On This Day

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On This Day

by Brogue » 31 Mar 2025 11:26

On this day in 1976, Robin Friday scored what is reckoned to be the best ever goal scored at Elm Park with his sensational volley v Tranmere. Sadly no footage exists, so you'll have to take the word of the 100,000 who claimed to have seen it.

Can anyone who was at the game please describe it?

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Re: On This Day

by Hendo » 31 Mar 2025 11:31


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Re: On This Day

by WestYorksRoyal » 31 Mar 2025 11:41


My favourite ever away day. I didn’t make Southampton a couple of weeks later.

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Re: On This Day

by Sutekh » 31 Mar 2025 12:24

Brogue On this day in 1976, Robin Friday scored what is reckoned to be the best ever goal scored at Elm Park with his sensational volley v Tranmere. Sadly no footage exists, so you'll have to take the word of the 100,000 who claimed to have seen it.

Can anyone who was at the game please describe it?


The new Steve Death book has the best description I’ve ever read of that goal -

Friday was 35 yards from goal out towards the left touchline when he took a long ball from defence [Gary Peters?]. With his back to the goal and a Tranmere defender breathing down his neck he took the ball on his right instep, flicked it over his head sending the defender the wrong way. In one movement he turned and volleyed it high into the top corner of the Tranmere net.

The referee that night, Clive “by the book” Thomas is still going, he’s now 88, he said at the time “Even up against the likes of Pele and Cruyff that rates as the best goal I have ever seen”. He said so to Friday too and Robin responded by saying “you should come here more often, I do that every week!”

Keep hoping there was a time traveller with a movie camera who caught it all there that night… :?

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Re: On This Day

by Who Moved The Goalposts? » 31 Mar 2025 14:06

Sutekh
Brogue On this day in 1976, Robin Friday scored what is reckoned to be the best ever goal scored at Elm Park with his sensational volley v Tranmere. Sadly no footage exists, so you'll have to take the word of the 100,000 who claimed to have seen it.

Can anyone who was at the game please describe it?


The new Steve Death book has the best description I’ve ever read of that goal -

Friday was 35 yards from goal out towards the left touchline when he took a long ball from defence [Gary Peters?]. With his back to the goal and a Tranmere defender breathing down his neck he took the ball on his right instep, flicked it over his head sending the defender the wrong way. In one movement he turned and volleyed it high into the top corner of the Tranmere net.

The referee that night, Clive “by the book” Thomas is still going, he’s now 88, he said at the time “Even up against the likes of Pele and Cruyff that rates as the best goal I have ever seen”. He said so to Friday too and Robin responded by saying “you should come here more often, I do that every week!”

Keep hoping there was a time traveller with a movie camera who caught it all there that night… :?


I was there that night. I was fearing the worst as Tranmere were on a roll and Ronnie Moore was banging them in for fun, but it turned out pretty well :-) The only thing I would say about the Friday goal is that don't think it was as far as 35 yards out, more like 25, but the rest of the description is how I remember it. Clive Thomas walked back to the half way line with his head in his hands, presumably in pure disbelief rather than a headache. Walked back down to the Oxford Road to catch the "Football Special" and get some chips from the nearby take out. Great days.


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Re: On This Day

by LUX » 31 Mar 2025 14:50

I was there too, behind the Tilehurst end goal where it was scored ( Franchise- where is he these days? - and Carnaby’s Whiskers were with me). Description above correct, but I would say he was more central than “ towards the left touchline”.

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Re: On This Day

by Hendo » 31 Mar 2025 15:22

WestYorksRoyal

My favourite ever away day. I didn’t make Southampton a couple of weeks later.


Was at Uni at the time, so couldn't go - remember watching it on TV (can't remember if it was selected for live or if it was a dodgy stream...) and we were getting battered in that 1st half - still no idea how we went in 2-1 ahead.

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Re: On This Day

by stealthpapes » 31 Mar 2025 15:53

Hendo
WestYorksRoyal

My favourite ever away day. I didn’t make Southampton a couple of weeks later.


Was at Uni at the time, so couldn't go - remember watching it on TV (can't remember if it was selected for live or if it was a dodgy stream...) and we were getting battered in that 1st half - still no idea how we went in 2-1 ahead.


iirc it was reported after the fact that McD's team talk was all about getting the West Ham fans on their own player's backs.

