Royals and Hornets Play Out Draw

Watford edged another point towards safety with a hard fought point at Reading.

Watford, who made two changes from the midweek draw with Preston, started brightly with Martin Taylor and Matt Whichelow both had early efforts on goal.

Reading, too, looked dangerous going foward and Jobi McAnuff’s snap shot just went wide of Scott Loach’s post.

Both sides continued to go forward and Andy Wiemann had another effort beaten away by Federici. Watford took the lead just before the half hour when Adam Thomspon broke down the right and John Eustace’s cross found Andy Weimann whose first effort was brilliantly saved by Federici but he smashed in the rebound.

Watford should have doubled their lead when Whichelow and Graham broke away and the former then crossed for Graham whose header was brilliantly saved by Federici.

Reading who struggled to get going in the first half had one effort of note. Mikele Ligertwood sidestepped most of the Watford midfielder before shooting forcing Loach into a low save to his left.

Half Time

Second Half

Reading equalised early on in the second half. Brian Howard’s corner was dropped by Scott Loach under no pressure and Noel Hunt headed in from virtually on the goal line.

The game then turned into a drab affair with McAnuff and Kebe not finding their range with their crossing. Watford attacked sporadically with Eustace and substitute Jenkins both having efforts before the end.