Hornets to victory

was well held by Valdes, before Heurelho Gomes was called into action for the first time after he saved from Fabio Da Silva.

It proved to be his final contribution when he limped off shortly after the hour mark with a back problem.

Capoue’s effort shaved Valdes’ post, before Doucoure then headed wide from Christian Kabasale’s cross. Okaka was booked for diving by referee Jon Moss as he appealed for a penalty.

Tom Cleverley made his second debut for the club after the midfielder, on loan from Everton, replaced Valon Behrami with 14 minutes remaining, and he almost had an immediate effect.

The former Manchester United midfielder pounced on a loose clearance in the Boro box, but his effort came back off a post, and Capoue blazed the follow-up over Valdes’ bar.

Captain Troy Deeney then had the chance to win the match in the closing minutes, but his effort trickled agonisingly wide of Valdes’ post.

That would be as good as it got for the Hornets as a chorus of boos greeted the final whistle.