Huddersfield 0-0 Watford: Goalless at the John Smith's

Huddersfield and Watford fought out a 0-0 stalemate at the John Smith's Stadium on a damp and drizzly day in West Yorkshire.

In a game short of clear-cut opportunities, Yaser Asprilla and Matty Pearson came closest for either side, on an otherwise comfortable afternoon for both goalkeepers.

The draw extends Watford's unbeaten league run to four, with Huddersfield earning their first clean sheet at home since mid-September.

Ken Sema almost unknowingly put Watford ahead after four minutes, getting his head- or rather his face - to a wicked deflected cross into the centre. The early half-chance whistled wide.

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Huddersfield had the first meaningful effort of the game in the 27 the minute when Pearson's left-footed shot was held by Dan Bachmann in the Hornets' goal.

Sorba Thomas called Bachmann back into the action six minutes later, with the Watford shot-stopper getting down well to his left to deny the opener.

The visitors remained resilient, and Edo Kayembe's whipped attempt asked questions of Huddersfield's Lee Nicholls, resulting in Watford's best effort of the half.

Less than a minute into the second period, the increasingly threatening Asprilla struck low and hard at goal, from a tight angle. A smart stop from Nicholls tipped the ball around the post.

As the heavens opened, Valerien Ishamel's side injected a minor impetus into the game.

Jamal Lewis and Jeremy Ngakia both had promising shots blocked by the sturdy Town defence, including one by Michael Helik.

On 64 minutes, the John Smith's Stadium began to wake up as Ben Wiles' speculative attempt sailed over. Watford rushed up the other end and Jamal Lewis' low shot kept Nicholls busy.

Hornets sub Imran Louza looked lively when turning from 25 yards out, but fired high and wide on 70 minutes.

With 13 minutes left on the clock, Mileta Rajovic rose well inside the Huddersfield penalty area, but could not quite connect with Ryan Andrews' clipped cross.

In added time, Town almost snatched the winner with substitute Mattie Pollock drifting in behind, but unable to pick out a blue and white shirt in the middle.

Watford pressed for a dramatic winner, and if not for Josh Ruffle's heroics, they may have found it. The Town sub flicking the ball away from underneath the crossbar.

The managers

Huddersfield's Darren Moore:

"The main thing for me was the clean sheet today. We worked incredibly hard in getting that clean sheet and having that mentality.

"I know the goalkeeper and defenders will get the plaudits, but it was a massive team effort today to get the point.

"We had three solid sessions in training last week to implement our shape and really nullify Watford in the areas that we know they operate well in. The concentration levels were spot on today, as well as the drive from everybody. We showed a lot of desire to work for one another.

"What we saw in the last 24 hours. We lost two players in the immediate build-up to this game, so that's why our bench was so sparse today. These were unforeseen circumstances that can happen in football, and we just have to get on with it.

"Credit to the players, the group adjusted really well and I'm really pleased for them, the way we worked collectively as a group.

"For the last 15 to 20 minutes it was the energy from the crowd that really spurred the boys on to show everything that they've got."

Watford's Valerien Ismael:

"I told the players it's nice to see we're getting disappointed after not winning away. This shows real improvement from the team over the past few weeks.

"The game was difficult today. The game plan from Huddersfield was tough. I understand, they had many injured players and conceded eight goals in two games, the first task is to defend. And they did that well today.

"From our point of view, we were in complete control. We dominated the game and won our duels well. We defended set-pieces well.

"The problem today was our work in the final third. Our last passes, we needed to use the pitch better, and work the keeper more. We needed to believe in one-v-one situations and needed more quality in our crosses. It's the first time we've faced a game plan like that, but it will help us improve in the future.

"Another clean sheet is a positive to take today. We want more of course, but five unbeaten now shows that we're moving in the right direction.

"We need to learn from the game to find new solutions. We played too many square balls today so it would be nice if next time we can take a few more risks in the final third."

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