Smith: We owe Hull one

10:02am Wednesday 7th May 2008

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Player of the Season Tommy Smith says Watford will use the 3-0 defeat they suffered at the KC Stadium as a source of motivation against Hull City on Sunday.

Watford were comprehensively out-played by the Tigers at the end of March, conceding twice in the opening 13 minutes and another on 73 to mark Aidy Boothroyd's three years in charge in the worst possible fashion.

Asked if Watford owe Hull one, Smith replied: "I think we do. That result at the KC Stadium may work in our favour. We didn't perform at all up there and didn't show them anything of what we can do. They might not be ready for us.

"But they are a great side and it's going to be tough."

Watford have home advantage in the first leg and Smith acknowledges they will have to improve upon a run of form that has seen them win five of their last 20 games in all competitions at Vicarage Road.

"Our form at home has been poor and the fans have had to go through a lot but hopefully now we can give them something to cheer us on in the play-offs," said the winger. "But form goes out of the window going into the play-offs."

Smith will be aiming to make it third time lucky this season. He lost out at the semi-final stage in 2004 with Sunderland and suffered heartbreak the following season with Derby.

"My record isn't great," said Smith. "I've lost in both semi-finals so it will be good to put that right and get through to the final."