Malky Mackay refusing to play the blame game

Watford manager Malky Mackay has been trying to draw positives from the 5-0 thrashing by West Brom.

It marks the second away defeat of the campaign, but the afternoon could have ended differently if striker Danny Graham had converted a chance to make it 2-1.

However, the former Carlisle man failed to take the opportunity but Mackay is backing his forward to show enough mental strength to bounce back from the miss.

He said: "Danny has been nothing short of miraculous at times, in terms of the amount of work he's got through and goals he's scored for us.

"So I expect there to be days when he works hard and doesn't get goals.

"It's about the team, not about one individual missing a chance."

Crystal Palace drew 1-1 at Preston and manager Neil Warnock was delighted to see Darren Ambrose get his name on the scoresheet again.

The 25-year-old midfielder joined from Charlton during the summer and has already netted eight times.

Warnock said: "He just keeps getting better, he's like an old wine!"

Palace face QPR tomorrow night, with boss Jim Magilton hoping to bounce back from Friday's 2-1 home defeat by Leicester. "It will be a real test of character," said Magilton.