It was an astonishing day that saw so many different emotions but ended in joyous celebrations as Watford clinched promotion back to the Premier League nine years ago today.

April 25, 2015 had begun with a travelling army of almost 3,200 fans heading to the south coast to see the Hornets face Brighton & Hove Albion in a lunchtime kick-off.

The visitors struggled in the opening quarter of the game, prompting boss Slavisa Jokanovic to make an early change and bring on Daniel Tozser for Ikechi Anya. Within four minutes, Troy Deeney had fired Watford in front.

Watford Observer: The Hornets celebrate in front of their fans after full-timeThe Hornets celebrate in front of their fans after full-time (Image: Action Images)

The Hornets had their chances to make the afternoon more comfortable before a thrilling climax saw Deeney set up Matej Vydra to score a late second to leave their side four points clear at the top of the Championship at that stage.

Watford Observer: There were wonderful scenes after the final whistleThere were wonderful scenes after the final whistle (Image: Action Images)

It was then a question of waiting as the tension continued to build through a rollercoaster afternoon that saw both Middlesbrough and Norwich City fail to get the results they needed to deny Watford promotion.

Watford Observer: More than 3,000 Watford supporters made the journey that dayMore than 3,000 Watford supporters made the journey that day (Image: Action Images)

The Hornets were back in the Premier League and a big party could now get started.

Watford Observer: Almen Abdi tries to get away from Dale StephensAlmen Abdi tries to get away from Dale Stephens (Image: Watford Observer)

Here are some scenes from that memorable afternoon on the south coast nine years ago today.

Watford Observer: Troy Deeney fires the Hornets into a first-half leadTroy Deeney fires the Hornets into a first-half lead (Image: Action Images)

Watford Observer: The Watford skipper celebrates after making the breakthroughThe Watford skipper celebrates after making the breakthrough (Image: Watford Observer)

Watford Observer: Victory secured: Matej Vydra celebrates netting the Hornets' second goalVictory secured: Matej Vydra celebrates netting the Hornets' second goal (Image: Action Images)

Watford Observer: Watford were to be promoted that day having fallen short at Wembley two years previouslyWatford were to be promoted that day having fallen short at Wembley two years previously (Image: Action Images)

Watford Observer: An exhausted-looking Ben Watson embraces Adlene GuediouraAn exhausted-looking Ben Watson embraces Adlene Guedioura (Image: Action Images)

Watford Observer: The celebrations were to continue long into the nightThe celebrations were to continue long into the night (Image: Action Images)