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West Bromwich Albion hold off Watford to claim first point of the season

West Bromwich Albion play out a goalless draw with newly-promoted Watford.

West Bromwich Albion have withstood an onslaught against Watford to hold out for a goalless draw and claim their first Premier League point of the season.

The Hornets were first to venture forward and they forced Boaz Myhill in action early on as Odion Ighalo let fly from distance, the former Wales international meeting his strike with a comfortable save.

West Brom's Saido Berahino takes on Valon Berami of Watford on August 15, 2015© Getty Images

Watford were on the attack again in the sixth minute when Miguel Layun swung a cross into the area and Troy Deeney met it with a header, which sailed wide of the target.

Quique Flores's side continued to control the match and they almost drew first blood following a speedy counter-attack on the half-hour mark, the move ending with Allan Nyom letting fly and Myhill punching the ball to safety.

Deeney and Ighalo linked up again on the stroke of half time, but the latter could only fire over after his captain had picked him out with a through-ball.

Quique Flores gives his Watford side the finger during their game with West Brom on August 15, 2015© Getty Images

The Baggies managed only three attempts at goal in the first period, none of which hit the target.

Watford continued to ask all of the questions in the second period, with Deeney and Ighalo causing West Brom all kinds of problems.

However, the Baggies fired a warning shot of their own just after the hour mark when substitute Jose Rondon lashed an effort into the stand.

Tony Pulis's side were handed the chance to snatch all three points 10 minutes before the final whistle when James McClean's cross fell invitingly for Saido Berahino in front of goal, but the young striker blazed the ball over from point-blank range.

West Brom had another late opportunity to snatch victory five minutes later when McClean unleashed a vicious strike from a free kick 25 years out, his effort whizzing narrowly wide of the target.

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West Brom's Saido Berahino takes on Valon Berami of Watford on August 15, 2015
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