Wolverhampton Wanderers scored a goal in second-half stoppage time to claim a point against high-flying Watford this evening.
Almen Abdi's free kick on the stroke of half time gave the visitors the lead, but Bakary Sako struck late on to rescue the draw for Wolves.
Fernando Forestieri squandered a fine chance to win the game for Watford late on as Gianfranco Zola's men were forced to settle for a draw.
Here, Sports Mole takes an in-depth look at a dramatic night of Championship football.
Match statistics:
Wolves:
Shots 13
On target 10
Possession 43%
Corners 5
Fouls 12
Watford:
Shots 16
On target 11
Possession 57%
Corners 6
Fouls 2
Was the result fair?
On the balance of play, no. Watford controlled large periods of play and were in complete control throughout the first half. Wolves had their moments in the second half but were, on the whole, outplayed. However, Wolves did create a number of good chances and were only denied by a fine performance from Jonathan Bond on a few occasions. Watford also had chances to kill the game off, so can only have themselves to blame for the late sucker punch.
Wolves' performance
Poor in the first half. They created very little when going forward and Watford dominated possession despite being the away side. They were more adventurous in the second half and looked more eager for the ball, but Watford were still the better side. They deserve credit for not giving up, however, and it is hard to begrudge them their goal.
Watford's performance
For large periods, they were completely in control. They dominated the first half and had a deserved lead at the break. However, unusually for them this season, they struggled to find the killer goal and were punished for their lack of ruthlessness.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Bakary Sako: It may seem strange to give this to a Wolves player considering how poor they were in the first half, but Sako was the catalyst for the hosts in the second half and, without him, would have suffered another loss. His goal was just reward for a fine second-half performance.
Biggest gaffe
Only one winner here: Fernando Forestieri's miss in the closing stages. Still reeling from Sako's equaliser, the ball fell to Forestieri inside the box in the 94th minute, but he rushed his effort and sliced it way over the bar. A bit more composure and it would have been 2-1 to Watford.
Referee performance
Paul Tierney had a solid game and got the vast majority of decisions correct. The big talking point will surround his decision to award the free kick that lead to Abdi's goal, but replays show that Karl Henry did catch Matej Vydra, and it was a fine call from the ref.
What next?
Wolves: Their search for a win continues away to Millwall next Tuesday night.
Watford: Watford will look to get their title challenge back on track when they host struggling Sheffield Wednesday on Tuesday.
Barney Corkhill
