"DON'T panic" is the message emanating from Vicarage Road following three straight defeats for the former First Division leaders.

Having overhauled Fulham at the start of the month, Watford boasted the only unbeaten record in the country.

But having lost to Sheffield Wednesday, Tranmere and Preston in back-to-back games Graham Taylor men's are now six points behind Fulham and will be only one point better off than Burnley if the Clarets can chalk up their fifth away win tomorrow.

However, vastly experienced boss Taylor insists that Watford's season is far from being in danger of collapse.

"There are a lot of negative vibes around because people thought we were as good as in the Premiership and now they're saying we've blown it.

"But we are determined not to panic.

"Looking at each of the matches you can see where we could have won them.

"It was always going to be a tight division," he said.

And Taylor's message is echoed by skipper Robert Page, the long-serving central defender who helped the Hornets up from Division Two to the Premiership in successive seasons before their relegation last term.

Page believes the spirit in the camp remains strong enough to bounce back quickly and get Watford's promotion challenge back on course. "We never expected to go the whole season unbeaten. There is always a chance you are going to lose games," he said.

"It's far from a crisis. Everyone at the club is disappointed, but the morale of the squad is as high as ever."

And Burnley boss Stan Ternent is certainly not being swayed by Watford's recent run as he tipped them sustain a promotion challenge.

"Watford have lost three games on the spin but that doesn't mean a great deal. They have some good players and they are up at the top of the table on merit.

"Watford will be a well organised and well drilled team with Graham Taylor in charge and it will be an extremely difficult match.

"They will be there or thereabouts at the end of the season," he said.

However, Burnley have also shown the credentials to stay around the top six and Ternent will be looking to repeat the positive aspects of last Saturday's game at Birmingham City without being so generous at the back.

"Our away form has been excellent. We've never been turned over good style anywhere apart from Forest," he added.

The Clarets are expected to hand a full debut to record signing Ian Moore and Watford may also be able to pep up their front line by recalling the fit-again Allan Smart. The former Preston striker has been sidelined by injury but confirmed his well-being with a four-goal blast for the reserves in mid-week.