Watford's winless streak continued as they were held to a goalless draw by Cardiff at Vicarage Road.

The Hornets have not won in the Championship for almost two months and have not tasted victory at home since the end of August.

This record never looked likely to be broken as both sides shared the spoils despite an entertaining second half where there were numerous chances.

In a poor opening quarter of an hour neither goal was troubled as both sides struggled to get a grip on the match.

Indeed it took until the 21st minute for the first effort on goal as Watford's Johnnie Jackson tried his luck from 18-yards but his left-footed volley flew wide.

Paul Devlin then went close two minutes later as his close-range right-footed volley flashed wide of goal.

Jackson tried his luck again from distance but the young midfielder had not found his radar as his shot drifted wide.

The visitors went close as half-time closed as first Junichi Inamoto drilled a 25-yard free kick just over the bar.

Willie Boland then saw his left-foot effort from 20 yards blocked by the despairing challenge of Watford defender Sean Dyche.

The first half drew to a close with neither side having a shot on target leaving both sets of fans hoping for better fare in the second period.

Watford opened up the second half with greater attacking intent as first Devlin went close with a free-kick before the dangerous Heidar Helguson, who had been quiet up to that point, flashed a header over Tony Warner's crossbar.

The Icelandic international seemed to spring into action and soon followed up his header with a left-footed volley from the right side of the penalty area which Danny Gabbidon bravely got in front of.

Cameron Jerome threatened for the visitors with a volley of his own but his right-footed effort in the 70th minute was easily dealt with by Paul Jones in the Watford goal.

The youngster was proving a lively threat for Cardiff and tried his luck again five minutes later but his shot from 18 yards was again held by Jones.

It was proving to be a far more exciting half and James Chambers went closest to breaking the deadlock when his header hit the Cardiff woodwork.

It was end-to-end stuff and Watford substitute Scott Fitzgerald brought Warner to action when his header from Anthony McNamee's cross was well saved.

In the closing stages the home side had the better of the chances but could not score a crucial winning goal.

Dyche sent a header over the bar from a Devlin cross before Helguson sent his effort wide of goal.

Teams:

Watford Jones, Doyley (Fitzgerald 78), Cox, Dyche, Darlington, Chambers (Demerit 89), Gunnarsson, Mahon, Jackson (McNamee 66), Helguson, Devlin.

Subs Not Used: Chamberlain, Dyer.

Booked: Jackson, Mahon.

Cardiff Warner, Weston, Gabbidon, Collins (Page 18), Barker, McAnuff, Inamoto (Bullock 65), Boland, Thorne, Jerome (Lee 77), Vidmar.

Subs Not Used: Langley, Alexander.

Booked: Boland.

Att: 13,409

Ref: P Walton (Northamptonshire).