premier league

BRIGHTON were twice denied by the woodwork as they picked up their first-ever Premier League point with a goalless draw at 10- man Watford.

Miguel Britos’ 24th- minute dismissal was the main talking point of the game, with the Watford defender sent off for a dangerous, studs- up challenge on Anthony Knockaert.

Albion were unable to turn their numerical advantage into three points, however, with Knockaert hitting the post in the first half and Wa tf o rd def en d e r Ch r i s t i a n Kabasele knocking the ball on to the same post just before the break.

The hosts began the game brightly, with Nathaniel Chalobah and Andre Gray having chances, but Brighton battled back and Knockaert came within a whisker of a 16thminute opener, as his fierce strike rebounded back off the left post.

The away side felt they were denied a penalty minutes later, but, not long after that, Watford were reduced to 10 men following Britos’ horror-tackle on Knockaert.

The dismissal was the Uruguayan’s third in 20 Premier League games and it increased the pressure on his side for the rest of the afternoon.

Seagulls centre-back Lewis Dunk then flashed a header across goal as the visitors looked to capitalise, before Solly March’s left-wing cross was diverted onto the left post by Kabasele.

Watford struggled to turn the tide back in their favour, although Chalobah did go close with a powerful low shot from distance which went the wrong side of the left post in the closing minutes of the half.

Albion striker Tomer Hemed hooked the ball just wide in the 52nd minute as the visitors dominated, then Knockaert again went close with a low, angled drive which Heurelho Gomes turned behind for a corner.

Watford’s Gray flashed a shot wide at the other end as the hosts tried to fight back, but, despite a number of attacking changes for both sides in the final 10 minutes, neither could find the all-important breakthrough.