Saturday, May 14, 1983

Watford hosted re-crowned Champions Liverpool in the final game of their first season in the top flight in front of a crowd of more than 27,000.

Midfielder Martin Patching, who was in the process of retiring from the game due to chronic knee ligament damage, skinned Alan Hansen to score a memorable opener. Luther Blissett added an untidy second at the start of the second half before Liverpool, managed by Bob Paisley for the last time, clawed back a consolation through Craig Johnston's mishit cross.

Celebration greeted both news of Manchester United's defeat at Notts County, confirming Watford's runners-up spot and, more surprisingly, news of Luton Town's victory at Maine Road, this securing their survival.

Despite the gravity of their predicament, the Hatters had sent a full-strength side to Vicarage Road for Ross Jenkins' testimonial the previous week.

Reproduced by kind permission of Matt Rowson from his book, Watford FC On This Day