Tottenham's Cup Record against Watford

Tottenham's visit to Vicarage Road to play Watford in the FA Cup 4th Round tie is the first occasion that Watford have had home advantage over Spurs in the FA Cup.  The clubs have met previously on three occasions at White Hart Lane and at a neutral venue for a semi-final clash.  Spurs have played at Watford in the League Cup in three matches.  A further FA Cup tie was played at Spurs' old Northumberland Park ground when Watford were known as West Herts.

Carling Cup 5th Round
Spurs last game at Watford was in the Carling Cup in December, 2008 at the 5th Round stage.  They progressed to a semi-final tie against Burnley with a 2 - 1 success through goals from Roman Pavlyuchenko and Darren Bent.

Spurs found themselves a goal behind within fifteen minutes as Watford mounted sustained early pressure.  They drew level on the stroke of half-time with a Pavlyuchenko penalty following a foul on Jermaine Jenas.  Spurs scored the winner with fifteen minutes remaining when substitute Bent latched on to a ball from Pavlyuchenko to score with  a low shot.

FA Cup 3rd Round
The last meeting between the two clubs in the FA Cup was in January, 1999 when Spurs won 5 - 2 at White Hart Lane.  Watford who were in the 1st Division at the time took the lead in the opening minute.  Steffan Iversen equalised on ten minutes as Spurs scored three times in seven minutes.  Three minutes later Darren Anderton scored with a penalty for handball following a free-kick awarded for a foul on David Ginola and then Iversen added his second on seventeen minutes.  Watford showed spirit and pulled a goal back after half and hour but Allan Neilsen restored Spurs two goal advantage three minutes before the interval.

It was not until four minutes from time that Ruel Fox completed the scoring with Spurs' fifth.  Two former Spurs players were included among the Watford substitutes that day, goalkeeper Chris Day and Ronnie Rosenthal.  Rosenthal came on at half-time, receiving a warm welcome from the Tottenham faithful.

League Cup (Coca Cola Cup) 2nd Round
This tie was played over two legs with the first game at Watford in September, 1994.  It marked Jurgen Klinsmann's debut in Cup football in England and he didn't disappoint scoring a first half hat-trick on the ground where he had made his first Spurs appearance in a pre-season friendly the previous August.

Watford took the lead in the opening seconds but Darren Anderton levelled with a shot from the edge of the penalty area.  Then Jurgen Klinsmann completed his hat-trick before half-time to give Ossie Ardiles' attacking team the advantage.  After half-time Watford pulled a goal back before Teddy Sheringham restored their three goal lead.  Ian Walker then conceded a penalty but saved it before Ilie Dumitrescu scored Spurs sixth, only for Watford to pull another goal back through a Gary Mabbutt own goal.

The second leg at White Hart Lane a fortnight later in October, 1994 was just as exhilerating as Watford came out victorious by 3 - 2.  Spurs, however, progressed to the next round with an aggregate win of 8 - 5.  Watford went ahead after fifteen minutes but Nicky Barmby who missed the first match equalised after half an hour.  Watford regained the lead early in the second half but Klinsmann again drew Spurs level only for the visitors to score the winner fifteen minutes from time.  This was Spurs fourth consecutive home defeat and Ardiles was under increasing pressure.

FA Cup Semi-Final
Spurs were progressing serenely towards the Wembley Final when they met Watford at the FA Cup semi-final stage at Villa Park in April, 1987.  The match proved remarkably easy for Spurs who were facing a Watford side who had to find emergency goalkeeping cover due to injury.  The 4-1 victory did not flatter Spurs as David Pleat’s side continued their good form and won through goals from Steve Hodge (2), Clive Allen and Paul Allen. Coventry City were their unexpected opponents in the Final and unfortunately that match didn't go as expected.

League Cup 2nd Round
In September, 1975 Spurs visited Vicarage Road for a Cup match for the first time.  They won against the 4th Division side through the only goal scored by Chris Jones.  Having avoided relegation with victory over Leeds United in the last game of the previous season, Terry Neill's team, in his only full season in charge of the club, progressed to the semi-final stage where they lost out to Newcastle United.

