Watford’s hopes of reaching the fifth round of the FA Cup will depend on the outcome of a replay at Southampton after Saturday’s 1-1 draw, but 40 years ago the Hornets had already booked their place in the last-16 of the competition.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Hornets’ first appearance in an FA Cup Final, a run that had started with one of their greatest derby victories over Luton Town.

The two sides were unable to be separated following a 2-2 draw at Kenilworth Road in their initial third round meeting – the replay proved to be a cup classic as Graham Taylor’s side ultimately prevailed 4-3 after extra-time.

Sadly the pictures of that game are missing from our archive, but today we are able to look back at some images from the fourth round tie at Charlton Athletic.

Watford Observer: Nigel Callaghan and John Barnes battle for the ballNigel Callaghan and John Barnes battle for the ball (Image: Watford Observer)

An attendance of 22,392 watched from behind the metal perimeter fencing at The Valley as goals from Mo Johnston and George Reilly sent the Hornets through to round five after a 2-0 victory.

Watford Observer: Callaghan, Mo Johnston and George Reilly look as the Charlton keeper safely gathers the ballCallaghan, Mo Johnston and George Reilly look as the Charlton keeper safely gathers the ball (Image: Watford Observer)

We didn’t know at the time but Watford had taken another step closer to appearing at Wembley for the first time in their history.

Watford Observer: Barnes heads towards goalBarnes heads towards goal (Image: Wat)

Watford Observer: Johnston watches as the Charlton keeper is beaten by this effortJohnston watches as the Charlton keeper is beaten by this effort (Image: Watford Observer)

Watford Observer: Johnston rises to challenge the keeperJohnston rises to challenge the keeper (Image: Watford Observer)

Watford Observer: Barnes raises his arm as Reilly bundles in Watford's second goalBarnes raises his arm as Reilly bundles in Watford's second goal (Image: Watford Observer)

Watford Observer: The Hornets' big striker starts his celebration after scoringThe Hornets' big striker starts his celebration after scoring (Image: Watford Observer)

Watford Observer: The under pressure Charlton keeper tries to punch clearThe under pressure Charlton keeper tries to punch clear (Image: Watford Observer)

Watford Observer: The ball flashes across the Charlton goalmouthThe ball flashes across the Charlton goalmouth (Image: Watford Observer)