Watford saved by late gift

Ray Lewington blamed Watford's "fear factor" after his side could only scramble a 1-1 draw in the bottom of the table clash with Walsall at Vicarage Road.

Watford were gifted a point as Chris Baird's second-half own-goal ensured a scrappy affair ended all square.

Lewington said: "Only two outfield players wanted the ball in the first half. There was this fear factor about us.

"They weren't making the angles or calling for the ball. After the break we started to show for the ball and looked capable of scoring."

Watford keeper Alec Chamberlain made a brilliant early save to stop Danny Hay's close-range shot.

Scott Fitzgerald then went close a couple of times for Watford but Simon Osborn headed Walsall in front after Chamberlain's punched clearance.

Lewington rang the changes after 58 minutes with Ashley Young coming on for Bruce Dyer and Micah Hyde replacing Jamie Hand. And just three minutes later the Hornets were level thanks to an own-goal from Baird.

Paul Devlin delivered the cross and although Watford's Danny Webber missed it, Baird put it into his own net.

Walsall boss Colin Lee said: "It was a silly goal and there was no need to touch it."

Neal Ardley and Young, with a brilliant volley, went close late on for Watford but a winner looked unlikely.