Goalkeeper Scott Loach was the hero for Watford as he pulled off a string of fine second-half saves to earn his side a point at Ipswich.

Ipswich fans were only afforded a glimpse of their latest prodigy as on-loan Giovani Dos Santos limped off midway through a goalless first half of few chances.

Former Barcelona winger Giovani, on loan from Tottenham, scored on debut against Burnley in midweek but after 26 minutes the Mexico international left the action, cutting a disgruntled figure as he headed straight down the tunnel.

The substitution was one of few notable moments in a dour first half with Tractor Boys midfielder David Norris and Watford winger Tommy Wright the only players who threatened to break the deadlock.

Loach was a man mountain in the Hornets goal as he denied Ipswich midfielder Alan Quinn's thunderous arrowed drive before flicking away Gareth McAuley's point-blank header from the resulting corner.

Ex-Real Madrid man Ivan Campo's curling 25-yard free-kick drifted narrowly wide of the target after Hornets defender Mike Williamson had bundled over Tommy Miller.

After 15 minutes, the lively Giovani had his first sight of goal as he surged toward the edge of the area but his shot sailed harmlessly over the bar.

The visitors enjoyed the lion's share of possession as Rodgers' industrious central midfield partnership of Jobi McAnuff and on-loan Chelsea youngster Jack Cork controlled play.

Strangley, Giovani's withdrawal seemed to give Jim Magilton's men a wake-up call and Norris came close twice in quick succession.

His first was courageously blocked by Watford captain Jay DeMerit and five minutes later, his 30-yard piledriver whistled inches wide.

But the best chance of the half came when Campo misjudged a routine pass, allowing Tommy Wright to burst clean through on goal but goalkeeper Richard Wright raced off his line to thwart his namesake at his feet.

Ipswich began the second half with real momentum and Norris came close again soon after the re-start but, with the goal at his mercy, his shot was well saved by Loach.

And Loach was in action again a minute later to deny Jon Stead's skidding effort.

The visitors, who had won five of their previous eight games, counterattacked at pace with Tommy Smith's 18-yard drive forcing Richard Wright to palm away at full stretch.

Fine build up play by Pablo Counago and Stead fed Quinn but he too was denied by Loach who tipped over for a corner.

From the resulting set-piece, McAuley's towering header again had Loach scrambling but the Hornets stopper did brilliantly to tip the ball away and earn his side a point.

Teams

Ipswich Richard Wright, David Wright (Balkestein 59), McAuley,Campo, Thatcher, Giovani (Haynes 26), Norris,Miller (Garvan 55), Quinn, Stead, Counago.

Subs Not Used: Bialkowski, Lisbie.

Booked: Counago, Campo.

Watford Loach, Doyley, DeMerit (Hoyte 50), Mike Williamson,Mariappa, Cork, Cowie (Hoskins 83), Jenkins, McAnuff, Priskin,Smith.

Subs Not Used: Lee, Cauna, Young.

Att: 21,434

Ref: Colin Webster (Tyne & Wear).