Troy Deeney rescued a point for Watford in a 1-1 draw at Ipswich Town to ensure his new manager, Giuseppe Sannino, did not start his tenure with a defeat.

A loss for Watford looked likely when the home side were given a controversial penalty, stroked home by David McGoldrick in the 73rd minute, but the lead lasted just eight minutes before Deeney slid home from Marco Cassetti's cross.

In truth, a draw was a fair result in a largely dismal affair. Neither side gave an inch in a cagy opening, and the first shot at either goal did not come until the 22nd minute.

Watford edged the early proceedings and came closest to scoring, in the 25th minute, when Diego Fabbrini found space in the area and cannoned a shot against the near post from an acute angle. But

Ipswich fought back and the visitors were indebted to the agility of the recalled Manuel Almunia, who tipped over McGoldrick's 25-yard shot.

As in the first half, the second 45 minutes took time to get going. It was Watford who almost made the breakthrough when the impressive Fabbrini dissected the home defence and Sean Murray's goalbound shot was smartly turned around by Dean Gerken.

Just as the game was drifting into a drab goalless draw, Ipswich were given a chance to open the scoring. Frank Nouble's weak cross deflected off the arm of Gabriele Angella and the referee, Graham Scott, had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. After furious Watford protests died down, McGoldrick stroked home his ninth goal of the season.

But with nine minutes left Watford were level. The substitute Cristian Battocchio slid a teasing cross into the six-yard area and Deeney beat Smith to slide the ball home.

Ipswich came close to a winner in the 87th minute when McGoldrick found some rare space in the Watford box, but his shot was parried by Almunia, and Luke Hyam's header from the rebound came back off the crossbar.

The Guardian