Watford Held by Leaders at Vicarage Road

Cardiff arrived at Vicarage Road 8 points clear of the third placed Hornets and left with that gap the same after a goalless draw, which promised more than it delivered.

Cardiff monopolised the early stages, stopping the Hornets usually free-flowing, counter attacking football by doing the dirty work in midfield, Kim impressing for the visitors. Craig Conway broke away from Ekstrand but pulled a tame shot wide. Deeney had the hornets best chance of the half but saw his header cleared of the line by Turner.

Watford looked the better side after the break and if Troy Deeney had taken the time to compose himself before snatching a volley horribly over the bar, this could have been a very different story. The usually lively Vydra was quiet and Forestieri replaced him with 20 minutes to play. He made a difference hassling the Cardiff backline constantly but it was the run away leaders who could have scored when Kim’s effort was deflected narrowly wide. Forestieri had a half chance in stoppage time but saw his strike blocked behind.

The point keeps Watford just 3 points of automatic promotion and maintains Cardiff’s 8 point lead at the top.
nicholas allen