PREM: Watford 1-1 Newcastle

Abdoulaye Doucoure denies Newcastle win

Watford moved up to ninth in the Premier league table as substitute Abdoulaye Doucoure scored a late equaliser in their 1-1 draw against Newcastle.

Salomon Rondon gave the visitors a surprise lead in the first half (29) shortly after Gerard Deulofeu squandered a great opportunity to put the hosts in front.

But Watford grabbed a deserved equaliser through substitute Doucoure (82), who converted his powerful header from close range.

Watford started the game stronger and Deulofeu was presented with a glorious chance to give them the lead in the 16th minute. Roberto Pereyra's fine floated ball put the former Barcelona forward into a one-on-one position, but Martin Dubravka did well to block his shot aimed for the bottom corner.

Although Javi Gracia's side looked the more likely team to take the lead, it was the visitors who broke the deadlock thanks to Rondon. The Venezuela international sneaked into a gap between Craig Cathcart and Adam Masina at the far post and converted Matt Ritchie's early cross by powering his header past Ben Foster for his fifth Premier League goal of the season.

The goal seemed to rattle the Watford defence as Rondon had the ball in the net 10 minutes later, but it was chalked off for offside. Watford did create another good chance through Isaac Success shortly before half-time, but his venomous strike was batted away by Dubravka.

With Newcastle starting the second half on the front foot, and Ritchie looking particularly lively for the visitors, Gracia elected to bring on Troy Deeney and Doucoure in search of an equaliser early on - and the decision paid off.

Deulofeu delivered a fine cross from the right flank for the unmarked Doucoure, who steered his header into the top corner.

Watford continued to press for the winner in the final few minutes with Success' tame effort landing into the grateful arms of Dubravka as Newcastle held on for a precious point.