sheet for the 'Orns, more importantly it provided a test similar to the one Watford will be facing next Friday at Carrow Road.

Malky said: "Today was a game we wanted to get as it could possibly replicate next Friday night in terms of the intensity we'll come up against.

"Today it was full blooded and both teams were going for it. It was great for us and I'm sure Charlton as well.

"The fact we come out of it with a clean sheet is pleasing. At times near the end our players had to throw themselves in front of goals, I was delighted with those battling qualities."

The results are of course important from Friday onwards and the Golden Boys will want to keep Graham in the form he is in at the moment.

 "He's been absolutely different class this pre-season" commented the gaffer. 

"From the first day right through to now, his attitude has been exceptional and he's looking dangerous and can cause teams problems.

"I think in the first half especially I thought him and Marvin had a nice little partnership going on.

"He is certainly helping Marvin a lot."

Sordell caused Charlton's centre backs problems throughout the afternoon.

The gaffer added: "There is that little X factor there with Marvin, at times his pace and his movement and touch in and about the box can cause problems.

"There is always a chance for him, he always gets a shot in target. He's learning more and more and he needs to look towards the consistency that Danny Graham is now getting."

The manager was questioned about the chances of new recruits before Friday's clash with Malky's former side.

He said: "We'll certainly be trying to bring a few more, at the moment we're at the call of Premiership clubs who will decide on their own pack first and then decide who they want to go out on loan.

"We won't just be getting bodies in the door, they will be what we think is potential or loans from Premiership clubs who we think will improve the team.

"We don't have the finances to buy experienced Championship players and I think everyone realises that by now."

Defender Martin Taylor was missing for the 'Orns today, but the gaffer expects to see him back in action soon.

He added: "He took a knock yesterday in training so we weren't going to risk him today. That meant that two youngsters came in today which is good for them."

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