Watford led twice against table-topping Leeds United but ultimately had to settle for a point in Tom Cleverley’s first home game as Interim Head Coach.

Vakoun Bayo opened the scoring with his first goal since December, only for a spectacular Crysencio Summerville strike to drag the Yorkshire outfit level.

Nigeria international Emmanuel Dennis then restored the lead towards the end of an electric first-half showing from the Hornets, but Leeds substitute Mateo Joseph had the final say with a late equaliser just moments after his introduction from the bench.

Watford’s search for a first home league win since November goes on, but there is plenty of encouragement to be taken from a positive, front-foot performance against a Leeds side who have not tasted defeat in 14 EFL Championship fixtures

.Cleverley named three changes to the side that beat Birmingham a fortnight ago, with Francisco Sierralta, Jamal Lewis and Bayo replacing James Morris, Ismaël Koné and Giorgi Chakvetadze.

There was also a change of shape, with the Hornets lining up in a 3-4-1-2 formation. Bayo partnered Dennis in attack, with Yáser Asprilla in a number 10 role.Watford set up camp inside the Leeds half during the opening 10 minutes, with one of the sustained periods of pressure resulting in an Ilian Meslier save from Ryan Andrews’ low drive.

Watford were to go into the break ahead however, thanks largely to livewire attacker Dennis. The Nigerian won an important aerial challenge to start off a move that he then finished by cutting onto his left foot and expertly picking out the bottom corner to restore the advantage at the end of an outstanding first-half display.