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A late goal from Craig Cathcart denied Bournemouth a surprise victory at Watford.

Ian Harte missed an early penalty for the Cherries after Gabriel Tamas fouled Callum Wilson.

Watford, looking for a fourth successive Championship win at home, fell behind to Harry Arter's wonderful 30-yard effort.

But Cathcart, a first-half substitute for the injured Tamas, levelled with a fine low volley.

The Hornets were missing boss Oscar Garcia for the second successive match after he was admitted to hospital last Sunday with minor chest pains. The former Brighton manager is expected to leave hospital on Saturday.

In Garcia's absence the team were taken by assistant coach Ruben Martinez.

The hosts were also without striker and captain Troy Deeney after he picked up a hamstring injury in Tuesday's 1-0 win at lowly Blackpool.

Watford would have gone top with a win but it was the Cherries who could have taken the lead in the first five minutes.

Wilson's pace and power took him away from Tamas only for the Romanian to bundle him to the floor in the area. Harte put his penalty wide of Heurelho Gomes' post to let the Hornets off.

Eddie Howe's side came into the match without a win in five league games but continued to threaten a shaky-looking Watford backline and Wilson's header forced a fine save from Gomes just before the break.

Watford had scored 10 of their 14 Championship goals after half-time but it was the visitors who made the brighter start to the second half with Andrew Surman forcing a low save from Gomes before Wilson was flagged for offside as he tucked away the rebound.

The Hornets were keenly feeling the absence of Deeney and it was little surprise when they eventually fell behind in the 63rd minute, though the goalscorer was perhaps a little more unexpected. Arter's fantastic long-range effort was the midfielder's first goal since 1 March.

The goal sparked Watford into life and Scotland international Ikechi Anya thought he should have had a penalty when he tangled with Simon Francis in the area.

Cathcart's low volley beat Cherries debutant keeper Artur Boruc, signed on loan from Southampton this week, to level the scores in the 83rd minute.

Both teams pushed on for a winner but were forced to settle for a draw.

Watford assistant Ruben Martinez:

(On missing manager Oscar Garcia) "I think that goal will have cheered him.

"He's much better. He is due to come out either this evening or tomorrow morning.

"We are pleased with the result because we played against a good team who have been working with their coach and players for two years, and for us it's difficult as we have been here for two weeks, and we are without Oscar."

Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe:

"It's another game which we are bitterly disappointed not to have taken three points from. It's the story of our short season so far, but if we continue to perform like that we will get a lot more points.

"The finish was out of the top drawer and gave our keeper no chance. But when you miss a penalty, and then take the lead and put in such a good display defensively, not to win is difficult to take."