David Carney denied impressive Watford victory with a second-half equaliser although it was a poor performance by his Sheffield United side. Nathan Ellington gave his side the lead with a low effort from the edge of the area after he was found by Tommy Smith.
With about a quarter of the game left Rob Hulse fired in an effort across goal which found the feet of Carney who bundled the ball in to level.
Ellington went close again, while Steve Kabba's shot was saved by Paddy Kenny.
Sheffield United boss Bryan Robson:
"It was the sort of game I expected. In the first half Watford put the ball forward, there were a lot of high balls and battling for second balls. "I just thought our composure wasn't there in the first half, we played into Watford's hands.
"But it was a great response in the second half from us, considering we played on Sunday. I think in the second half once we'd got the goal, there was only one team who would win it."
Watford boss Adrian Boothroyd:
"I understand the fans because we get the same at our place, because there's an expectation. "We've both come from the Premier League and we're expected to win games and be up there.
"Particularly with the lead we've had in the table, the players get nervous."
Sheff Utd: Kenny, Bromby, Morgan, Ehiogu, Naysmith, Hendrie (Carney 46), Speed, Quinn (Tonge 78), Martin, Hulse, Shelton (Armstrong 82).
Subs Not Used: Kilgallon, Sharp.
Booked: Shelton, Speed.
Goals: Carney 67.
Watford: Lee, Mariappa, Sadler, DeMerit, Doyley, Smith, O'Toole, McAnuff (Stewart 77), Williamson, Kabba, Ellington (Bangura 84).
Subs Not Used: Poom, Priskin, Ainsworth.
Booked: McAnuff, Williamson, Doyley.
Goals: Ellington 21.
Att: 23,161
Ref: Lee Mason (Lancashire).
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