Alfie Kamara's 86th minute goal won Town's reserves a point at home to Watford's second string on Tuesday night. The Hornets had gone ahead in the first half through Jamie Hand, Alun Armstrong missing a penalty later in the opening period.
Town included Georges Santos — who could still move to Vicarage Road later this week — as well as Chris Bart-Williams, Alun Armstrong and Drissa Diallo in their starting line-up. Trialist Michael Waters, a 19-year-old left winger from Swansea's youth set-up, also started.
Watford went ahead with the game's first serious shot on goal, Jamie Hand making the best of some lax defending and beating Lewis Price with a low 20-yard shot. Five minutes later Alun Armstrong curled a shot wide for Town.
Watford were having the best of a dour game and in the 27th minute former Manchester United trainee Danny Webber had a shot blocked on the line by Aidan Collins.
Town had a golden opportunity to get back on terms on the half hour. Georges Santos, playing in central midfield, broke into the left of the Hornets' penalty area where he was upended by keeper Richard Lee. Armstrong was charged with taking the kick but hit a weak shot to Lee's left, the young stopper pushing it away to safety.
Watford continued to have the best of the chances and Webber forced Price to save well with seven minutes remaining on the clock.
At the break Town replaced Chris Bart-Williams and trialist Waters, the latter having looked tricky on the ball on the rare occasions he was involved in the game. Bart-Williams's early exit may suggest that his back isn't up to a return to first team action at Wimbledon on Saturday.
Scott Mitchell was somewhat unlucky to receive a yellow card shortly after the break after appearing to catch Ashley Young in the face with a boot. Young himself had perhaps been lucky to remain on the pitch after a wild challenge on Mitchell in the first half which had earned him a yellow card.
On 77 Craig Reid replaced Alun Armstrong, the former Boro man and strike partner Sam Morrow rarely having caused the Watford defence much trouble.
Lewis Price kept Town in it when he brilliantly tipped an Elliott Godfrey header over the bar in the 81st minute. Soon after Danny Webber shot over from eight yards when it looked easier to score.
With a defeat looking inevitable and deserved, Alfie Kamara struck back for the Blues. Sub Stuart Boardley crossed from the left, Morrow's flick was saved by Lee but Kamara was quickest to react and stabbed home from six yards, injuring himself in the process.
Town played their best football in the closing stages with Morrow shooting not far wide of the Watford goal.
A largely disappointing display from Town in a less than exciting encounter which Watford probably deserved to win.
The Blues never looked comfortable at the back with Diallo in particular showing a tendency to get caught in possession. Up front Town rarely threatened, Armstrong's penalty and Kamara's goal the only occasions keeper Lee was forced into action.
Lewis Price did well between the sticks, while Santos was probably the pick of the senior players, despite a late yellow card.
Reserves: Price, Barron, Mitchell, Kamara, Collins, Diallo, Waters (Boardley 46), Santos, Morrow, Armstrong (Reid 77), Bart-Williams (Flack 46).