West Bromwich Albion manager Alan Pardew has refused to criticise his players following their 1-0 defeat at Watford, a result which has left them in serious relegation danger.

The former Crystal Palace boss put the reverse down to misfortune, insisting that his players deserved more from the game and were punished for a lone error.

"It was a really tight game. I feel for the players because we made one mistake in the game and it has been costly. We had chances," he said during his post-match press conference.

"We could definitely do with a break. We had a couple of chances and I thought we had half a chance for a penalty. The players gave me everything today and I cannot ask for more than that.

"It is tough but it isn't about me it about West Brom and it is tough for the fans and the players.

"We won't give up the fight we will keep going until we get something. It is tough to stand in front of players and say you haven't really done much wrong today. Mistakes happen in football. Our defending - throwing our bodies on the line - some of our play was decent. We just have to keep battling through it."

The Baggies remain bottom of the table and are now eight points away from the nearest position of safety.