Watford boss Adrian Boothroyd says "the tie is still alive" after Hull claimed a 2-0 win in the Championship play-off semi-final first leg.Goals from veterans Nicky Barmby and Dean Windass put Phil Brown's side in pole position to book a place at Wembley. But despite seeing his side extend their dismal run of form to one win in 15 games Boothroyd was buoyed by a much-improved performance.

Hull goalkeeper Boaz Myhill produced several fine saves - one to keep out a Mat Sadler volley in the second half was particularly outstanding - and Boothroyd believes an early goal in Wednesday's second leg could change everything.

He said: "We kept attacking and the man-of-the-match would have been the Hull goalkeeper who made some outstanding saves.

"We were disappointed not to score but anything can happen. You could see by the way that we kept going that we still think the tie is alive.

"We have nothing to lose going up to Hull and if we can score than it will all change. We are the best team in this league away from home so it should be a cracking game."

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