The Reds and The Hornets shared the spoils in an attritional affair at The City Ground but Hughton had no complaints about his side's attitude and spirit as they matched one of the division's high-fliers.
He said: "It was certainly a competitive game against a very good offensive team. We had to be very disciplined in what we did and I don't think anyone watching the game could question a lack of enthusiasm or work-rate from the players. I thought we worked very hard and the positives are that we kept a clean sheet against a good side and two players, Joe Worrall and Cafu, played their first games in a while.
"I thought it was a good enough performance that we could have taken more from the game and in the final third we need to be making more chances and opportunities so that was the only negative. We got the ball into some really good areas and good crossing positions so that was pleasing but we need to make sure we do a little bit more from those positions.
"It was important to stand firm tonight and make sure we kept that clean sheet. Watford are a very good side who perhaps have a few more offensive options at their disposal than we do so you can see why they score plenty of goals and are at the right end of the table. It was a really good shift from everybody tonight and it was nice to see some new combinations between our lads.
"Joe Worrall has kept himself in terrific shape and there aren't many players that can spend the period of time out that he has and then come straight back into the side and play as well as he played. I've only known him for two months whereas everyone here has known him for years but I'm delighted with his character and the performance he has put in tonight.
"Cafu would have wanted to have been involved more in the team but it is testament to him that he trains well every day and has pushed himself into my thoughts. The fear for us was whether he could play the full 90 minutes but having seen the way he was still running at the end of the game, that was testament to him and the way he applies himself day in, day out."