Memories of Watford beating Plymouth Argyle at Villa Park on this date 40 years ago to reach the first FA Cup Final in the club's history.
Graham Taylor celebrates with Nigel Callaghan, Les Taylor, George Reilly and Mo Johnston after their semi-final victory.It was a football fairytale that had started in the depths of Division Four, scaled the heights of the Division One summit and involved a European adventure but the pinnacle of a golden era was achieved on this date 40 years ago.
Watford had never reached an FA Cup Final before but history was made at Villa Park on Saturday, April 14, 1984 when a 1-0 victory over Plymouth Argyle set up a first ever trip to play beneath the iconic Twin Towers at Wembley Stadium. Luton Town, Charlton Athletic, Brighton & Hove Albion and Birmingham City had been overcome en route to the Hornets reaching only a second FA Cup semi-final where Graham Taylor’s side found themselves as big favourites against their Division Three opponents.
For Watford though, this was new territory. None of the team had played in a last-four clash in the competition before and they did not settle in the early exchanges.It fell to arguably the most talented player in the club’s history to help provide the defining moment in the 14th minute. John Barnes picked up the ball, turned away from two opponents before flying down the left flank and sending over a cross into the penalty area where George Reilly got in front of a defender to head home.
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