The hallowed turf of Goodison Park has played host to countless iconic moments in Everton’s history.
There’s the heart-stopping 3-2 win over Wimbledon on the final day of the 1993/94 campaign that preserved Everton’s top-flight status that lives long in the memory of fans.
And nearly a decade later, a 16-year-old Wayne Rooney announced himself to the Toffees faithful and English football when he scored a 30-yard screamer against Arsenal in October 2002.
And then there’s one of Duncan Ferguson‘s most important goals in blue, when he powered a header home against Manchester United in April 2005.
It was one of the 72 goals Ferguson scored for Everton throughout his 272-game career with the club.
The goal also doubled as one of Ferguson’s greatest memories playing at Goodison Park, as the big Scot joined Ally McCoist and Gabby Agbonlahor on talkSPORT Breakfast to regale tales of his finest moments at the grand old venue.
“Obviously, scoring my first goal against Liverpool, with the fans getting behind me,” Ferguson said.
The goal in question was Ferguson’s first for Everton following his arrival from Rangers on loan.
It was also the first of two Everton goals as they picked up an important win over their bitter rivals at Goodison Park in November 1994.
“My last big goal was against Manchester United that kind of put us in the Champions League, scored a header,” Ferguson added.
What Ferguson did not disclose was the fact his header helped Everton secure their first league win over United in over a decade.
Coincidentally, Ferguson scored the winner that sparked Everton’s 1-0 win over United in February 1995.
But his winner some ten years later was far more special.
Mikel Arteta whipped in a deft free-kick from the left sideline and Ferguson, who was bizarrely left unmarked in the box by United, powered his header home past Tim Howard.
The win proved pivotal in helping Everton qualify for next season’s Champions League as they finished fourth in the Premier League, one place ahead of Liverpool.
However, they were knocked out in the third round of qualifying and were beaten by Dinamo Bucharest in the first round of the UEFA Cup, meaning there would be no European football for the Toffees in the 2005/06 campaign.
As for Ferguson’s third iconic memory of Goodison Park, that belonged to his final game as a professional.
It was the final day of the 2005/06 season as Everton hosted West Bromwich Albion and Ferguson was named to start up top.
Getty‘Big Dunc’ was a fan favourite thanks to his passionate displays for Everton[/caption]
The Baggies led 2-0 up until the 84th minute when Victor Anichebe pegged one back for Everton.
Ferguson then completed the comeback in the 90th minute in rather dramatic circumstances.
Everton were awarded a penalty in the dying minutes of the contest and a teammate gave the ball to Ferguson.
There was just one issue: Ferguson wasn’t their designated penalty taker.
The reason why became abundantly clear very quickly, but thankfully it didn’t take away from his Hollywood ending.
“My last kick of the ball at Goodison,” Ferguson said.
“I got given a penalty. I wasn’t on penalties because I hadn’t been playing.
“Some bright spark turned around and handed me the ball. Everyone starts singing my name.
“I’m on penalties, I’m on the spot with a minute to go. Luckily I scored.
“I missed it (the penalty), but it came back and I scored. That’s my last kick at Goodison.”
Perhaps a similarly spectacular ending awaits the Toffees on Sunday as they host Southampton in the last-ever match for the men’s team at Goodison Park.
