STEVE BRUCE was left to lament missed chances after Ismaila Sarr’s equaliser denied Newcastle their first win of the Premier League season with a 1-1 draw at Watford.

The Magpies, who went into the game with just two points, saw Sean Longstaff’s curled 20-yard strike give them a 24th-minute lead at Vicarage Road.

However, Watford levelled the contest when Sarr found himself unmarked to nod home at the far post in the 72nd minute.

The Hornets thought they had a winner three minutes from time when Joshua King slotted the ball past goalkeeper Karl Darlow – but VAR ruled the goal out for offside.

Asked for his post-match thoughts, Magpies boss Bruce said: “Pretty painful, huge frustration.

“We’ve played well again, created enough chances to win three games really in the big league and there’s always that threat that they’ll score from a set piece. (It’s) deeply frustrating but I’ve got to take the positives again, we played well again.”

Newcastle looked on course for their first win of the season, finishing with 19 shots – five of which were on target – but were unable to add to their lead.

Despite the performance, Bruce said he will not consider that his side have turned a corner until they secure a coveted victory.

He continued: “You need to get a win to turn the corner, but I thought we’ve played well against Leeds.

“For an hour against Man U I thought we played very well, (it was the same for) large parts against Aston Villa (but) you need to get a win, that’s the only way you can turn a corner.

“But the performances themselves, and what we’re trying to do…I’ve enjoyed watching us and I’ve enjoyed watching us again today. It’s a shame we didn’t take the chances that came our way.”

The game had all the markers of a relegation battle with Jarred Gillett awarding seven yellow cards on his maiden Premier League game in charge. It was a moment of history for the Australian, who became the first referee from outside the UK and Ireland to take charge in the English top-flight.

In the first 90 seconds of the match, Darlow was called into action when Watford broke down the right, with King playing in Emmanuel Dennis – who took a shot from a tight angle but saw it blocked by the keeper.

In the 24th minute, the ball was played to Longstaff from Allan Saint-Maximin, before he curled a shot from 20 yards into the top left-hand corner, past Ben Foster’s outstretched hands.

Watford had to wait to find an opening to try to level, but just after half an hour Darlow dived low to save a low effort from Sarr – who had driven through the Newcastle midfield to create the opportunity.

Just before the break, Newcastle had an ideal opportunity to double their advantage as Saint-Maximin was played through in a one-on-one with the goalkeeper, he tried to round Foster but the defence were able to get back, and although he found Longstaff, the goalscorer fired over.

Newcastle continued to press, with Foster making a save to deny Willock after he was played in by Saint-Maximin less than three minutes later. However, the visitors were unable to make their possession count, and Watford found the equaliser in the 72nd minute.

Almiron gave away a needless corner, which was flicked on by King to the back post, where Sarr was unmarked and able to head home.

In the 87th minute, King put the ball in the back of the net after Moussa Sissoko’s parried shot found the Hornets number seven, but VAR ruled the goal out for offside.