Goalless draws are not usually a reason to celebrate but the Watford players had every reason to crack open a bottle or two after this game.

There were extraordinary scenes inside Vicarage Road on January 28, 1967 as fans sat on perimeter walls at the back of the terraces, while youngsters stood next to the pitch, desperate to get any view of one of the biggest games in the club’s history.

Ken Furphy’s side were sitting in fourth place when their Division Three campaign was temporarily put on hold for the daunting prospect of facing league leaders and champions Liverpool in the third round of the FA Cup.

Watford Observer: More than 33,000 packed into Vicarage Road to watch the tieMore than 33,000 packed into Vicarage Road to watch the tie (Image: Watford Observer)

Bill Shankly’s side were spearheaded by the attack of Ian St John and Roger Hunt, who became the first member of England’s World Cup winning squad to play at Vicarage Road, and an attendance of 33,553 looked on as Watford kept them at bay to secure a 0-0 draw and a replay at Anfield.

Watford Observer: Some fans even climbed the floodlight pylon to try and get a better viewSome fans even climbed the floodlight pylon to try and get a better view (Image: Watford Observer)

Although Terry Melling scored in the second game four days later, the Reds ensured there would be no upset as they reached the fourth round with a 3-1 victory, but the crowd for the original tie remains one of the largest Vicarage Road has ever witnessed.

Watford Observer: Ian St John, under pressure from player-manager Ken Furphy, put this opening over the topIan St John, under pressure from player-manager Ken Furphy, put this opening over the top (Image: Watford Observer)

Watford Observer: Watford goalkeeper Bert Slater takes the ball under real pressureWatford goalkeeper Bert Slater takes the ball under real pressure (Image: Watford Observer)

Watford Observer: More bravery from the Watford keeperMore bravery from the Watford keeper (Image: Watford Observer)

Watford Observer: All Watford eyes on the ballAll Watford eyes on the ball (Image: Watford Observer)

Watford Observer: The visitors win this aerial battleThe visitors win this aerial battle (Image: Watford Observer)

Watford Observer: Liverpool look for a way throughLiverpool look for a way through (Image: Watford Observer)

Watford Observer: Raising mugs in celebrationRaising mugs in celebration (Image: Watford Observer)