Leeds United may have defensive problems at home but they are running a tight ship on their travels.

The 0-0 draw at Watford was their fifth clean sheet in seven away matches this season and was enough to keep them in sixth place, immediately behind the Hornets.

At Elland Road, United's lack of pace at the back has been exposed in recent matches but manager Kevin Blackwell responded by bringing in speedy York-born

Matthew Kilgallon at left-back for Stephen Crainey.

Leeds were rarely troubled by a Watford side that had the bulk of possession in a match which rarely hit the heights. Indeed, it was more like tea at the vicarage than a full-blooded encounter at Vicarage Road.

What was expected to be a fascinating battle between Blackwell and Adrian Boothroyd, who was on Blackwell's coaching staff last season, was a chessboard stalemate.

Leeds came closest to breaking the deadlock when Rob Hulse's 25th minute shot hit the inside of both posts before being cleared by Malky Mackay.

Blackwell said: "To come away from home and keep a clean sheet, that's the first aim. But to hit the posts on both sides and have it not to cross the line, that's amazing. That's a freak of nature.

"It was a hard-fought match. There was not a lot of great football and it is a case of going home having not got beaten.

"I thought we looked solid again. People talk about the so-called lack of pace of my back four but they were up against their four quickest lads and coped comfortably.

Blackwell added: "In spells I thought Matthew (Kilgallon) did quite well. I know he is not a left-back, but I was fairly pleased with the job he did."

The only other change to the Leeds side which started the 3-1 win over Derby last Wednesday was Robbie Blake partnering Hulse in the attack instead of

the injured Richard Cresswell.

David Healy, who missed the last three games through suspension, came on for Blake in the second half but suffered through a lack of service.

After the international break Leeds have two successive home games against Southampton and leaders Sheffield United which, even at this early stage, could make or break their season.

Former York City striker Cresswell, who suffered medial ligament damage in the win over Derby, was having a scan today, but he will be out for at least six weeks.

Coca-Cola Championship

Watford 0, Leeds United 0

(at Vicarage Road)

Watford: Foster, Chambers, Mackay, Doyley, Stewart, Devlin, Spring, Mahon, McNamee (Grant 72), Young, Agbonlahor (Francis 65). Subs (not used): Chamberlain, Fletcher, Benjamin.

Leeds United: Sullivan, Kelly, Butler, Gregan, Kilgallon, Douglas Richardson, Derry, Lewis (Pugh 65), Hulse (Moore 82), Blake (Healy 53). Subs

(not used): Einarsson, Bennett. Caution: Gregan.

Referee: Brian Curzon (Leicestershire).

Attendance: 16,050

Updated: 11:34 Monday, October 03, 2005