Sheffield Wednesday 1-1 Watford: Last-gasp Hornets deny Owls rare win

Before the match, recently appointed Watford boss Ed Still had described his side’s 11-day break between matches – because of their early FA Cup exit – as like a “mini pre-season”, giving him prolonged time to work with the squad and allowing players some time off.

That freshness told in the first half as they registered 10 shots to Wednesday’s four and dominated possession.

Chances missed by striker Luca Kjerrumgaard and defender Saba Goglichidze – both on loan from Italian club Udinese – in the first 45 minutes were ultimately punished by the league’s lowest scorers.

Yates’ goal arrived in the 54th minute as a Sean Fusire cross from the right picked out the striker at the back post and he powered a header beyond Hornets keeper Egil Selvik to spark hopes of a long-awaited success.

Wednesday were minutes away from a welcome victory before Pierre Ekwah’s long-range effort was not dealt with by Charles and substitute Semedo reacted quickest in a crowded box to turn in the loose ball.

It tarnished a significant night for Owls captain Liam Palmer, who became only the fourth player to make 500 appearances for the club.