By Chris Charles

Tynan was a prolific lower-league striker

Plymouth legend Tommy Tynan is hoping Ian Holloway's team can avenge the 1984 FA Cup semi-final defeat by Watford when they face the Hornets on Sunday.

Tynan was in the Pilgrims side that lost 1-0 at Villa Park 23 years ago and he admits the memory still haunts him.

"It was agonising - we were that close to Wembley," the former striker said.

"Lots of comparisons are being made because the same teams are contesting this year's quarter-final and I think Plymouth have got a great chance."

Tynan, who scored 144 goals in three spells at Home Park, was a key member of the unfashionable third division side who defied the odds to get within touching distance of the Cup final.

"We seemed to play very well every time we had a Cup game, which was strange because we were really struggling in the league," he recalled.

"No-one gave us a prayer against West Brom in the fifth round but they had just got Johnny Giles and Norman Hunter in as their new management team and we thought we had a chance.

"We ended up winning 1-0 and I was lucky enough to get the goal. I chested it down from about six yards out and just got enough on it to pop it past the keeper. We could have won by two or three as it turned out.

"When we beat Derby in the quarter-finals after a replay at the Baseball Ground we started to believe we could go all the way but unfortunately it was not to be.

Watford won't relish coming down here Tommy Tynan

"Watford had virtually one chance which they put away. We didn't have many chances either, but if the game had gone on a bit longer I think we could have won it.

"You still replay the game in your head and wonder what might have been if things had been a little different, but of course you can't change anything.

"Nevertheless, we had a great Cup run and the fans loved it, just as they are doing at the moment."

Tynan, now working as a taxi driver in Plymouth, believes the class of 2007 have every chance of emulating the achievement of his side.

"Watford won't relish coming down here because Argyle are playing well at Home Park," he said.

"Plymouth have got a great chance of winning and if they do and get the right draw in the semis, who knows, they could go all the way to Wembley."