Kids scared off by snore draw

STOKE billed this game as a ‘Kids for a Quid’ fixture, but they could now stand accused of cruelty to children after an absolutely abysmal advert for the Championship.

The increasing gulf between the Premier League and the second tier was crystal clear as both sides bored each other rigid to provide a television turn-off.

Watford ensured they are now two points ahead of West Bromwich Albion, largely thanks to the inspired second-half performance of Richard Lee, the Watford goalkeeper.

Lee performed heroics to deny Ricardo Fuller and Richard Cresswell late in the game and secure that rarest of things for Hornets manager Adrian Boothroyd, namely a clean sheet.

Boothroyd said: “We want to win every game, but we knew it would be tough, it was important for us to keep a clean sheet because we haven’t kept one for a while. It’s certainly something to build on, but I don’t think it’s a game that will be replayed over and over again on television.

“Both sides came into the game on the back of two very good results but the game never really got going.

“We had to be resolute and our keeper made two very good saves. He’s a terrific shot-stopper and our defenders put our heads in the way when it was needed.

“We’ve got to take the positives and a clean sheet is that, because I feel we will always score goals. Overall I’ve got to be pleased.”

The first half was appalling. Marlon King was dangerous for Watford and sent two drives narrowly wide, but there were few highlights as both sides tried, unsuccessfully, to shake off their collective torpor.

Potters manager Tony Pulis was furious in the 26th minute when Jobi McAnuff appeared to hack Liam Lawrence down in the area, but referee Colin Webster was not interested.

And Webster infuriated Aidy Boothroyd towards the end of the first half when a headed goal from Matt Jackson was ruled out for an apparent offside.

But the game finally ignited in the 52nd minute when Stoke should have taken the lead. Mamady Sidibe beat Jordan Stewart on the right and his low cross found Ricardo Fuller, but his powerful shot was brilliantly kept out by Richard Lee.

Tommy Smith was inches wide for the visitors and, eight minutes before time, Lee again performed heroics to deny Richard Cresswell.

And Lee was again inspired in the 88th minute to deny Fuller after the Stoke striker had burst clear.

Stoke still maintained their place in the play-off positions after this draw and, while mind-numbing to watch, nobody can deny their effectiveness.

Pulis said: “We’re disappointed because we had the chances and their goalkeeper has made three good saves. Ricardo broke through at the end and should have scored. He’s going through a bad spell at the moment and on another day could have had a hat-trick.

“Watford are a good, powerful team and we matched them. We’ve played two good teams that have come down from the Premier League and have come away with four points.

“Out of the top 12 teams I think promotion will be determined by who brings in that little bit more quality in the January window.

“We haven’t got the strength in depth that other teams have and it’s vital that we bring more people in.”

STOKE (4-4-2): Simonsen 6, Wright 6, Dickinson 6, Zakuani 7, Cort 7, Delap 6, Pugh 6, Lawrence 6, Cresswell 6, Sidibe 6 (Parkin 73), Fuller 7.

Subs Not Used: Hoult, Pericard, Buxton, Pulis.

WATFORD (4-4-2): Lee 7, Doyley 6, Stewart 6, De Merit 7, Jackson 6; Williamson 5, O’Toole 6, McAnuff 6, Smith 6 (Ellington 77), King 6, Priskin 4 (Francis 89).

Subs Not Used: Loach, Mariappa, Ainsworth.

REFEREE: Colin Webster (Tyne & Wear) 7: Infuriated both Tony Pulis and Adrian Boothroyd with two crucial first half decisions but got both calls right. Dealt well with an over-physical match.

MATCH RATING: * The gulf between the Premier League and the Championship is becoming a genuine concern when you consider that Watford — so appalling to watch — are the league leaders.