MALKY Mackay's Watford left Yorkshire this evening (Saturday) with nothing to show for their efforts as a second half strike gave Barnsley all three points.

Malky couldn't fault his men for the effort they showed, but he highlighted just how close the margins are in this league to his men at Oakwell.

On another day the Hornets could have had a first-half penalty after Henri Lansbury was brought down when through on goal..

Then, after the break, goalkeeper Luke Steele pulled off a wonder save to deny the same midfielder, while late on there was plenty of drama as the 'Orns were denied a last-gasp goal when referee Fred Graham ruled out a header from sub Danny Graham.

Malky said: "We thoroughly deserved something from the game today.

"There have been games away from home this season where I've thought we deserved to get beaten, but today I thought we deserved at least a point considering the chances we had in the second half.

"Their goalkeeper made a terrific save from Henri Lansbury's free kick and Danny Graham could have had a goal on another day.

"I have both watched both incidents and I thought Danny's disallowed goal late on and the first half penalty decision were both wrong."

The Championship clash at Oakwell was a game of very few chances as both sides did their best to get the upper hand in a tight, congested midfield battle.

The Golden Boys stuck to the task all afternoon but were eventually punished for a lapse in concentration 10 minutes after the re-start.

"The effort, energy and the way the team played was similar to Tuesday night" commented Malky.

"As well as their discipline, their attitude and the way they worked, I think Barnsley only had two shots at goal in the second half.

"I think on the balance of the way we played that we deserved to come away from something."

Watford's boss reminded his players just had small the margin is in this league, as they were punished at Oakwell. 

"The inch was the mistake that led to their goal" added the former defender.

"I said that if three mistakes are made someone will have a chance on your goal and that's what happened there and the chance was buried by the guy.

"It's a hard learning curve but they have to learn from.

"We should have seen the game out and at least got a point.

"I told them that considering the application and the way they applied themselves today that they deserved a point from that, if we keep on doing that then we'll get that win away from home."