STAGS ON THIS DAY: Mansfield Town edged out by Watford in survival season of 1967/68

Early goals from Garbett and Dyson propelled the Hornets into a 2-0 lead but Town hit back in style.

Dick Edwards curled in a beauty from 25 yards out to pull a goal back just before the break.

Despite their efforts after the interval Town slumped to defeat - although it didn’t prove terminal in their fight to stay up, as Steve Gilbert picks up the story.

He said: “Season 1967-68 was an amazing one for the Stags.

“Bottom at Christmas, we only escaped relegation because Peterborough were relegated as a punishment, and then we only survived by 0.007 of a goal!

“If a disallowed Bournemouth goal had stood on the last day, we would have been relegated.

“There was a schoolboys international at Field Mill that day (May 11) and as we learned the result most of us went home dejected, until someone did the intricate maths and announced at the bus stop on Queen Street that we were saved!

“That season also saw my first Stags’ game at home to Watford on March 9.

“Even though we lost I was so excited I couldn’t wait for the next one, which just happened to be two days later.

“Thus began a lifelong love.”