Gianfranco Zola admitted defending set pieces remains one of Watford’s main weaknesses following their 2-1 defeat to Bolton Wanderers but believes his side were worthy of at least a point this afternoon.

The Hornets conceded two goals from set pieces against Derby County two weeks ago and it was a similar story at the Reebok Stadium today, as Matt Mills and Kevin Davies converted crosses from Chris Eagles in the first half to put Bolton two goals ahead.

Watford were much improved in the second half and scored through a mishit cross by Lloyd Doyley , but could not find another goal despite applying considerable pressure on the opposition goal.

Zola said: “I knew the first half was going to be difficult because of the new players and the nature of the team we were playing against.

“But the second half was much better, that was more like it, and in the end it was a pity we came away from the game without anything. I think a draw was the least we deserved.”

Zola claimed he underestimated Derby’s threat from set pieces two weeks ago but that wasn’t the case this time around.

The Hornets’ head coach confirmed his team did work on defending set pieces during the international break, which made the goals this afternoon harder to take.

Zola said: “We know it is not our best strength right now and it is something we need to sort out.

“Neuton doesn’t know the danger of the Championship yet so I was expecting difficulties. Also Bolton are threatening in those circumstances.

“What I was looking for was the reaction [in the second half] and creating chances and we created enough chances to say it was a pity to lose the game.”

Zola added: “We know it [defending set pieces] is something we need to work on and we worked on it for a couple of days. But if you play against a team who are much taller than you, you risk those circumstances. We will work harder on that.”

Click here to read our report of today's game.