ON THIS DAY

A reversal of fortunes for Watford 103 years to the day after the Wolves defeat ( see January 24th 1912, above ). At half time promotion-chasing Watford were 2-0 down at home to rock-bottom Blackpool who looked as if they might gain their first Championship away win of the season. But Watford scored seven without replay in the second half to win 7-2, Odion Ighalo scoring 4 of the Hornets goals.

The next time you hear about a multi-million pound shirt sponsorship deal spare a thought for the club who started what was a battle to get shirt sponsorship accepted in this country - Kettering Town. Shortly after arriving at Rockingham Road as player-manager and chief executive Derek Dougan signed a four-figure deal with Kettering Tyres to have their name printed on the club playing shirts. The first match in the country to feature sponsored shirts was the Southern League match between the Poppies and Bath City on 24th January 1976. The FA were not amused and ordered the removal of the ads. The club then suggested that the wording be shortened to 'Kettering T' - meaning of course, they said, Kettering Town - but that was again blocked by the FA with a threat of a fine for non-compliance. But it didn't take long for clubs to realise that shirt sponsorship was a revenue earner and it soon became commonplace - although not initially in televised matches.

Stoke knocked Bury out of the FA Cup. What was remarkable though was that the two clubs had played each other 7 times in a month. Twice in the League over Christmas followed by five meetings in the FA Cup Third Round - no penalty shoot-outs in those days with replays until a winner was found. So it was quite a month with the clubs meeting twice at the Victoria Ground, twice at Gigg Lane with 2nd, 3rd and 4th FA Cup replays being played at Goodison, Anfield and Old Trafford. Five days after the Cup victory over Bury Stoke were beaten at the first attempt by Swansea in the 4th Round! Links 1954/55 results - Bury , Stoke , FA Cup

Watford - then in the Southern League - fought out an excellent 0-0 draw with mighty Wolves in the First Round of the FA Cup but when it came to the replay on January 24th 1912 they didn't do quite as well - they lost 10-0!