Woking 1-1 Watford: Walter Mazzarri's side start pre-season with draw

Watford began their preparations for the new Premier League season with a 1-1 draw at Woking.

Steven Berghuis put the visitors ahead midway through the first half when his strike deflected past goalkeeper Michael Poke.

Woking were back on level terms four minutes later through Charlie Carter, who scored from close-range after a goalmouth scramble.

Watford, led by head coach Walter Mazzarri for the first time, were without captain Troy Deeney at the Laithwaite Community Stadium due to a slight knock he picked up in training.

Mazzari's side started on the front foot, going close when Miguel Britos' header from Berghuis' corner was cleared off the line.

Seconds later, the Uruguayan defender threatened again, forcing Poke into action with another header. The rebound fell to Mario Suarez but his 20-yard volley was tipped over the by the goalkeeper.

Watford broke the deadlock in the 20th minute after Ikechi Anya picked out Berghuis with a clever reverse pass and the Dutchman's shot deflected past Poke and into the back of the net.

The hosts responded immediately though with the equaliser coming after a big goalmouth scramble, early substitute Carter turning home from close-range.

Mazzarri opted for six changes at the break, with new signings Abdoulaye Doucoure, Jerome Sinclair and Isaac Success all making their first appearances in Watford shirts during the second-half.

And it was Sinclair who nearly made an immediate impact, forcing a close-range save after Britos' delicate chip into the box.

The former Liverpool man went close again minutes later, heading over from Anya's left-flank cross.

Woking went close to a second in the 68th minute when Max Kretzschmar fired a powerful shot goalwards from 25 yards ,but substitute keeper Arlauskis got both hands to the ball to palm it away to safety.

Arlauskis was called into action again in stoppage time, saving Jaydon Thorburn's low shot to keep the scores level at the final whistle.