Watford vs Bournemouth: Oscar Garcia is 'much better' as Craig Cathcart's late equaliser will have 'cheered him up' - Ruben Martinez

Garcia has spent six nights in hospital after suffering chest pains

Andy Sims
Saturday 20 September 2014 16:33 BST
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Craig Cathcart celebrates scoring for Watford
Craig Cathcart celebrates scoring for Watford (Getty Images)

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Craig Cathcart provided a tonic for Watford boss Oscar Garcia with a late equaliser to secure a 1-1 draw with Bournemouth.

The Hornets were trailing to Harry Arter's second-half thunderbolt and staring down the barrel of a first home defeat of the season, but substitute Cathcart lashed in a superb volley seven minutes from time.

Garcia, who was only appointed head coach a fortnight ago, was not at the game having spent the past six nights in hospital after complaining of chest pains. The 41-year-old is due to be released soon but Watford do not yet know when he will be able to return to work.

His assistant coach Ruben Martinez said: "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 broke the deadlock in the 63rd minute when Matt Ritchie's crossfield pass found Arter some 25 yards out.

There appeared to be little on for the midfielder but he took aim with his left foot and crashed a stunning shot past the diving Heurelho Gomes and into the corner of the net.

But Watford battled back for a point when Bournemouth failed to clear Juan Carlos Paredes' cross and Cathcart volleyed sweetly past Artur Boruc.

It was the defender's first appearance since he rejoined the club in the summer and Martinez added: "We have a big squad but Craig is a good professional, he trains 100 per cent and I'm very happy for him."

A draw was tough to take for Cherries boss Eddie Howe, especially after the normally reliable Ian Harte missed a fourth-minute penalty.

Howe was unhappy with referee Oliver Langford, who did not even book Gabriel Tamas after he hauled down Callum Wilson in the area to give away the spot-kick.

"You don't expect Ian Harte to miss with his left foot," he said. "We felt a red was justified so for the ref not to even book Tamas is an amazing decision. Callum was clear through on goal.

"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."

PA

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