Watford 1 Wolverhampton Wanderers 1

Last updated : 11 December 2004 By Footymad Previewer
Hoddle took his players for two sessions in the build up to the game - introducing the diamond formation which they played for the first time this season.

And before they had time to come to terms with their new role in a competitive match, Wolves were a goal down.

Watford's Neal Ardley provided the cross and Heider Helguson met the ball with his chest and drove home from 10 yards.

That was after four minutes and Wolves were rocking.

In fact, Paul Devlin, making his first start since coming back from an injury sustained in September, could have put Watford two goals to the good but fired wide when set up by James Chambers.

Wolves then took control of the first half and dominated.

Their equaliser was fully deserved. They went close through Dean Sturridge who had an effort blocked near the line before levelling the scores in the 35th minute.

Carl Cort nodded the ball down and Seyi Olofinjana met it with a half volley to squeeze a shot past Richard Lee.

Watford hung on until the interval but strangely had the best chance of taking the lead again.

Bruce Dyer capitalised on an error by Lee Naylor and went clear only to fail to find the target when attempting to curl the ball past Michael Oakes.

Watford were much more assertive after the break and Oakes had to move smartly to beat away a vicious shot from Devlin.

Then Helguson saw a firm header blocked on the line.

Watford also broke through in wide positions, regularly turning the Wolves defence, but failed to deliver a telling final ball.