Sean Davis: Blackburn v Fulham 2001

In 2001 under French manager Jean Tigana, Fulham had been on a great run and looked certain to win promotion to the top flight in my lifetime. Blackburn were Fulham's nearest challengers for the Division One title and ahead of this game late in the season Graeme Souness had started playing mind games by claiming Rovers were the best team in the league. A win at Ewood Park and it would all but secure promotion whereas a defeat and it could make it a nervous few weeks until the end of the season. 

I went up to the game on the Wednesday night and I remember the atmosphere being electric and a mix of nerves and excitement. Fulham got off to the worst possible start when Matt Jansen gave Blackburn an early lead, and things went from bad to worse as defender Rufus Brevett was sent off just before half time. But before the break Fulham were handed a lifeline when Brad Friedel and Henning Berg ran into each other and the ball dropped at the feet of Louis Saha and he had an easy finish.

The game looked to be heading for a draw when in stoppage time Fulham went on a late break, Lee Clark's shot was deflected into the path of Sean Davis who finished in front of the travelling fans. I have never experienced a goal being celebrated like that goal was celebrated. While it was not a result that guaranteed promotion (that came in the next game) it was the realisation that it was all but done. 

I remember stopping at a service station after the game and being hugged by a random Fulham fan and that celebratory atmosphere stayed for the next two games when promotion and then the Division One title were secured. 

Davis still works for Fulham and attends games and I don't think has had to buy a drink in the 20 years since that goal.