ON a bitterly cold afternoon (11 February) Watford's hearts were broken as Birmingham City snatched a late equaliser to deny the Golden Boys a win following a hard-working performance.
It was the visitors who took the lead early on after Jamie Irving misjudged the flight of a corner only to see a Birmingham header across the goal converted at the back post.
After Irving was called into action to save a low shot, Watford finally got themselves into the game.
It was Piero Mingoia who found space in the midfield and after some clever play he slipped a through ball to Chez Isaac who bravely beat the 'keeper to it, only to be clattered in the process and win his side a penalty.
Mingoia stepped up to take the spot kick and tucked it away with aplomb to tie the game.
Watford were now in the driving seat and after a clever turn by Cole Penny set up Isaac and then Mingoia, the home side were unlucky not to take the lead, the Birmingham 'keeper saving well to keep his side in the match.
After the Hornets had spurned their opportunity, City went close seconds later as Irving saw a thundering effort crash off the woodwork from distance.
The Watford goal would lead a charmed life throughout the match but there could be no denying the quality of the second strike for the home side.
The impressive Penny produced another superb turn in a tight space to tee up Eddie Oshodi, the centre back then played a measured chipped pass wide to Mingoia, who slipped a ball through to Matty Whichelow and his left foot shot found the back of the net to give the home side a deserved lead.
Watford were lucky to go in at the break level after Jack Warburton lost possession on the edge of his box, only for the Birmingham City snap-shot that followed to hit the bar and from the rebound the follow up struck a post leaving Oshodi to hack clear and clear his lines.
With the wind howling across the pitch there was a quick turn around at half time and Watford carried the momentum with them with Gavin Massey getting close after a long through ball found him in space, however the City 'keeper did well to narrow the angle and thwart any danger.
As the half progressed Watford seemed happy to concede possession to their visitors without Irving having to make a save, however with minutes to spare the home side were hit with a sucker punch.
After a ball in from the Birmingham left seemingly looked as if it was cleared, the ball found its way back in to the Watford box after hitting a defender, with the offside trap sprung any one of the three players that were stood in front of Irving could poke home for the equaliser and they did to draw the game level.
There was one last chance for Whichelow to win it late on but his half chance was comfortably saved allowing Birmingham to feel the trip back to the Midlands felt more like a win than a draw.
WATFORD: Irving; Fenwick, Oshodi, Hemati, Archer (Deer 46); Isaac, Penny, Warburton, Mingoia; Whichelow, Massey. Subs not used: Bond (gk), Rosier, Otshudi.
SCORERS: Whichelow, Mingoia.
