Moussa Sissoko's equaliser was his fifth goal in his past 11 games
Moussa Sissoko's fine equaliser ended Watford's run of four consecutive defeats as they finished their season with a draw against Sheffield Wednesday, who clung on for point to stay above their hosts.
Josh Windass put the Owls ahead after a bright start, tapping in from the goalline after Paterson had headed back an exquisite Shea Charles free-kick to the far post.
But the Hornets dominated thereafter and levelled in first-half stoppage time when Moussa Sissoko superb first touch enabled him to stroke the ball home from Imran Louza's delightful .
Tom Cleverley's side created numerous chances in a one-sided second half but not could find a way past keeper Pierce Charles.
In a season of underachievement, disruption and disappointment for both sides, this match - perhaps fittingly - had no impact at either end of the table, with the outcome only settling the Championship's mid-table "cup final".
Watford, in 13th spot, were looking for a win that would move them above the 12th-placed Owls, who only needed a draw to guarantee placing 12th.
Much of the interest centred around the uncertain future of the respective managers, with speculation that Hornets boss Cleverley's first full season in charge would be his only complete campaign at the helm.
The away fans made clear their for boss Danny Rohl before kick-off, amid ongoing unrest and protests against owner Dejphon Chansiri.
The game was, unsurprisingly, open and lacking an edge but although the hosts made a slow start on the back of a confidence-sapping end to the season, both sides had a couple decent chances before the break.
Windass missed a glorious opportunity to put the Owls ahead, blazing a shot wildly over the bar after some awful defending, before making amends when he bundled the ball in from close range.
Watford responded, Pollock heading just over from a corner and the impressive Rocco Vata shooting wide after some nifty footwork and also having a shot blocked.
The Hornets had to wait until first-half injury-time to draw level, Sissoko showing great composure from close range after an astute run in behind the defence and that goal seemed to inspire them to a much better second-half display.
Pierre Dwomoh shot just wide, Mamadou Doumbia was denied by some alert goalkeeping by Charles who also made a stunning fingertip save to keep out Edo Kayembe's low deflected strike, while another deflected strike from Doumbia also grazed the outside of the post
The Owls wasted a wonderful opportunity to steal victory late on when substitute Olaf Kobacki carelessly shot wide with a first-time effort, but neither side could end their season on a high.
Watford head coach Tom Cleverley:
"I thought it was a strong performance. We dominated the game for large spells, especially almost all the second half, and did more than enough to win.
"I was really pleased with how much desire we showed to win the game in what was literally just a battle for 12th place.
"I think you saw a lot of promise, a lot of players who were playing football in a way that's entertaining.
"We've not scored enough goals and we together have to realise that was a big part in why the play-off charge wasn't sustained. Now it's for all of us to recognise why we didn't sustain these results and learn from that."
Sheffield Wednesday boss Danny Rohl told BBC Radio Sheffield:
"I think we should look to the bigger picture today and the way we took a point to protect 12th [position]. I think first half we played some incredible football."
On his future:
"I think after the game today, I had a view of my last 560 days at this club to look in their faces. How they [the fans] call my name - its always special.
"The heartbeat of this club are the fans, they are always there. I have never had a negative experience with these fans, always positive.
"We don't know what happens in the next couple of days. I know what I want to do, my picture is very clear but it's also part of the decision-making of the club.
"I will not forget this place. It doesn't matter what happens now. To have such a relationship so quickly, such a belief, such hope, such a respectful togetherness.
"I can't have expected this when I took over. It will be part of the bottom of my heart."
