'I hated playing on the wing. I absolutely hated it' – David Bardsley

Graham Taylor's gradual evolution produced arguably the finest team of his ten year reign in 1986-87. Tony Coton was the best uncapped goalkeeper in the country. John McClelland led the defence with an understated sense of calm. Kevin Richardson added silk in midfield. John Barnes had developed into an international-class winger and Mark Falco and Luther Blissett formed a subtle version of the little-and-large strikeforces the manager liked so much.

The team had a solid league campaign and made their way through to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup, where they faced Arsenal at Highbury. It was a fiery game that ended in controversy and left the Hornets just ninety minutes from a return trip to Wembley.

Enjoy the game by Lionel Birnie. Read by Colin Mace. Produced by Jon Moonie.

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