Adam Masina missed the 'warmth' of the Watford supporters in draw with Leicester City

Some Craig Dawson heroics salvaged a point after Ben Chilwell's goal in the last minute of regulation time looked to handed Watford a defeat in their first game back.

However, with no supporters allowed in stadiums for the remainder of the season, Masina said the dramatic equalising goal would have meant more if they had others to celebrate with.

“It’s different of course, if you don’t feel the warmth of the fans and the crowd, for us it’s completely different,” the Italian told the club website.

“I know it’s a very hard moment for everybody and I have a massive amount of respect for everybody in this situation.

“For us, we have to play in another atmosphere and it’s strange. You can hear the coach and each other better, we know it’s different and we have to deal with it.

“We know when the Vicarage is full, we feel something more.”

Masina praised Dawson for his instinctive finish that levelled the scores three minutes into stoppage time and said it was a good way for the team to get back into the swing of things after three months away from the game.

“When we have corner kicks, I think he’s one of the best options we have,” he said.

“He’s a very good defender but he’s a very good header of the ball as well and here he used his instinct for us. I’m happy for him and happy for the team.

“[The end] was amazing. After the Leicester goal I was a little bit upset but fortunately we drew. I was hoping [we could equalise] but football is crazy, the Premier League is crazy and fortunately we did it.

“It was tough, but we knew we needed some points and we did it so it was a good start, a good performance and now we’re ready for the next one.

“Of course [I’ve missed playing], I’m a footballer, I love playing on the pitch and I think this is the same for everybody.

“In this moment there’s no away or home games, everybody has to make a great performance and now we wait for the next game.”