Ipswich Town extended their unbeaten run to five matches after drawing 1-1 with Watford in the Championship on Saturday.

The Hornets, with Giuseppe Sannino in charge for the first time since succeeding Gianfranco Zola as head coach, came closest to taking the lead in the opening period when striker Diego Fabbrini rattled the post from a tight angle.

Ipswich provided their own threat and Tommy Smith almost broke the deadlock himself when he nodded Aaron Cresswell's corner goalwards, but Watford's defence scrambled the ball clear.

Manuel Almunia was called into action just before the half-hour mark when he was forced to tip David McGoldrick's curling shot over the bar.

Despite the early exchanges the game continued to be goalless until Ipswich were awarded a penalty 17 minutes from time after Gabriele Angella was adjudged to have handled in the box.

McGoldrick calmly side-footed the spot kick past Almunia and the Tractor Boys seemed on course for the three points.

However, with nine minutes remaining Watford found an equaliser when Troy Deeney netted from close range.

The draw means that Ipswich keep in touch with the battle for a playoff place, while Watford are 14th in the Championship.

Written by
Chris O'Keefe