Watford 1 Wolverhampton Wanderers 1

Last updated : 02 November 2002 By Footymad Previewer

However, a draw was still enough to lift Ray Lewington's men up to third in theNationwide Division One table.

After a largely even first half, the Hornets' second-half pressure paid off when skipper NeilCox headed his side in front from Neal Ardley's corner after 66 minutes.

With only one defeat in their previous ten outings, the goal looked certain to make iteight wins in 11 for the impressive Vicarage Road side until Cooper's shot from the edgeof the area took a vicious deflection off Micah Hyde, and flew past the wrong-footed AlecChamberlain.

Watford's excellent run had been built on hard work, and this display continued theircommitment and never-say-die attitude.

Although some of the players' performances may not have been at their technical bestthe energy levels they displayed in persistently harrying their opponents, particularly in thesecond half, and covering almost every inch of a saturated pitch was admirable.

Coming into the match on the back of three straight wins Wolves started brightly, but itwas the home side that had the best chance in the opening 45 minutes when keeperMatt Murray did very well to push Heidar Helguson's full-length diving header over the bar.

Paul Ince did go close with a half volley in the first half, but the Hornets had otherchances as well, with Stephen Glass in particular, trying his luck from distance.

Helguson was again thwarted by an excellent Murray save nine minutes after the restartwhen the keeper's fine block kept out the Icelandic international striker's rasping left-footed drive.

After falling behind, Wolves threw bodies forward but it looked like they would leaveempty-handed after Chamberlain had been in the right place to comfortably keep out adeflected shot from substitute Dean Sturridge and an Ince header