Top five most memorable clashes between Sunderland and Watford 

By Lucas Ward

Ahead of Sunderland’s visit to Watford this weekend, we’re taking a look back at some of the most memorable meetings between the two clubs, with neither side left with anything to play for this season in 13th and 15th respectively: 

 2022/23 – Sunderland 2-2 Watford 

Sunderland dominated the game yet looked destined for an undeserved loss with Watford leading 2-0 through goals from Kabasele and Porteous after 69 mins before former Watford academy player Luke O’Nien pulled one back for the home side. It was late drama however with Patrick Roberts scoring a 90+5th minute equaliser to secure a point that ultimately proved crucial in the race for the play-offs. 

 1998/99 – Sunderland 4-1 Watford 

It was Watford who took an early lead through striker Allan Smart however it was short-lived with Allan Johnston getting the equaliser on 26 minutes. Andy Melville completed the win for Sunderland on the day, against a Watford side that would go on to secure promotion to the Premier League that season, alongside Peter Reid’s side. 

 2004/05 – Sunderland 4-2 Watford 

Another Championship title and another 4 goals scored past Watford. Sunderland led 2-0 at halftime through two goals from striker Marcus Stewart, who would later leave the club that summer before he completed his hat trick after 51 minutes. Chris Brown made it four for the Black Cats before two late goals from Watford’s Bruce Dyer made for a memorable Sunderland victory. 

 1982/83 – Watford 8-0 Sunderland 

In the only defeat in the list, Sunderland lost heavily to Watford in a season that would ultimately see the Hornets finish 2nd in Division One, only to Bob Paisley’s Liverpool. Blissett took his match total to four with two late goals, in a season that would see the Watford forward awarded the Golden Boot for Division One with 27 goals. The 8-0 defeat is considered to be one of the worst in Sunderland’s history and saw humiliation for Alan Durban’s side, who would go on to safely finish 16th that season. 

 1979/80 – Sunderland 5-0 Watford 

In a season that ultimately saw Sunderland promoted to the First Division under Ken Knighton’s management, the Black Cats defeated Watford 5-0. Shaun Elliott then scored his first of the game after 63 minutes, with Robson adding his second just 6 minutes later. The scoring on the day was rounded off with Elliott’s second of the game to finalise Sunderland’s 5-0 victory.