The Hornets went down 3-2 against Burnley at Turf Moor on Tuesday night, despite taking the lead twice.

It was a positive display from Hoskins who grabbed his first and second league goals for the club.

But his efforts were in vein.

The loss followed another 2-1 defeat away at Sheffield United on Saturday, with the team's desperately poor away form leaving them a concerning 21st place in the Championship League table.

Although there is still a long way to go, Watford have only picked up eight points from their opening nine league games, adding all the more importance to Saturday's encounter with Preston at Vicarage Road.

Fielding on loan ex-Hornet Darren Ward, Aidy Boothroyd has begun attempting to arrest the squad's injury crisis.

The central defender took the place of another loanee Sam Sodje, who returned to his owners Reading having suffered a knee injury. Also on the bench was goalkeeper Mark Tyler, another loan deal completed earlier in the day by Boothroyd.

The Hornets started the game in excellent fashion, Hoskins out muscling former team mate Clarke Carlisle before slotting the ball through the legs of Burnley keeper Brian Jensen after just six minutes.

An inspired Hoskins then had two more opportunities for the visitors, a shaky Burnley defence managing to just keep his efforts at bay.

The opening quarter of an hour was a scrappy affair but Burnley began to see more of the ball thereafter.

The equaliser came in the form of a Graham Alexander penalty, Leigh Bromby handling on his goal line.

Having pulled level, Burnley piled on the pressure but were unable to make the most of their chances.

And it was Watford who took the lead on the stroke of half-time, John Joe O'Toole playing in Lee Williamson who crossed for Hoskins to slide in his second from close range.

It was the perfect way for Watford to go in to the break.

But carelessness let them down as they allowed Martin Paterson to collect an Elliot cross and fire home only a minute after the restart.
Having thrown away the lead twice, the Hornets almost scored a third when O'Toole's volley sailed over the bar.

The Clarets made Watford suffer for their complacency though, as the influential Wade Elliot powered home a header from a McCann cross on 69 minutes.

From then on it was an uphill battle for the Hornets, with their last clear cut chance falling to the head of Hoskins, but it was not third time lucky for the youngster.

"Tonight we were very unprofessional in a lot of things we did and that's why we got beat," said Boothroyd afterwards.

"We conceded three very average goals, it's not acceptable really and I'm annoyed."

The gaffer was, however, pleased with the goal-scoring exploits of Hoskins.

"He's played very well and scored two goals," he added. "His movement was good and that's all you ask a centre-forward to do."

The forward himself was pleased with his effort, but disappointed by the team's recent defeats.

"I've been asked to step up and do a job and I think i've held my own for the team," said Hoskins. "We need to knuckle down and start winning again because we've got a team that is way more than capable."

Meanwhile a goal after only 41 seconds from Gary Speed and a second half header was enough to help Sheffield United to victory over Watford on Saturday.

The Yorkshire side outfought Boothroyd's men and a 5th goal of the season for John Joe O'Toole was not enough the save the Hornets from defeat.

On loan Sam Sodje made his only appearance for the club in defence and ex-Hornet Darius Henderson came off the bench for the Blades.

"We can make excuses but they were first to the ball and they got what they deserved today," admitted Boothroyd. "I'm not very happy about it because a team like that we should be beating."

Saturday's forthcoming opponents Preston are also suffering a spell of bad form so Boothroyd will be demanding three points from his team as they look to stop the rut.

Scott Loach adds to Boothroyd's injury woes having torn his abdominal muscles against United.