Rotherham and Watford still have work to do to stave off relegation after a fiercely-contested encounter at Millmoor ended all square.

The home side got off to a dream start when Watford's defence gift-wrapped Martin Butler his 13th goal of the season after just four minutes.

However, Watford battled back gamely and Bruce Dyer latched on to Paul Devlin's delightful cross to head home the equaliser after 24 minutes.

Indeed, Ronnie Moore's men can count themselves slightly fortunate not to lost after Lee Cook's emphatic 25-yard drive hit the woodwork shortly before half-time.

Watford were also the better side in the second half, but could not cash in their dominance with a goal.

That said, both managers will be reasonably happy with a point which inches the two teams closer to safety - but far from out the woods.

Victory for either side would obviously have gone even further in securing their First Division status, but there was only one team in it in the opening stages as the Millers surged into the lead.

Shaun Barker's hopeful punt upfield was not dealt with by Watford's shaky rearguard and Michael Proctor had time and space to head the ball into Butler's path.

Watford's defence was again found wanting and Butler was left with the simple task of finishing a neat move from eight yards.

Butler's goal awoke Ray Lewington's men from their slumber and the Hornets responded positively.

Hameur Bouazza's fierce drive from the right flank forced Rotherham goalkeeper Mike Pollitt into making a superb fingertip save while Moore's game plan was disrupted shortly afterwards when Phil Gilchrist sustained an injury and had to be replaced by Andy Monkhouse.

Sensing an opportunity, the visitors upped the tempo and deservedly restored parity after 24 minutes.

Devlin waltzed past his marker before delivering a precise cross which cut Rotherham's defence wide open. Dyer timed his run to perfection, and headed the ball high into the roof of the net from close range.

Rotherham's bright start was now a distant memory as Watford finished the half with a flourish.

And the Hornets were nearly rewarded after 42 minutes when Cook beat Pollitt all ends up from 25 yards but saw his fierce drive hit the woodwork and away to safety.

The visitors' new-found sense of dynamism showed no sign of waning in the second half as Bouazza and Gavin Mahon hit the target from long range but could not find the back of the net.

Moore had seen enough and replaced Proctor with Richie Barker in a bid to rejuvenate a Rotherham frontline which had grown stagnant.

However, the change failed to have a positive impact as Barker hardly had a kick and Watford finished the contest well on top - without creating any clear-cut goalscoring opportunities.

Teams

Rotherham Pollitt, Stockdale, Swailes, Gilchrist (Monkhouse 17), Shaun Barker, Morris, Mullin, Sedgwick, Minto, Butler, Proctor (Richard Barker 64).

Subs Not Used: Montgomery, Warne, Hurst.

Goals: Butler 4.

Watford Chamberlain, Mayo, Dyche, Baird, Hyde, Mahon, Cook (Vernazza 79), Devlin, Dyer (Fitzgerald 73), Bouazza, Gayle.

Subs Not Used: Ardley, Doyley, Pidgeley.

Booked: Bouazza.

Goals: Dyer 24.

Att: 7,221

Ref: C Penton (Sussex).