When Watford came from 3-0 down to complete a remarkable victory

There are various ways to win a football match but very few can beat the excitement of a dramatic late comeback – but from 3-0 down with 20 minutes remaining?!

It is almost 31 years since that did indeed happen on October 23, 1993 when Watford clawed their way back from conceding three goals to beat Bolton Wanderers 4-3 in one of the most remarkable matches Vicarage Road has witnessed.

Only 7,492 fans were inside the ground to watch the Hornets serve up a dreadful performance for most of the contest as goals from Jason McAteer, David Lee and Alan Thompson had the visitors in complete control early in the second half.

Most inside Vicarage Road hold their breath as Gary Porter takes the late penalty (Image: Watford Observer)

Striker Ken Charlery was then introduced in what seemed to be a meaningless substitution, but it proved to be anything but.

The celebrations begin as Porter scores (Image: Watford Observer)

The replacement was involved in the build-up that led to Gary Porter scoring in the 71st minutes, and within minutes it was Charlery’s flick-on that was hooked home by Porter to make it 3-2.

The comeback had Hornets fans on their feet (Image: Watford Observer)

The forward then turned scorer by firing in the equaliser with ten minutes remaining, before the astonishing turnaround was completed when Bolton’s Mark Seagraves handled following a corner and Porter despatched a last-minute spot-kick to complete his hat-trick.

Porter clenches his fist in celebration (Image: Watford Observer)

Ken Charlery fired home the equaliser after being involved in Watford's first two goals (Image: Watford Observer)

The substitute celebrates his goal after making it 3-3 (Image: Watford Observer)

Watford legend John Barnes was among those who witnessed a remarkable match unfold (Image: Watford Observer)

Porter hooks home his second goal (Image: Watford Observer)

Andy Hessenthaler on the ball (Image: Watford Observer)

Barry Ashby flicks on from a corner (Image: Watford Observer)

Lee Nogan hits a shot (Image: Watford Observer)