Cup football is all about the result. Most defeats are usually forgotten quite quickly but occasionally one will happen that remains in the memory for many years after because of an incident or a decision that caused it. One of the most galling losses happened to Watford almost 38 years ago.

Victories over Coventry City, Manchester City and Bury had seen the Hornets secure an FA Cup Sixth Round trip to Anfield to face Liverpool in March 1986.

A fantastic performance by goalkeeper Tony Coton enabled Graham Taylor’s side to hold Kenny Dalglish’s men to a 0-0 draw and set up a replay on Monday, March 17.

An official attendance of 28,097 packed into Vicarage Road to watch John Barnes put Watford on course for a place in the semi-finals with a trademark free-kick.

Watford Observer: Vicarage Road was so packed that night some fans sat on the perimeter wallVicarage Road was so packed that night some fans sat on the perimeter wall (Image: Watford Observer)

But with four minutes remaining, Coton challenged Ian Rush as the Liverpool striker tried to get on the end of a pass in the penalty area. The Watford keeper appeared to win the ball cleanly but Roger Milford – the referee whose harsh red card had resulted in Wilf Rostron being suspended for the 1984 FA Cup Final – decided otherwise and Jan Molby converted the spot-kick.

Watford Observer: John Barnes is partially obscured by referee Roger Milford as he curls home a free-kick to give the Hornets the leadJohn Barnes is partially obscured by referee Roger Milford as he curls home a free-kick to give the Hornets the lead (Image: Watford Observer)

It was a bitter blow from which the Hornets were unable to recover and Rush was to score the winner in extra-time.

Watford Observer: Liverpool keeper Bruce Grobbelaar is unable to keep out Barnes' free-kickLiverpool keeper Bruce Grobbelaar is unable to keep out Barnes' free-kick (Image: Watford Observer)

Liverpool went on to beat Everton in the final, while the thousands of Watford fans who witnessed that defeat were left to wonder about what might have been.

Watford Observer: Barnes (wearing No.11) is congratulated after giving the Hornets the leadBarnes (wearing No.11) is congratulated after giving the Hornets the lead (Image: Watford Observer)

Here are ten pictures from our archive of that heartbreaking night for the Hornets.

Watford Observer: Liverpool's Alan Hansen and Ronnie Whelan look on anxiously as Colin West heads towards goalLiverpool's Alan Hansen and Ronnie Whelan look on anxiously as Colin West heads towards goal (Image: Watford Observer)

Watford Observer: Grobbelaar gratefully clutches the ball as Watford pressGrobbelaar gratefully clutches the ball as Watford press (Image: Watford Observer)

Watford Observer: The Liverpool keeper is stranded as West has another effort at goalThe Liverpool keeper is stranded as West has another effort at goal (Image: Watford Observer)

Watford Observer: Hornets right-back Nigel Gibbs ventures forward to have a shotHornets right-back Nigel Gibbs ventures forward to have a shot (Image: Watford Observer)

Watford Observer: Barnes looks on as Watford substitute Malcolm Allen tries to find a way throughBarnes looks on as Watford substitute Malcolm Allen tries to find a way through (Image: Watford Observer)