THERE had never been a goalless draw between Watford and Leeds United prior to this afternoon's Championship clash at Vicarage Road and, although the ensuing 0-0 scoreline will go into the history books as the first ever, that will be the only thing worth recording from an utterly forgettable 90 minutes.

Leeds United came closest to opening the scoring midway through the first-half when Rob Hulse's shot hit both posts before being cleared but, that apart, neither side created a clear-cut opportunity.

Following the 3-1 defeat at Coventry Adrian Boothroyd made five changes. Malky Mackay, available again after suspension, came in for the ineligible Clarke Carlisle, while the manager opted for what many believe is the strongest central midfield partnership of Matthew Spring and Gavin Mahon, making his first start since August. Paul Devlin also returned to the right side of midfield, while the forward line of Ashley Young and Gabriel Agbonlahor had a very pacey look to it.

Of those who made way Carl Fletcher, Joel Grant and Trevor Benjamin were on the bench, but there was no place for Dominic Blizzard.

Leeds, meanwhile, made two changes to the side that beat Derby in mid-week. Robbie Blake was given the nod over David Healy to replace the injured Richard Cresswell, while Matthew Kilgallon came in for Stephen Crainey.

Neither side were able to stamp their authority on proceedings early on with midfields dominating but Agbonlahor did demonstrate his pace - and willingness to take on his man - to twice force corners, which came to nothing.

Gary Kelly then headed over his own bar after a teasing James Chambers cross and, from the ensuing Ashley Young corner, Jordan Stewart produced the games first goal attempt on 16 minutes, half-volleying the half-cleared set-piece over the bar from 20 yards.

But Watford had a massive let-off on 24 minutes; Mackay lost possession on the touch-line, just inside the six-yard box trying to shepherd the ball out. Frazer Richardson scooped the ball back to Hulse but his low shot from ten yards struck Ben Foster's left-hand post and rolled across the line, hitting the opposite post before Doyley cleared.

Watford reacted well to the close call though and forced two corners, the first of which was met by Spring ten yards out but his downward header was blocked by Paul Butler.

Hulse then did well to chest Kelly's throw, turn Mackay and drill the ball across goal from the Leeds right but there were no takers in the Hornets box.

Devlin then showed great trickery five minutes before the break to get on the outside of Jonathon Douglas and stand the ball up to the far post but again the corner came to nothing.

But it was not until the 46th minute that a keeper finally had to make a save, Foster getting down well to gather Blake's free-kick.

Half-time; Watford 0 Leeds United 0 McNamee brought the second-half to life on 51 minutes after playing a shot one-two with Devlin, driving towards the box and testing Sullivan from 22 yards.

Devlin twice wasted crosses after getting himself in a good position to test the Leeds defence and, when he finally delivered the ball into the danger area, Sullivan got down to gather easily.

Leeds brought on David Healy in an effort to bolster their attack on 53 minutes and he immediately made his presence felt, guiding a header straight at Foster.

Watford responded by giving Francino Francis a first taste of league action but it was Leeds who were starting to get a grip of the game and Healy found the side netting with a shot from a narrow angle after Richardson's cross from the right found him at the far post.

Pugh almost opened the scoring in spectacular fashion with 15 minutes remaining but his 22-yard volley whistled past Foster's left hand post and, at the other end, Sullivan was finally forced into a meaningful save when Francis set up his strike partner Young on the right-hand side of the box and he cut inside and shot low but the former Scottish international dropped to his left to cleanly gather.

Pugh should have done better on 87 minutes when he was picked out at the far post after a Richardson cross from the right but sliced his effort into the arms of Foster from ten yards.which just about summed up the afternoon.

Watford: Foster; Chambers, Doyley, Mackay, Stewart; Devlin, Spring, Mahon, McNamee; Agbonlahor, Young. Substitutes: Francis for Agbonlahor after 65 mins; Grant for McNamee after 71 mins; Benjamin, Chamberlain and Fletcher not used.

Leeds United: Sullivan, Kelly, Butler, Gregan, Kilgallon; Richardson, Douglas, Derry, Lewis; Hulse, Blake. Substitutes: Healy for Blake after 53 mins; Pugh for Lewis after 65 mins; Moore for Hulse after 89 mins.Bennett and Einarsson not used.

Bookings: Gregan for a foul on Francis after 73 mins; Attendance: 16,050 Referee: Brian Curson (Hinckley, Leics).