THE HORNETS chalked up their third consecutive draw tonight (Monday) as they were held to a goalless clash with Brighton & Hove Albion.

The second string were unable to find a way past John Sullivan in goal for the Seagulls on a bitterly cold evening at Boreham Wood.

Player-coach Malky Mackay started in the heart of defence alongside Matt Jackson - who was the captain for the evening. Cedric Avinel played at right back while second-year scholar Dale Bennett was the left back.

First-year scholar Ross Jenkins returned to his more familiar role in midfield, after a couple of run outs at full back, and he impressed with a tidy, workmanlike performance sitting in front of the back four.

Santiago Aloi started on the left hand side of midfield alongside Jenkins, Douglas Rinaldi and Alex Campana - while Moses Ashikodi returned to the starting line-up and played the first half alongside youngster Liam Henderson.

It was a game of few real chances with either goalkeeper rarely being called into action. Ashikodi had the first effort of the game which went wide of the post after good closing down by Alex Campana.
 
The Golden Boys were unable to really test Sullivan and Ashikodi again blasted wide as did Aloi and Rinaldi before the break. At the other end Ian Joyce saved well from Gary Hart after he got the better of Mackay.

After the break the visitors got the upper hand and started to influence the game more. Nathan Elder headed over the bar for Brighton while Paul Reid drilled a shot wide of Joyce's post.

Hart had the best chance of the game for the Seagulls after his strike partner Elder headed down for him in the box but he could only drag his shot across the face of goal.

The chances continued for the visitors before the final whistle but Joyce was rarely called into action.

Meanwhile Watford rarely threatened after the break and a long free kick into the box after a reckless foul on Henderson was one of the few attacks in the second half.

Avinel looked comfortable out of position at right back and showed signs of his strength when in possession of the ball.

Ashikodi got himself in some good positions and worked hard and that will stand him in good stead over the forthcoming weeks. 

WATFORD (4-4-2): Joyce; Avinel, Bennett, Mackay, Jackson; Jenkins, Campana, Aloi, Rinaldi, Henderson, Ashikodi (Forbes 45). Subs not used: Gibson, North (GK), Kiernan, Brown.

BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION (4-4-2): Sullivan; Kamara, Mayo, Lynch (French 56), Beda; Reid, Wills, Rents, Brinkhurst (Ide 74); Elder (Louis 70), Hart. Subs not used: Pelling (GK), Bryant

BOOKINGS: WATFORD; none. BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION; Kamara (37 foul).

SENDINGS OFF: WATFORD; none BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION; none.

GOALS: WATFORD; none. BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION; none.

REFEREE: K A Woolmer.

SHOW YOUR COLOURS!