Memories of Watford's historic first promotion to Division Two

More than 22,500 supporters had been inside Vicarage Road on Tuesday, April 15, 1969 to watch as a Roy Sinclair goal was enough to beat Plymouth Argyle 1-0 and secure Watford’s first promotion to the second tier of the English game.

Jubilant scenes followed at the final whistle as fans invaded the pitch and Ken Furphy’s heroes celebrated in the directors’ box before the party continued in the town centre, with some fans choosing to take the now traditional dip in the pond.

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Watford fans sprint onto the pitch at full time to celebrate (Image: Watford Observer)

These wonderful pictures from our archive were taken by a Watford Observer photographer and we hope you enjoy looking back to a night when the club reached new heights in the English game.

This young fan makes sure he gets caught on camera (Image: Watford Observer)

Ken Furphy drinks a bottle of champagne as the players celebrate (Image: Watford Observer)

There were no shortage of congratulatory handshakes that evening (Image: Watford Observer)

It was a night to remember for these young supporters (Image: Watford Observer)

Scarves were held aloft as fans chanted in celebration (Image: Watford Observer)

The players appeared in the directors' box after their victory (Image: Watford Observer)

Don't slip! (Image: Watford Observer)

This wasn't intended to be used as a climbing frame! (Image: Watford Observer)

Heading for the safety of dry land (Image: Watford Observer)

Action from earlier that night as a Plymouth player gets in front of Stewart Scullion (Image: Watford Observer)

The referee points to the centre circle as Roy Sinclair's goal hits the back of the Plymouth net (Image: Watford Observer)