Chris Hughton's men just about shaded proceedings and appeared slightly more positive going forward, but a goalless draw seemed fair on the balance of play in a poor game at Amex Stadium.

There were few moments of excitement in a generally dull first half, though Brighton did look marginally more threatening and went close through Jurgen Locadia just before the break.

Brighton was the brighter of the two sides again after the break, but was unable to find a way past the excellent Ben Foster, as Javi Gracia's Watford side drew three days on from a 2-1 defeat at Tottenham Hotspur.

Quality was sorely lacking in the first half and opportunities were scarce as a result.

Neither side looked particularly creative, so it was little surprise to see the only notable chances come via aerial balls.

Troy Deeney nodded just wide of the left-hand post when he met Daryl Janmaat's cross on the edge of the box 18 minutes in, while Locadia forced Foster into an acrobatic save with a headed effort of his own late in the half.

The match opened up a little at the start of the second half and Brighton almost unlocked Watford's defence, Solly March providing a fine cross into the danger zone after a darting run up the right, only for Janmaat to clear just ahead of the lurking Glenn Murray.

Brighton increased the intensity towards the end and went close twice in quick succession with 10 minutes to go, but Foster first brilliantly tipped a Locadia header over, before nudging a Shane Duffy overhead kick around the post.

Watford had a late chance of its own as Will Hughes caused havoc in the box, but Dunk tackled him with his face while on the ground, before coming away with the ball between his knees and clearing to safety, only for Foster to thwart Florin Andone on the break at the other end.