Despite the effects of a disrupted train-service 4,700 spectators got to the Boleyn Ground for this Fourth Round tie. Probably many of them anticipated an easy victory for the Young Hammers, as we had beaten the Hertfordshire team by 5-0 at the Vicarage Road Ground in the Southern Junior Floodlit Cup last October.
Evidently many of our team had the same impression, for the sparkle which had characterised their earlier performances in the competition was far from evident in the opening half. A Watford side consisting of seven amateurs, three apprentices and one professional gave a spirited display against a Hammers' XI containing four pros and six apprentices - and deservedly led at the interval through two goals by centre-forward Peter Payne who accepted chances caused by defensive errors.
A half-time "pep talk" evidently made a lot of difference, for within three minutes of the re-start our lads scored twice; Trevor Dawkins got the first with his left foot from the edge of the penalty-box and the second was credited to Martin Britt when he charged the goalkeeper into the net with the ball. We were still struggling to get the upper hand although playing with more punch, but with eight minutes to go Peter Bennett's centre was converted by Britt to bring us a 3-2 victory that was welcomed if somewhat fortunate. There was one change in our side from that which had played in the previous three ties, Peter Bennett taking the place of the injured John Starkey.