WATFORD boss Malky Mackay was left to rue Leeds United's winning goal at Vicarage Road as the Yorkshire outfit headed back up north with three points thanks to an early strike.

Richard Naylor's sixth minute strike was the difference between the sides as the Golden Boys couldn't find a way back into the game despite creating some openings.

Speaking after the game, the Scotsman said: "Leeds scored the early goal and then they were very resilient, I thought we stepped up for the second half and really had a go, we huffed and puffed and had a couple of half-decent chances but it never really fell for us."

The manager said he and his side will be looking at the decisive strike to try and eradicate similar goals going in against the Hornets.

"We work hard on our set pieces and we pride ourselves on them" commented the gaffer.

"So to lose a goal from a move following a set piece is disappointing and it is something we have to clear up for next time.

"We've also got to be more clinical in front of goal, the fact that we're creating chances is something we're delighted about but we have to actually put the ball in the back of the net.

"Leeds defended well and we had to apply pressure. I think Marvin (Sordell) and Troy (Deeney) applied plenty of pressure, but at the same time the goalkeeper behind them was taking the ball out of the air and was very confident."

The 'Orns now have two weeks to reflect on today's result due to the international break and the boss will be using some of that time to remind his young squad about their overall performances so far this campaign.  

He added: "When you lose a game you want to be springing back into another one a few days later, but we've got to learn from it and think about our performances over the first four games and the amount of dominance they've had.

"We've been competitive in every game and we have to take heart from that. They're a young group and we have to realise that there are going to be defeats, but it's about how you respond to the defeat."

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