Saturday, March 20, 1999. A goalless draw at home to Bury played out before an attendance of 9,336 that extended Watford’s winless run to a fifth game. If you had told anyone who witnessed that match what would unfold over the next two months and 11 days their expression would have said everything. But an increasingly memorable against the odds journey did begin to develop, culminating in a wonderful Wembley Stadium conclusion as Graham Taylor’s second spell at Vicarage Road reached a glorious peak.

For March 20 though, ditto much of Saturday, April 3, 1999. The Hornets again struggled against Tranmere Rovers, but from 1-0 behind they managed to dig out a 2-1 victory despite having two players sent off as all hell broke loose at Vicarage Road. It also kick-started a dramatic change of fortunes for Taylor’s troops.

Birmingham City, Bolton Wanderers, Crewe Alexandra, Crystal Palace and Port Vale were all beaten and although that sequence was halted by a 2-2 draw at Barnsley, a Peter Kennedy goal was enough to secure a 1-0 victory over Grimsby Town and a place in the play-offs.

Birmingham stood between the Hornets and Wembley. Michel Ngonge’s goal gave Watford a narrow first-leg advantage but that was to be wiped out within minutes of the start of the St Andrew’s return. What followed was a tension-filled night of high drama but it was to end in jubilation for the visitors, who held their nerve superbly to win 7-6 on penalties.

So to Wembley. Twenty years ago today. You’ve probably seen it countless times already, but on this anniversary relive that special day once again when Watford were promoted to the Premier League for the first time.