Watford 1 Charlton 1

DARREN AMBROSE scored his sixth goal of the season to earn Charlton a priceless point from Saturday's draw away to former leaders Watford and afterwards confessed enormous relief.

The midfielder had earlier been guilty of missing two clear cut chances before equalising with a 78th minute 25-yard drive that Watford goalkeeper Richard Lee fumbled.

"I was so relieved when it went in because of the chances I missed earlier," said Ambrose.

"I think the ball swerved just before their goalkeeper came to collect it. It was a great feeling when the ball went in."

Manager Alan Pardew added: "On chances created I believe we deserved to win the game so I was so disappointed when they took the lead.

"Had we lost it would have been a huge setback. We had a long and difficult game in midweek at West Bromwich Albion and there were a few tired legs out there."

In pouring rain and on a saturated surface, Watford took a 58th minute lead through Nathan Ellington following Jordan Stewart's free-kick.

It looked good enough to win the game until Charlton found another gear and Ambrose deservedly equalised.

New Addicks signing Andy Gray came off the bench for his debut with 22 minutes to play.

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Charlton: Weaver, Moutaouakil, McCarthy, Bougherra (Fortune 90mins), Youga, Sam (Dickson 81mins), Holland, Zheng, Ambrose, Varney, Iwelumo (Gray 68mins).

Subs Not Used: Randolph, Semedo.
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