The belief that Watford could be closing in on something special was growing 40 years ago this week after Graham Taylor’s side had beaten Brighton 3-1 to reach the quarter-finals of the FA Cup, but it was also a period of league fixtures that summed up the Hornets’ approach under their greatest ever manager.

Prior to the fifth round tie against the Seagulls, Watford had won 5-3 at Notts County. They would go on to end February with a 4-4 draw at home to Everton and started March with a 4-1 defeat at Leicester.

Before facing Everton though, the Hornets made the journey to Upton Park 40 years ago today where they triumphed in another high-scoring encounter, beating West Ham 4-2.

Watford Observer: John Barnes challenges for a headerJohn Barnes challenges for a header (Image: Watford Observer)

John Barnes led the way with a brace but the match saw Mo Johnston continue his great run of scoring form by netting for the fourth consecutive game in all competitions - and the 11th time in 12 matches – while Nigel Callaghan was also on target.

Watford Observer: Paul Atkinson powers a header towards goalPaul Atkinson powers a header towards goal (Image: Watford Observer)

Take a look through these pictures from our archive of the Hornets beating the Hammers 40 years ago today.

Watford Observer: John Barnes tries to get away from Hammers legend Billy BondsJohn Barnes tries to get away from Hammers legend Billy Bonds (Image: Watford Observer)

Watford Observer: A sequence as Mo Johnston turns the ball towards goal...A sequence as Mo Johnston turns the ball towards goal... (Image: Watford Observer)

Watford Observer: ...the Hammers appeal for offside......the Hammers appeal for offside... (Image: Watford Observer)

Watford Observer: ...and the referee's arm goes up as Johnston looks across...and the referee's arm goes up as Johnston looks across (Image: Watford Observer)

Watford Observer: John Barnes celebrates scoring one of his two goalsJohn Barnes celebrates scoring one of his two goals (Image: Watford Observer)

Watford Observer: Hammers keeper Phil Parkes looks back as the ball crosses the line as Johnston is already off celebrating another goalHammers keeper Phil Parkes looks back as the ball crosses the line as Johnston is already off celebrating another goal (Image: Watford Observer)

Watford Observer: The referee and crowd's eyes turn towards something happening off the pitchThe referee and crowd's eyes turn towards something happening off the pitch (Image: Watford Observer)