Lewington 'chuffed' with draw that shows progress

A manager doesn't often claim to be "chuffed" after seeing his team collect one point from their last two home games but Watford's Ray Lewington had good reason to express his delight as they came close to becoming the first side to beat Wigan in the Championship.

Written off as relegation contenders at the start of the season, Watford enjoyed a five-match unbeaten run before last weekend's 1-0 defeat by leaders Reading.

Wigan remain second after last night's goalless draw at Vicarage Road but they were outplayed by Lewington's side.

If the otherwise impressive midfielder Ashley Young had made decent contact when he found himself unmarked with 10 minutes remaining instead of scooping his shot over the bar, Watford would have sealed three deserved points.

Earlier, Gavin Mahon hit the post from close range, Danny Webber forced John Filan to make an excellent block and Neil Cox went close with a second-half header.

Lewington said: "We've got just one point from two home games but we have a solid look. The goals against column [six in 10 games] is terrific. I'm really chuffed.

"I am disappointed that we didn't beat Wigan. We had the better chances. This team is growing and sometimes we don't realise that we are a decent side. They read in the papers that we were favourites to go down and we are better than that. This will be good for the confidence."