A Troy Deeney goal has put Watford level at 1-1 with Cardiff City at half time of their pre-season friendly.

The Golden Boys, who have lined up in an extremely fluid 4-2-3-1 formation, fell behind in the 19th minute.

Scott Malone advanced from left-back and sent a powerful drive towards Heurelho Gomes’ goal. The Watford goalkeeper palmed the ball clear but it was worked back into the area and Joe Mason tucked his shot past the Brazilian.

Watford had rarely threatened the Cardiff goal but they levelled in the 30th minute.

Craig Cathcart sent an accurate pass forward to Deeney and the Golden Boys captain controlled and poked the ball past Simon Moore.

Cardiff City: Moore, Peltier, Morrison, Connolly, Malone, Dikgacoi, Whittingham, Ralls, Pilkington, Ameobi, Mason.

Cardiff City substitutes: Wilson, Fabio, Noone, Doyle, Revell, O'Keefe, Harris, Ajayi.

Watford: Gomes; Nyom, Cathcart, Prodl, Pudil; Capoue, Behrami; Watson, Ighalo, Jurado; Deeney.

Watford substitutes: Arlauskis, Angella, Paredes, Holebas, Hoban, Berghuis, Anya, Murray, Vydra, Forestieri.