Watford Observer

The Hornets already had their place in the last 16 of the prestigious competition thanks to a commanding 4-1 win over Crewe Alexandra at Kings Langley FC last week.

However, they had to wait until last night to discover who they would be hosting – and then had to be even more patient as Spurs required extra-time to secure a 5-3 win away at Grimsby Town.

The North London side seemed set to ease through as they led 3-1 in the 89th minute of the game at Blundell Park, but the home side pulled one back and then made it 3-3 deep into stoppage time.

Grimsby, who had already beaten Premier League side West Ham in the previous round, had the scent of another upset but Spurs scored a goal just before and after half-time of the additional 30 minutes to win the tie.

Although the exact date when the Hornets - who are coached by Matt Bevans and Lloyd Doyley - will host their North London rivals is not yet known, it is due to be played before Saturday February 8.

In the previous two rounds Watford have played their home times at Kings Langley, but in previous season when they have been drawn against the likes of Arsenal and Manchester City, they have moved ties to Vicarage Road – the assumption is they will do the same this time around.

The Hornets are one of seven non-Premier League teams that will contest the fifth round, with the likes of Arsenal and Manchester City are still involved while Manchester United will host Chelsea in the last 16.

Watford have twice won the FA Youth Cup, famously beating Manchester United 7-6 on aggregate in 1982, and then winning 2-0 over two legs with Manchester City seven years later.

Tottenham have won the competition three times, in 1970, 1974 and most recently in 1990.

Neither side has reached the final in the last 30 years.

Iconic Spurs players Ossie Ardiles, David Howells, and Pat Jennings, along with Wimbledon legend Dave Beasant, took to the greens at The Grove Hotel to support the hospice.

David Howells said: "It was a fantastic day, we managed to meet some wonderful people, and all for a brilliant cause in supporting the work done by Noah’s Ark."

The players were joined by a number of the charity’s corporate partners, with a lunch and auction bringing in further funds.

Among the prizes were rounds of golf with the sports stars and a signed Tottenham Hotspur shirt.

The money raised will be significant for Noah's Ark which helps babies, children, and young people with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions, and their families, make the most of every day.

It costs more than £6 million a year to run, with the majority of that funding coming from voluntary donations.

Roscoe Mahoney, a Noah's Ark dad, spoke about his family's experiences with the hospice supporting his twins, Ray and Arthur, since their infancy.

Roscoe said: "It was amazing to be at the golf day, Noah’s Ark is very dear to me and a huge part of my life, and Tottenham is also in my DNA.

"I was so grateful to attend and to have had the chance to meet the legends."

Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice welcomes the referrals of babies, children, and young people who meet their acceptance criteria and live in various areas in and around London, including Hertsmere.

More information is available at noahsarkhospice.org.uk.