The dust had barely had time to settle after Watford’s promotion to Division One when more history was being made on the Vicarage Road pitch in the first week of May 1982.
Two days after Graham Taylor’s side had beaten Wrexham to reach the top flight for the first time in the club’s history, it was the turn of Tom Walley’s young Hornets to take centre stage as they faced Manchester United in the second leg of the FA Youth Cup Final May 6.
Goals from Neil Williams, Jimmy Gilligan and Worrell Sterling meant Watford had returned from Old Trafford with a narrow 3-2 advantage after the first leg.
- Jubilant celebrations when Watford were promoted to top flight for first time
- The banner thanking fans ahead of Watford's first FA Cup Final
- Rare snaps of a party in the pond to celebrate a historic promotion
More than 8,000 fans turned out to watch a dramatic encounter unfold as United – thanks to a brace from Mark Hughes – turned the tables to win 3-2 and take the final to extra-time.
An Andy Hill own goal gave the hosts the early advantage in the extra 30 minutes, only for this to be cancelled out by Norman Whiteside.
But it was the Hornets who were to win the trophy for the first time in their history in the 103rd minute when Gilligan rose highest to head home a corner.
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