A look back through the Hornets history books shows that on Tuesday, March 20, 1984 Watford beat Sunderland 2-1 thanks to two goals from Mo Johnston. It was also a day when the first manager to lead the club into the last four of the FA Cup returned to Vicarage Road to meet the man who was preparing for his own semi-final challenge in the competition.

Watford's FA Cup challenge may be over for this season after last night's defeat at Southampton, but it is approaching 40 years since a 3-1 victory over Birmingham City had seen Graham Taylor’s side book their place in the semi-finals and a clash with Plymouth Argyle at Villa Park the following month.

It was the first time Watford had reached that stage of the competition in 14 years since 1970 when the then Division Two side had famously beaten Liverpool in front of more than 34,000 at Vicarage Road to secure the club’s place in the semi-finals for the first time.

Watford Observer: Thumbs upThumbs up (Image: Watford Observer)

Ken Furphy was the manager of that team and on March 20, 1984 he was back at Vicarage Road where a Watford Observer photographer snapped him enjoying a conversation with Taylor in front of the club’s trophy cabinet.

Watford Observer: Two of the most important men in Watford's history in conversationTwo of the most important men in Watford's history in conversation (Image: Watford Observer)

The semi-final proved one game too far for Furphy’s side as they were beaten 5-1 by Chelsea, but Taylor’s team would go on to write a new chapter in Hornets history when they overcame Plymouth 1-0 on April 14 to reach the club's first ever FA Cup Final.

Watford Observer: Shaking handsShaking hands (Image: Watford Observer)