QPR 1-0 Watford

His side, baring a couple of missed chances in the second half, adhered to his words with a fully committed display that merited more than a return of no points. Unfortunately, it will have left Mackay waking up this morning contemplating what might of been.

The inexperienced Scottish manager - the youngest in the league - set his side up in the first period with restrictions that meant they could not pass the halfway line. The bus was, indeed, parked.

The lack of attacking threat by the visitors should have played into Rangers hands but the home side stuttered their way through the half, resorting to long shots which failed to test Scott Loach in the Watford goal.

Neil Warnock's side did manage to take the lead after Dusko Tosic was fouled by Adrian Mariappa in the penalty area and Akos Buzsaky made no mistake from the spot.

Plan B was needed.

The second half saw the introduction of Marvin Sordell for Watford to give some much needed support to the isolated Danny Graham in attack.

Watford pressed forward with more venom and finally looked like a side that were fighting for their lives.

Chances came and went, with John Harley the most guilty culprit.

Roared on by the 3,000 travelling Hornets fans, Watford continued to press but failed to find the all important goal which would have been vital in their quest to avoid the drop.

Sordell, Graham and Henri Lansbury all missed decent opportunities as the visitors did everything but score during during a fifteen minute spell in which they dominated in the second half.

Watford now sit only two points above the drop, needing at least one win from their remaining games to sustain their Championship status.

If the unthinkable happens, Mackay may reflect on a wasted 45 minutes in west London where his side should have shown more ambition against a fragile QPR defence.