Watford’s run to the FA Cup semi-finals in 1987 is best remembered among most Hornets fans for the 3-1 victory at Arsenal in the sixth round, but many supporters may also recall an eight-goal thriller that happened prior to that.

Having beaten Maidstone United and Chelsea to reach the fifth round, Graham Taylor’s side were handed a seemingly favourable draw against Walsall.

The Saddlers went into the tie 17th in Division Three against their top-flight opponents, but they secured a 1-1 draw in the original tie to give them a second crack of the whip at Vicarage Road.

John Barnes looks to slide in Luther Blissett with the game goallessJohn Barnes looks to slide in Luther Blissett with the game goalless (Image: Watford Observer)

Watford went into the replay on Tuesday, February 24, 1987 as firm favourites, but any hopes of a comfortable night were soon dispelled as an attendance of 20,350 watched a cup classic unfold.

Kenny Jackett makes it 1-1 from the penalty spotKenny Jackett makes it 1-1 from the penalty spot (Image: Watford Observer)

The Hornets twice had to come from behind through a Kenny Jackett penalty and Luther Blissett before John Barnes seemingly put the home side in control.

The Hornets celebrate Jackett's levellerThe Hornets celebrate Jackett's leveller (Image: Watford Observer)

However, the visitors refused to lie down and equalised to take the tie to extra-time.

Luther Blissett slides in to make it 2-2Luther Blissett slides in to make it 2-2 (Image: Watford Observer)

Watford went 4-3 ahead through Barnes’ second goal of the night but Walsall were not to be denied and levelled again to set up a second replay.

John Barnes puts the Hornets ahead for the first timeJohn Barnes puts the Hornets ahead for the first time (Image: Watford Observer)

That proved to be another tight, albeit less dramatic, affair, with an own goal ultimately enough to send the Hornets into the last eight.

The jubilant scorer celebratesThe jubilant scorer celebrates (Image: Watford Observer)

Hornets fans celebrate beneath the scoreboardHornets fans celebrate beneath the scoreboard (Image: Watford Observer)

Another angle of Barnes' first goalAnother angle of Barnes' first goal (Image: Watford Observer)

Barnes is embraced after putting the Hornets 4-3 in frontBarnes is embraced after putting the Hornets 4-3 in front (Image: Watford Observer) Mark Falco watches as the ball goes over the barMark Falco watches as the ball goes over the bar (Image: Watford Observer)