MALKY Mackay gave his post-match verdict to www.watfordfc.com following the Golden Boys' 2-1 defeat to league leaders Newcastle United.

The Scotsman commented that despite the scoreline, he was proud of his men.

He said: "We played the top table in the division and we lost to two set pieces, apart from that, Scott Loach was hardly troubled.

"We've had an awful lot of pressure and possession. Their two centre-backs had to play very well because of the amount of pressure we put on them.

"Overall, I look at the performance and it's against the best team in the division and we've dominated them today.

"I don't want to take anything from my guys, I think they gave everything today and they played on the front foot and kept possession from a very experienced team.

"I can't be too critical of that team out there because if we play like that every week we'll win more than we lose."

In Tom Cleverley's absence, Jon Harley moved into the starting XI and quickly went on to prove his place in the opening minutes of the game.

"We had a great move early on and Jon Harley tested Steve Harper well.

"But to concede a minute later knocks the stuffing out of you a bit. I think we recovered well from that and pressed from there.

"I think we competed and combated their system."

"I think we won balls, kept the ball and moved in the middle well, and just the final ball we found wanting today."

Malky was pleased with the Hornets' battling performance against United

The weather conditions in Hertfordshire on Saturday afternoon weren't great as the rain lashed down on the pitch, making Malky's preferred style of passing play a bit tricky.

"You're got to have a balance of play - you go short all the time and teams will read you.

"So you have to stretch the game to be able to open it out. We got it down and went through the middle area which isn't on the best surface.

"I thought we passed well and we got into some great positions in their half."

Newcastle are the first team to do the double over the Hornets this season, but this statistic perhaps is a little kind to the Toon Army as the Hornets' boss went on to say.

"I said to the team in the dressing room, you look at the both games and yes, we've been beaten in both matches.

"But, in the first game at St James' Park, we created a hell of a lot of chances and deserved something from that game. I don't think I'm too bias, I think neutrals would say that."

Finally the Watford manager thanked the yellow Army for their loud support at Vicarage Road this weekend.

"The fans got behind us and we came back from the goal and showed that we were brimming with confidence."