Watford and Arsenal were regular friendly opponents during the First and Second World Wars but their first peacetime meeting took place 60 years ago – and a Watford Observer photographer witnessed the occasion.
A crowd of 8,253 was inside Vicarage Road on Tuesday, April 14, 1964 as a goal from Ron Spelman was enough to give Bill McGarry’s side victory against the Gunners, who were managed by the legendary Billy Wright.
Although the match was only a friendly and the hosts were three matches away from finishing a strong season in third in Division Three, it was still a notable victory against their more illustrious close neighbours, who would end their campaign in eighth place in Division One.
George Catleugh enjoys a pre-match chat with two opponents (Image: Watford Observer)
The match was staged as a testimonial for popular and hard-working wing-half George Catleugh, who scored 17 goals in 327 appearances in all competitions during his 11 seasons at Vicarage Road.
Vicarage Road was a very different place 60 years ago (Image: Watford Observer)
The clubs were to face each other in six more friendlies before their first competitive meeting in March 1980 when the Gunners won 2-1 at Vicarage Road in the FA Cup sixth round.
Heads or tails? (Image: Watford Observer)
The testimonial was played on a Tuesday night towards the end of the season (Image: Watford Observer)
Battling for the ball as night descends (Image: Watford Observer)
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