FA Cup 3rd Round
In January, 1939 Spurs were playing in the 2nd Division while Watford were in the 3rd Division (South).  An emphatic win at White Hart Lane saw Spurs create another 'first' to include in their record books.  It was the first time that numbers were worn on the players' shirts, something which the Spurs directors had been campaigning for over a considerable period of time.

The Spurs goals were scored by Ralph Ward (pen), Fred Sargent, Willie Hall (2), Andy Duncan, Les Miller (2).

FA Cup 2nd Round
Spurs were the Cup holders when the clubs met in January, 1922 with Spurs in the 1st Division and  Watford in the 3rd Division (South).  Tottenham had overcome Brentford in the 1st Round and a Bert Bliss goal at White Hart Lane was sufficient to see them progress on this occasion.  Their defence of the FA Cup came to an end in the semi-finals when they lost to Preston North End in controversial circumstances.

Spurs first FA Cup tie was in October, 1894 when they met West Herts at their old Northumberland Park ground.  Four years later, in 1898, West Herts and Watford St. Mary's merged to form Watford FC.  Spurs won 3 - 2 with goals from Peter Hunter and Donald Goodall (2) and Tottenham's experience with the FA Cup had commenced.

Spurs First FA Cup Tie v West Herts (Watford) in 1894

 Spurs travel to Watford for their FA Cup 4th Round match on Friday evening.  Their first FA Cup game was a home match in 1894 against West Herts who later became Watford.  Following a 3 - 2 victory Tottenham met Clapton in the next round.

First FA Cup

13th October, 1894

Spurs 3 West Herts 2 F.A.Cup 1st Qualifying Round

This was Spurs’ debut in the F.A. Cup against the team who would become known as Watford.  Spurs first F.A. Cup goal was scored by Peter Hunter. The other two goals came from Donald Goodall.  The match played at the club’s old Northumberland Park ground was watched by a crowd of 2,000.  Spurs progressed to the fourth Qualifying Round before losing in a replay to Luton Town.

From: 'All Those Cup Finals' by wlhatwhl

Spurs’ first FA Cup tie was played at their Northumberland Park home on 13th October, 1894 against West Herts in the 1st Qualifying Round. West Herts was a former name of Watford and they were experienced Cup performers having played in the competition for the previous eight seasons.  Spurs, however, won 3-2, in what ‘The Weekly Herald’ for 19th October, 1894 described as ‘a very hard struggle.’  Spurs scored twice in the first half through centre forward, Peter Hunter and Don Goodall. West Herts levelled after half-time before Goodall scored his second to put Spurs through.

Further in ‘The Weekly Herald’ it was reported that after Hunter scored, ‘Spurs attacked almost continuously from now to half time.’  Reviewing the game at half time, the paper expected that ‘Having had four-fifths of the game with the slope against them it was naturally expected that the ‘Spurs would be the superior lot in the second half.  But how often does the unexpected happen. Whether they had been dosed with some wonderful physic during the interval, I can’t say, but, West Herts now played with the utmost vigour.  A corner was obtained directly after the restart, and Wright directed the ball into the net, cheers from the visitors supporters – of whom, by the bye, there were several – greeting such a successful recommencement.’  In the latter stages of the game, after Spurs had regained the lead, it was reported that, ‘Eccles tried his luck, and it appeared that the ball went under the cross-bar, but the referee ruled otherwise.  The visitors, although trying hard, failed to equalise and so the ‘Spurs won by 3 goals to 2.’

The names of that first FA Cup team will be known by only the most fanatical of Tottenham Hotspur supporters but are worth recording as they were the players who set Spurs off on the road to their wonderful history of success in the competition.

Team: Monk; Jull, Welham: Shepherd, Briggs, Julian; Cubberley, Goodall, Hunter, Eccles, Payne.

