EVEN when taking an even-handed view of the month of August as a whole, the disappointment of the most recent result was still hard to shake from the front of skipper John Eustace's mind.

Reflecting on what's been a pretty positive August, he couldn't help but open up with a comment on last Saturday's first League loss of the campaign.

"Genuinely, we were really disappointed that we didn't get something from the game," said the Hornets' midfield general.

"But do you know what, I think it might prove to be a bit of a kick up the back-side for the boys; a reminder that whatever you get in this division you have to work exceptionally hard for.

"And I didn't think there was too much end-product from us, despite a lot of effort."

A good test that one, John conceded. Much like the season-opener at Norwich City, which went in an entirely different fashion.

"You can't over-estimate how much that result did for some of the younger lads," he explained.

"It's okay walking out there in front of the cameras intending to play with confidence, but the proof is always in the action and I thought we were very good at times at Norwich.

"They're a good side, make no mistake. But our young lads rose their game and were fantastic. That showed the boys what's achievable when your preparation is right and your execution follows during a game.

"Because we're quite a young side overall, we're got that real fitness about the side. But it's combining that with confidence in your play that's going to be key for us."

There was no shortage of confidence, John contended, at Hull - although he felt the side weren't quite "at it".

"We looked quite comfortable without playing fantastically well. We were very, very hard to break down, which was a big plus at a place like Hull.

"I suppose you should be happy to say that away from home if you come away with a point, but we had lingering thoughts that we could well have taken all three if it hadn't been for a couple of misses and a few good saves from their keeper.

"The Coventry game was the one that came as a really, really big blow though, no question about it.

"I just couldn't make a case for them scoring one goal, let alone an equalizer as well.

"But these situations happen in football. They've got an experienced side and perhaps those few minutes highlighted a little bit of inexperience on our part."

And while there was inexperience aplenty on show against Notts County, the skipper said he couldn't have been more excited by the first-half performance.

"Watching it from the stands that game, I was thinking to myself that I can't wait to get back out there and be a part of a side playing like that.

"Then they get an early goal in the second half and it all changed," admitted John. "Again, like Coventry, things like that in football add to your experiences as a young player, in particular.

"The key thing is that the situation is learnt from, for the next time we find ourselves going a goal behind against the run of play.

"Funny enough, I spoke to Jonny Harley after the game and he said their lads were blown away at half-time and just grateful not to be out of the tie.

"It shows you how big an impact a goal can have on a game."

So overall reflections on August would suggest there's plenty to come as we crack on, starting next Saturday against Doncaster.

"The best thing I've experienced this month is the development of the young lads. It's really quite noticeable - even day-to-day at the training ground.

"And they're answering back a bit more, which shows you the confidence is growing!"