Leeds United 2-2 Watford

WATFORD SLIPPED further down the table yesterday as they failed to hold onto a lead for the second time in a week, escaping Elland Road with just a point.

Sub Luciano Becchio nodded the home side ahead before Lee Hodson equalised with his first professional goal. Andi Weimann then tapped him to put Watford ahead for the first time before Troy Deeney nodded past his own 'keeper to land Leeds a precious point.

Watford named the same starting 11 that drew with Norwich in midweek whilst Leeds left top-scorer Luciano Becchio in the bench with South African Davide Somma preferred to lead the line.

Leeds took the lead after 72 minutes when subs Barry Bannan and Becchio combined. From Bannan`s right-wing free-kick, Becchio somehow managed to rise highest to flick a strong header beyond the dive of Scott Loach.

The Whites were not ahead long though and just six minutes later Hodson had levelled. The Northern Irish cap had never scored at professional level but from a looping centre the full-back was able to see the ball home with the deftest header from inside the six yard box.

Watford then did as they did against Norwich in midweek by taking the lead against their more illustrious opponents.

After hard work from Danny Graham who had initially been supplied by Deeney, loanee Weimann was left unmarked at the far post with the simple job of drilling home Graham`s selfless pass.

The Hornet`s were unable to secure all three points though as just two minutes later in 88th minute, Deeney steered a Leeds corner past his own 'keeper at the near-post to hand the Whites a last-ditch point.

This is the kind of afternoon which sums Watford`s season up - inconsistency and carelessness. The amount of regrettable goals or winning positions from which we`ve lost points has been criminal but with a young side it`s part of the territory. They`ll be a year older and wiser next season.

Leeds United: Schmeichel; Bromby, Lichaj, O`Brien, McCartney; Snodgrass, Kilkenny (Becchio (McCormack)), Howson (c), Johnson; Gradel; Somma (Bannan).

Subs not used: Higgs (GK); Connolly, Naylor and Livermore.

Watford: Loach; Hodson, Mariappa, Taylor, Doyley; Deeney, Jenkins (Drinkwater), Eustace (c), Cowie; Sordell (Weimann) and Graham (Mingoia).

Subs not used: Gilmartin (GK); Buckley, Bennett and Whichelow.

Referee: Mr K Woolmer

Attendance: 30 240

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