Promotion favourites Queens Park Rangers failed to find the net for the third Championship game in a row as they were held to a 0-0 draw by Watford this afternoon.

With top scorer Charlie Austin injured, Hoops boss Harry Redknapp went without a recognised striker at Vicarage Road, but that did not improve his side's recent fortunes in front of goal as they fell five points off the pace at the top of the table.

Niko Kranjcar was the most threatening of Rangers' midfielders, but his two first-half efforts from distance went narrowly wide, as did a curling shot from his teammate Matt Phillips.

Hornets keeper Manuel Almunia was not severely tested in the opening 45 minutes, but did require treatment for a head injury after being caught by Junior Hoilett's knee as he foiled the Canadian at his feet.

Shots from distance were the main source of goalscoring chances in the second period as well, as Lewis McGugan fired over the crossbar from 25 yards.

However, the Hornets then fashioned arguably the best opportunity of the game. Troy Deeney released forward partner Diego Fabbrini with a through-ball and, although the Italian struck sweetly from the edge of the box, Robert Green got down very well to make a smart save.

It was an otherwise uneventful stalemate between two London rivals, which leaves QPR fourth and Watford in the bottom half of the table, but still unbeaten under new manager Giuseppe Sannino.