Watford 0-2 Hull City

Home-town veterans Nicky Barmby and Dean Windass scored in the first half to put the Tigers on track for a place at Wembley, but Friend was involved in two incidents which incensed the home crowd.

He disallowed a fourth-minute goal by Danny Shittu for a non-existent challenge on goalkeeper Boaz Myhill before sending off Hornets captain John Eustace on the hour mark.

Eustace was involved in an altercation with Hull skipper Ian Ashbee and Brown insisted that there was a butt from the Watford player, although television replays suggested otherwise.

Watford boss Adrian Boothroyd confirmed that he will appeal against the decision to dismiss Eustace and insisted that the tie is alive.

Defeat extended Watford's dire run of form to one win in 15, but Boothroyd insisted that the referee's performance had been crucial.

He said: "At 2-0 with the home leg to come, I would imagine it is fair to say that is advantage Hull.

"We played very well, as well as we have for a long time, but defensive lapses and decisions have cost us.

"The goal was a goal. The only person pushing was the Hull goalkeeper, so I cannot understand why he disallowed it."