It was a game that will not live long in the memory but Watford looked set to add a gritty point to their tally until they succumbed to an all-too familiar shortcoming - conceding a late goal.

The Hornets were within minutes of securing a goalless draw until injury time when a ball forward wasn't dealt with by the under-pressure Sebastian Prodl, Mathias Zanka reacted quickest and cut the ball back for Tom Ince to sent the Terriers fans into frenzied celebration as their side took a big step towards securing their Premier League status.

Javi Gracia's men had disappointed going forwards as they again failed to score on their travels, but the return to the starting XI of Craig Cathcart gave the defence a more solid look which should have been rewarded with a clean sheet.

Here's how the Hornets rated at the John Smith's Stadium:

Orestis Karnezis - 6

Finished on the losing side having not had a shot to save of note. Did what was required well enough when called upon.

Daryl Janmaat – 5

Had to be careful after receiving the game's first booking following three early fouls, but struggled  to influence the game from an attacking perspective.

Sebastian Prodl - 5

Stood up to Huddersfield's physical and direct approach without ever looking totally comfortable. Failed to deal with the ball forward that led to the Terriers’ winner.

Craig Cathcart - 7.5

Making his first start since the 4-0 defeat at Tottenham last April, he was the Hornets best performer. His presence helps bring a calmness and greater security to Watford’s defending, including from set pieces. Did not deserve to be on the losing side.

Adrian Mariappa – 6

Javi Gracia surprised most by naming Mariappa on the left side of the back four. It initially looked like Huddersfield would target the defender and his lack of pace was exposed at times, but he made some key challenges. The decision to play him at left-back meant the Hornets lacked any width on the left though.

Abdoulaye Doucoure – 5

Notable in an otherwise poor attacking display for having a couple of attempts on goal, but his all-round performance was disappointing as the Terriers squeezed the midfield. Did not impose himself on the game or provide a platform for his teammates to try and build a concerted head of steam going forward at any time.

Etienne Capoue – 5

Another to disappoint. Had opportunities to try and be progressive from the middle of the park, but too often opted for the safety-first passing option as Huddersfield's stifling approach proved effective.

Kiko Femenia – 4.5

A couple of moments in the first-half suggested the Spaniard might be a useful weapon on the counter-attack, but struggled to get into the game. Replaced by Richarlison early in the second half.

Watford Observer:

Will Hughes – 6.5

Watford rarely looked like creating anything in the final third from open play, but when they did it was thanks to the former Derby County midfielder. Had a couple of ‘almost’ moments in the second half, including when he tried to slalom his way through the Huddersfield defence but ran of space. Worked hard and his frustration was understandable towards the end before he was replaced.

Roberto Pereyra – 4

Came into the game in a promising run of personal form after scoring in back-to-back games but has first-half contributions were notable for kicking two successive corners out of play and getting booked for diving. Struggled thereafter.

Troy Deeney - 4.5

The skipper was largely left to try and make the most of balls lumped up in his general direction – and it didn’t work as the Hornets struggled to find answer to their opponents' game plan. Found it hard going when he did win the ball against Huddersfield’s central defensive pairing, but was isolated too often. One first-half shot that was deflected behind apart, had no service in areas where he could potentially hurt the hosts.

SUBS

Richarlison – 5

Took Femenia’s place on the right side of the attacking midfield three and tried to get forward to support Deeney, but had limited impact on the game.

Andre Gray - 6

Made his first appearance off the bench since the 2-0 defeat at West Ham and added some much-needed energy to proceedings, although struggled to hold the ball up, including at the start of the move that led to the goal.

Jerome Sinclair - N/A

A rare substitute's outing but had no time to influence the game.