Scott Twine's precise first-half free-kick denied Watford a fifth successive home victory as injury-hit Bristol City battled to a 1-1 Championship draw on a lively Friday night at Vicarage Road. Marc Bola had given the Hornets an early lead with his first goal for the club, but Twine's set-piece levelled the contest before an end-to-end second half in which both goalkeepers were repeatedly called into action.
Watford, who came into the game on the back of four straight home wins, created the clearer chances and finished with 10 shots on target and the greater share of possession. Yet they could not find a way past outstanding Bristol City goalkeeper Radek Vitek for a second time, while Egil Selvik recovered from his role in the equaliser to make crucial saves at the other end. The point nudges Watford up to 11th in the table, with City remaining seventh and just outside the play-off places on goal difference before Saturday's fixtures.
Bola's first Hornets goal caps flying start
The tone was set almost immediately as Bristol City, despite their depleted ranks, carved out the game's first opening. Anis Mehmeti led a swift counter-attack and fed Twine on the edge of the box inside the first couple of minutes, only for the attacking midfielder to drag his shot wide of Selvik's far post when well placed. It was a warning that the visitors were prepared to carry a threat despite their selection problems.