Watford missed the chance to go top of the Championship as they played out a goalless draw against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.

In a first half of few chances, Forest almost took the lead when Cafu picked out Joe Lolley who saw his shot deflected wide.

Lyle Taylor went close for the hosts after the break when he headed over the bar from close range.

Watford remain in third, having failed to capitalise on leaders Norwich's defeat by Luton Town.

The Hornets came into the game on the back of a comfortable 4-1 win against Preston on Saturday but struggled to create many chances.

Forest themselves missed the chance to pull away from the bottom three as they had most of the chances in a tepid 90 minutes.

A point for Chris Hughton's side puts them three points off the drop zone, still in 21st place.

Watford's poor away form continued, their win at Derby in October having been their only victory on their travels in league football for 16 games.

Nottingham Forest boss Chris Hughton told BBC Radio Nottingham:

"It was a competitive game against what is a very good team, a very good offensive team. I think we had to be very disciplined in what we did.

"I thought we worked very, very hard. There were some real pluses.

"I still thought, overall, it was a good enough performance to get more from. We've got to be making more chances, that would be the only negative."

Watford boss Vladimir Ivic told BBC Three Counties Radio:

"It's another draw in an away game. It was difficult to find the space to attack and create chances.

"To ask me if I am satisfied with the result after the game I would say yes. We came prepared to win.

"In the second half it was much better, we were more aggressive, especially up front, when we lost the ball we had a good reaction."