Of those players, full-back Jack Jull is the only one who has any connection with the club’s earliest days.  He was one of the founders of the club and was one of the best players at that time, playing for them for fourteen years from 1883 until 1897.  He was made club President in 1895 in recognition of his great service to the club.

Two other players of note are half-back Stanley Briggs and winger Ernie Payne.

Ernie Payne is regarded as the catalyst which brought Spurs into the world of professional football to which Stanley Briggs was so opposed.  In 1893, eleven years after their formation Spurs drew 0-0 in a 1st Round London Senior Cup tie against Old St Marks.  For that game, a new name, ‘Burton’, appeared on the team sheet, to play on the left wing for Spurs.  This was in fact, Ernie Payne who was on Fulham’s books but being unable to get into their team, he had accepted an invitation to play for Spurs.  However, when he arrived at Tottenham he had no kit.  Spurs provided him with shirt, shorts and socks but were unable to find boots to fit him.  They gave him a loan of ten shillings (50p) to buy a pair of boots on the understanding that they would belong to Spurs.  When Fulham heard about this they accused Spurs of ‘poaching’ their player and ‘professionalism’.  Spurs were immediately called before the London Football Association to answer these charges.  The charge of poaching was dismissed but the charge of inducing a player and professionalism was upheld.  The penalty imposed on Spurs was harsh – their ground at Northumberland Park was closed for two weeks, Spurs were suspended for a similar period and Ernie Payne was suspended for a week even though he had repaid the money to Spurs.  An appeal was lodged but it was unsuccessful, the London F.A. being strongly opposed to anything suggesting of professionalism, a view that was holding back the development of football in London.  This matter became known as the ‘Ernie Payne Boots Affair’ and while Payne continued to play for Spurs, he is best remembered for the longer term consequence of the matter in that Spurs within a short period of time decided to turn professional.

Stanley Briggs was one of the best known amateur footballers in London at that time.  He helped to establish Spurs as a top amateur club and captained the side.  However, he was totally opposed to the decision of the club to turn professional in December, 1895 and preferring to retain his amateur status, he did not play as often for the club and went to play for other amateur clubs in London.

In that initial season in the F.A. Cup, having defeated West Herts, Spurs progressed to the 4th Qualifying Round before losing to Luton Town in a replay.  While Spurs were still amateurs, Luton Town had adopted professionalism four years earlier.

3rd November (2nd Qual. Round) v Wolverton (h) Won 5-3 Goodall, Hunter (2), Payne (2)
24th November (3rd Qual. Round) v Clapton (a) Won 4-0 Eccles (2), Hunter, Goodall
15th December (4th Qual. Round) v Luton Town (h) Draw 2-2 Eccles, Cubberley
19th December (4th Qual. Round Replay) v Luton Town (a) Lost 0-4

West Herts merged with  Watford St. Mary's in 1898 to form Watford FC.

Spurs in History - 13th October

13th October, 1894

Spurs 3 West Herts 2 F.A.Cup 1st Qualifying Round

This was Spurs’ debut in the F.A. Cup against the team who would become known as Watford.  Spurs first F.A. Cup goal was scored by Peter Hunter. The other two goals came from Donald Goodall. The match played at the club’s old Northumberland Park ground was watched by a crowd of 2,000. Spurs progressed to the fourth Qualifying Round before losing in a replay to Luton Town.

From: 'All Those Cup Finals' by wlhatwhl

Spurs’ first FA Cup tie was played at their Northumberland Park home on 13th October, 1894 against West Herts in the 1st Qualifying Round. West Herts was a former name of Watford and they were experienced Cup performers having played in the competition for the previous eight seasons. Spurs, however, won 3-2, in what ‘The Weekly Herald’ for 19th October, 1894 described as ‘a very hard struggle.’  Spurs scored twice in the first half through centre forward, Peter Hunter and Don Goodall. West Herts levelled after half-time before Goodall scored his second to put Spurs through.

