Watford 1-1 Cardiff City

Promotion-chasing Cardiff came from behind to claim a 1-1 draw against Watford on Malky Mackay's return to Vicarage Road this afternoon.

The 39-year-old Cardiff boss, who left Watford to take over at the Welsh club in the summer, looked to be heading for defeat when Prince Bauben gave the Hornets a 62nd-minute lead.

The ex-Ajax player converted with a low shot from inside the penalty area after good work from England Under-21 international Marvin Sordell down the Watford right.

However, Mackay was gifted an equaliser when his former player Adrian Mariappa headed into his own net from a long throw-in.

The home side had a chance to claim all three points late on but on-loan midfielder Michael Kightly had his header saved by Cardiff keeper David Marshall.

With the result, Cardiff move to within four points of the automatic promotion places while Watford move six points clear of the relegation zone.