A late first half goal from former Watford target Emmanuel Adebayor has cancelled out Troy Deeney's opener and puts the Hornets' clash with Crystal Palace level at the interval. 

The game has been closely contested and it’s been a half of few chances.

Deeney's penalty opened the scoring in the 16th minute before Adebayor's header in the 45th minute ensured the two sides couldn't be seperated at the break. 

Quique Sanchez Flores made four changes to the team that started last weekend’s defeat to Tottenham Hotspur.

In came Sebastian Prödl, Valon Behrami, Deeney and - making his full Premier League debut - Nordin Amrabat.

Given both sides have struggled for form in recent weeks it was little surprise the opening 45 minutes at Selhurst Park were largely devoid of real quality.

Passes have been over-hit, touches have been heavy and plenty of fouls have been conceded. The decisive one coming in the 15th minute.

Nathan Ake earned Watford a corner and Ben Watson delivered. Prödl attempted to win a header but referee Bobby Madley had already blown his whistle.

There was a moment of confusion in the ground before it became apparent he’d awarded the Hornets a penalty.

Replays subsequently showed Deeney being hauled down by Mile Jedinak as the corner was delivered. It was the right decision.

Watford’s captain stepped up and calmly dispatched his spot kick past Wayne Hennessey. It’s a goal the striker has long deserved.

Palace offered little in reply. Yohan Cabaye forced Heurelho Gomes into a low save with a shot from 20 yards before the Frenchman lashed a free-kick wildly over.

Watford's only other sight of goal came via Odion Ighalo. The striker collected a pass from Etienne Capoue, scooped past Scott Dann and fired towards the near post. 

Hennessey saved. If the Nigerian squared the ball, Amrabat would've been left with a simple tap in. 

Ighalo had another opportunity moments later. Watson delivered a free-kick which was flicked on by Deeney. The ball fell for Ighalo who couldn't sort out his feet and, on the turn, directed his volley over. 

But, just as it seemed Watford would go into the break in front, Palace levelled. 

Connor Wickham collected the ball after the Hornets failed to clear a throw. He crossed and Adebayor, who Watford turned down the chance of signing earlier in the season, headed past Gomes. 

Crystal Palace: Hennessey; Ward, Dann, Delaney, Souare; Zaha, Jedinak, Cabaye, Mutch; Wickham, Adebayor.

Crystal Palace substitutes: Speroni, Mariappa, Kelly, Boateng, Lee, Chamakh, Campbell.

Watford: Gomes; Nyom, Prödl, Cathcart, Ake; Behrami, Watson, Capoue; Amrabat, Deeney; Ighalo.

Watford substitutes: Pantilimon, Paredes, Holebas, Suarez, Guedioura, Anya, Abdi.