AFTER manager Aidy Boothroyd described the Scunthorpe defeat as a low point for him, the Hornets will be hoping a trip north to Blackpool will bring about different heights as his side look for a change of emotions and to secure a place in the Championship play offs.

With last weekend's morale-sapping defeat to Scunthorpe still fresh in the mind for players and fans alike, the Golden Boys need to lift themselves on Sunday for a huge test against a side who could still be relegated.

The Seasiders are one of five teams who could yet slip out of English footballs second tier.

Watford have heights of their own to hit and three points in the north west will achieve the first part of this.

The past week has been a testing one for Boothroyd as he's had to go about lifting firstly himself as well as his squad.

He said: "I'm irritated to be where we are and having to go to Blackpool to guarantee play off status.

"But we've only got ourselves to blame for that - therefore we won't cry about it and we have to go up there and get what we need.  

"That's [after the Scunthorpe game] the lowest I've ever been. For me to be low is a big thing. I'm the leader and if I'm low then people think 'God what chance have we got if he's low?'

"I was down, because I'm a human being and I was so bitterly disappointed with the apathy I saw in that performance - that's what it looked like to me.

"Words were said at the end of the game. You work every day for 10 months and you play all those games and then you turn out something like that - losing the week before and losing six previous home games of the season too and it is bitterly disappointing.

"The choice for me has been whether I be a wimp and be in a mood about it, or if I do my job and do something about it.

"I'll never go hiding from criticism, I'll take it because it was deserved after that performance.

"From now it's about making sure we rise to the challenge - and we've got a big challenge ahead of us, we need to get a result on Sunday."

After the disappointment in front of the home support, the boss has hinted at changes, whether he just tinkers with the team or goes for wholesale changes is yet to be seen. But other squad players are on standby.

Mat Sadler is fit again as is defender Leigh Bromby. Tommy Smith has shaken off a knock while at the time of writing Steve Kabba is a doubt.

Boothroyd added: "Nobody is guaranteed a position in the team after Saturday."

As for the opponents, Simon Grayson's side still have that relegation threat hanging over them, and after the Iron overcame the 'Orns last week, nothing can be taken for granted.

History is not in Watford's favour as the Hornets haven't won at Bloomfield Road since 1922 - their only victory ever at the ground.

The Seasiders impressed earlier this campaign when they came away from Vicarage Road with a point, however their current form is less than impressive with just one win in their last 10 attempts.

Boothroyd is expecting another tough affair although is unsure what effect the added pressure will have on the home side.  

"It could be that they get a little bit nervous themselves or it could mean that they could be more determined - but you just don't know.

"Hoolahan is a key player for them, he's a lively little fella who gets himself in little holes and plays from side to side.

"Burgess is a big set piece threat and they've got game players. They're hungry, they've come from nowhere and they've work very hard.

"They'll be disappointed with the season that they've had and that they need a point right now."

The tension and excitement of the final day of the season can bring up some major surprises and with results changing all the time, teams can find themselves literally falling out of the relegation or play off places.

Boothroyd has explained that he'll know what is going on elsewhere, although of course the main focus is on the Hornets and the game at hand. However the Yorkshire man will know the scores elsewhere at half time, on 70 minutes and at 85 minutes.

The Golden Boys have to regroup and react this weekend in front of a sell-out travelling support - it will be an occasion for strong minds.

The boss commented: "It will be my biggest disappointment if we don't do it. I don't think the Watford dressing room will be a place for timid people this weekend.

"The next game is the biggest and we've got a job to do. The mood in the camp is one of determination, one of disappointment and doing something about where we've put ourselves."

Kick off is 2.00pm at Bloomfield Road this Sunday.

Sunday's other fixtures:
Bristol City v Preston North End
Crystal Palace v Burnley
Ipswich v Hull
Southampton v Sheffield United
Wolves v Plymouth

LISTEN TO THE FINAL DAY GAME AT BLACKPOOL ON WATFORD WORLD!