Leeds United 2 Watford 2

 Simon Grayson found it hard to hide his frustration after Leeds again threw away a lead and came close to losing the match before an own goal gave them a 2-2 draw with Watford.

They retain their place in the play-off spots thanks to Nottingham Forest and Millwall losing but they are only two points ahead of Forest and Hull, who look threatening after losing only one of their last six games.

“It’s frustrating because I say the same things after every game,” said Grayson. “We get the goals but we then make individual mistakes. We got in front against Watford but within a few minutes we are 2-1 down. We don’t have a siege mentality when we get in front.”

Grayson chose to rest Luciano Becchio, bringing in Davide Somma to partner Max Gradel up front. He also welcomed back George McCartney and Robert Snodgrass after injury.

A dour first half saw Danny Graham go close for the visitors and Gradel hit the bar for United but the game sprang to life in the 72nd minute when Becchio, fresh off the bench, headed home a cross from Barry Bannon.

Minutes later Becchio put an easy chance over the bar and the home fans could hardly believe their eyes as poor defensive work allowed full back Lee Hodson to equalise.

Bradley Johnson had a header cleared off the line and in the melee that followed Becchio was injured and had to go off.

With four minutes to go Leeds’ leaky defence allowed Andy Weiman to score the 68th league goal they have conceded this season.

Their blushes were saved when Troy Deeney turned a Bannon corner into his own net but things will need to improve drastically if Leeds are to make the play-offs, let alone succeed in them.

Grayson added: “We have four games to go and are two points in front of everyone else. It’s a simple equation.”