Further in ‘The Weekly Herald’ it was reported that after Hunter scored, ‘Spurs attacked almost continuously from now to half time.’  Reviewing the game at half time, the paper expected that ‘Having had four-fifths of the game with the slope against them it was naturally expected that the ‘Spurs would be the superior lot in the second half.  But how often does the unexpected happen. Whether they had been dosed with some wonderful physic during the interval, I can’t say, but, West Herts now played with the utmost vigour.  A corner was obtained directly after the restart, and Wright directed the ball into the net, cheers from the visitors supporters – of whom, by the bye, there were several – greeting such a successful recommencement.’  In the latter stages of the game, after Spurs had regained the lead, it was reported that, ‘Eccles tried his luck, and it appeared that the ball went under the cross-bar, but the referee ruled otherwise.  The visitors, although trying hard, failed to equalise and so the ‘Spurs won by 3 goals to 2.’

The names of that first FA Cup team will be known by only the most fanatical of Tottenham Hotspur supporters but are worth recording as they were the players who set Spurs off on the road to their wonderful history of success in the competition.

Team: Monk; Jull, Welham: Shepherd, Briggs, Julian; Cubberley, Goodall, Hunter, Eccles, Payne.

Of those players, full-back Jack Jull is the only one who has any connection with the club’s earliest days.  He was one of the founders of the club and was one of the best players at that time, playing for them for fourteen years from 1883 until 1897.  He was made club President in 1895 in recognition of his great service to the club.

Two other players of note are half-back Stanley Briggs and winger Ernie Payne.

Ernie Payne is regarded as the catalyst which brought Spurs into the world of professional football to which Stanley Briggs was so opposed.  In 1893, eleven years after their formation Spurs drew 0-0 in a 1st Round London Senior Cup tie against Old St Marks.  For that game, a new name, ‘Burton’, appeared on the team sheet, to play on the left wing for Spurs.  This was in fact, Ernie Payne who was on Fulham’s books but being unable to get into their team, he had accepted an invitation to play for Spurs.  However, when he arrived at Tottenham he had no kit.  Spurs provided him with shirt, shorts and socks but were unable to find boots to fit him.  They gave him a loan of ten shillings (50p) to buy a pair of boots on the understanding that they would belong to Spurs.  When Fulham heard about this they accused Spurs of ‘poaching’ their player and ‘professionalism’.  Spurs were immediately called before the London Football Association to answer these charges.  The charge of poaching was dismissed but the charge of inducing a player and professionalism was upheld.  The penalty imposed on Spurs was harsh – their ground at Northumberland Park was closed for two weeks, Spurs were suspended for a similar period and Ernie Payne was suspended for a week even though he had repaid the money to Spurs.  An appeal was lodged but it was unsuccessful, the London F.A. being strongly opposed to anything suggesting of professionalism, a view that was holding back the development of football in London.  This matter became known as the ‘Ernie Payne Boots Affair’ and while Payne continued to play for Spurs, he is best remembered for the longer term consequence of the matter in that Spurs within a short period of time decided to turn professional.

Stanley Briggs was one of the best known amateur footballers in London at that time.  He helped to establish Spurs as a top amateur club and captained the side.  However, he was totally opposed to the decision of the club to turn professional in December, 1895 and preferring to retain his amateur status, he did not play as often for the club and went to play for other amateur clubs in London.

In that initial season in the FA Cup, having defeated West Herts, Spurs progressed to the 4th Qualifying Round before losing to Luton Town in a replay.  While Spurs were still amateurs, Luton Town had adopted professionalism four years earlier.

3rd November (2nd Qual. Round) v Wolverton (h) Won 5-3 Goodall, Hunter (2), Payne (2)
24th November (3rd Qual. Round) v Clapton (a) Won 4-0 Eccles (2), Hunter, Goodall
15th December (4th Qual. Round) v Luton Town (h) Draw 2-2 Eccles, Cubberley
19th December (4th Qual. Round Replay) v Luton Town (a) Lost 0-4