Darren Byfield's goal on his debut just four minutes from time saw Sunderland claw their way back from a two-goal deficit to seal a share of the spoils.

And the visitors could even have snatched victory in injury time when Jason McAteer's lob hit the woodwork.

Struggling Watford had shocked their high-flying visitors as an early goal from Gavin Mahon gave his side the initiative and a second-half penalty from Neil Cox had seemingly put the home side on course for victory.

Sunderland, with four league wins out of five going into this match, had started with new signing Byfield on the bench.

But Mick McCarthy's promotion-chasers were rocked after just seven minutes as the home side, just a point above the relegation zone before kick-off, took the lead.

Paul Devlin's flick found Scott Fitzgerald, whose cutback was coolly sidefooted past Sunderland goalkeeper Mart Poom by midfielder Mahon.

Sunderland won the first corner of the game two minutes later but McAteer's flag-kick was cleared by Micah Hyde as the home side grew in confidence.

The Wearsiders continued to push forward with dangerous crosses from Julio Arca and Paul Thirlwell putting the Hornets' defence under pressure.

But Watford looked dangerous in attack as Mahon tested Poom with a close-range header after 13 minutes.

Despite enjoying the lion's share of possession, Sunderland were continually frustrated by some resolute defending from the home side.

Arca volleyed a shot over the crossbar on the half-hour as, despite all their pressure, the visitors rarely troubled Watford goalkeeper Lenny Pidgeley in the opening 45 minutes.

The hosts again threatened seven minutes before the interval when Poom had to save with his feet from Heidar Helguson and Sean Dyche's shot from Neal Ardley's corner was cleared by Kevin Kyle.

And Sunderland missed a chance just before the break when George McCartney's cross found McAteer, but he steered his header wide of the target.

Sunderland started the second half strongly but chances remained at a premium and they were restricted to long-range efforts on goal.

Thirlwell tried his luck from distance after 52 minutes but his shot was too high and failed to trouble Pidgeley, who then cut out Arca's cross to keep the visitors at bay.

In an effort to turn things around and pep up his attack McCarthy introduced strikers Marcus Stewart and Byfield on the hour in place of Tommy Smith and Thirlwell.

But it was Watford who regained the initiative and they doubled their advantage from the penalty spot just five minutes later.

Phil Babb was adjudged to have fouled Helguson and Cox thumped his spot-kick past Poom.

But Sunderland gave themselves hope by halving the deficit with 14 minutes remaining.

McAteer's corner was flicked on by Stephen Wright and Stewart powered home a header. Byfield then stole the headlines with his late intervention.

Watford (1) 2 Sunderland (0) 2

Watford Pidgeley, Cox, Dyche, Ifil, Smith, Hyde, Ardley (Cook 90), Mahon, Fitzgerald (Vernazza 82), Devlin (Bouazza 90), Helguson.

Subs Not Used: Chamberlain, Dyer.

Goals: Mahon 7, Cox 68 pen.

Sunderland Poom, Wright, Bjorklund, Babb, McCartney, McAteer, Whitley, Thirlwell (Byfield 59), Arca, Tommy Smith (Stewart 59), Kyle.

Subs Not Used: Oster, Williams, Alnwick.

Goals: Stewart 76, Byfield 86.

Att: 16,798

Ref: L Probert (Gloucestershire).