The focus of Watford fans on Saturday will be the final game of the season at Middlesbrough but some supporters may also allow their minds to drift back to another match that was played on May 4 – and one that will always be one of the most significant in the club’s history.
The Hornets were in second place in Division Two when Wrexham visited Vicarage Road on Tuesday, May 4, 1982. One more win and Watford would be promoted to the top-flight of the English game for the first time in their history.
Just over 20,000 supporters were inside the stadium to watch Graham Taylor’s men move a big step closer in the 33rd minute when Ross Jenkins rose to head a Pat Rice cross into the net.
- Promotion celebration scenes on the south coast nine years on
- Rare snaps of a party in the pond to celebrate a historic promotion
- Magical memories of a historic day in Hornets history
But there was to be no release from the tension until a minute from the end of the game when John Barnes and Wilf Rostron combined to set up Jenkins for his second goal, triggering bedlam in the stands and then on the pitch.
Just five seasons after taking charge of a Division Four club, Taylor had guided the Hornets to the promised land.
Here are some pictures from our archive we hope you enjoy of the celebrations from that wonderful night.
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