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Re: On This Day

by Jackson Corner » 31 Mar 2025 16:23

The closest goal l have seen since was Patrick Banford for Leeds away at peterborough in the FA cup a few years back.


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Re: On This Day

by Franchise FC » 31 Mar 2025 18:14

LUX I was there too, behind the Tilehurst end goal where it was scored ( Franchise- where is he these days? - and Carnaby’s Whiskers were with me). Description above correct, but I would say he was more central than “ towards the left touchline”.


FFC is so fed up with the ongoing shitstorm that is the off-field drama, and bored with the ridiculous stuff posted (although getting DD and Car Boot Sale off has helped) that he made a conscious decision to not post on the public forums anymore.

Hi Lux
Apart from the ridiculous floods of October and again in March all is extremely good here in SE Spain.
Apart, that is, from the fact that our local La Liga B team, Cartagena, are on the point of being relegated to the regional league (notoriously difficult to get out of, as well)

How’s life with you?
Haven’t you just retired or just about to ?

Are you sure your PM inbox isn't full as I don't seem to be able to send the above privately ?

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Re: On This Day

by LUX » 31 Mar 2025 22:22

Now replied.

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Re: On This Day

by Carnabyswhiskers » 31 Mar 2025 23:38

LUX I was there too, behind the Tilehurst end goal where it was scored ( Franchise- where is he these days? - and Carnaby’s Whiskers were with me). Description above correct, but I would say he was more central than “ towards the left touchline”.


Friday wasn't wrong, was he? John 'Minty' Murray also scored some outrageous long shots (one I remember into the top corner at the Town End, struck from just in front of the away bench) but for spectacular there was also Jerry Williams' dazzling collection of own goals. What a finisher!

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Re: On This Day

by Winston Biscuit » 01 Apr 2025 08:38

I was one of the 250,000 people packed into the Southbank that day watching this go in, even though I wasn't to be born for a few years.


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Re: On This Day

by Stranded » 01 Apr 2025 08:57

Winston Biscuit I was one of the 250,000 people packed into the Southbank that day watching this go in, even though I wasn't to be born for a few years.


The joys of past life regression brings back the most amazing memories.

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Re: On This Day

by LUX » 01 Apr 2025 09:08

Carnabyswhiskers
LUX I was there too, behind the Tilehurst end goal where it was scored ( Franchise- where is he these days? - and Carnaby’s Whiskers were with me). Description above correct, but I would say he was more central than “ towards the left touchline”.


Friday wasn't wrong, was he? John 'Minty' Murray also scored some outrageous long shots (one I remember into the top corner at the Town End, struck from just in front of the away bench) but for spectacular there was also Jerry Williams' dazzling collection of own goals. What a finisher!


I think the whole board can agree, the mid to late 70s were the best ever days to support RFC.

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Re: On This Day

by Mid Sussex Royal » 01 Apr 2025 09:18

LUX
Carnabyswhiskers
LUX I was there too, behind the Tilehurst end goal where it was scored ( Franchise- where is he these days? - and Carnaby’s Whiskers were with me). Description above correct, but I would say he was more central than “ towards the left touchline”.


Friday wasn't wrong, was he? John 'Minty' Murray also scored some outrageous long shots (one I remember into the top corner at the Town End, struck from just in front of the away bench) but for spectacular there was also Jerry Williams' dazzling collection of own goals. What a finisher!


I think the whole board can agree, the mid to late 70s were the best ever days to support RFC.


1978-79 was magic - particularly this time of season with the three local derbys at easter and Steve Death's amazing run.

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Re: On This Day

by Sutekh » 01 Apr 2025 09:45

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LUX
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Friday wasn't wrong, was he? John 'Minty' Murray also scored some outrageous long shots (one I remember into the top corner at the Town End, struck from just in front of the away bench) but for spectacular there was also Jerry Williams' dazzling collection of own goals. What a finisher!


I think the whole board can agree, the mid to late 70s were the best ever days to support RFC.


1978-79 was magic - particularly this time of season with the three local derbys at easter and Steve Death's amazing run.


Those were the days, Portsmouth at home on Good Friday (won 2-0) then a 0-0 draw at Boremuff the next day before clouting Aldersh*t 4-0 on Easter Monday. Three games in 4 days and not a complaint in sight.

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Re: On This Day

by Dirk Gently » 01 Apr 2025 10:33

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LUX
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Friday wasn't wrong, was he? John 'Minty' Murray also scored some outrageous long shots (one I remember into the top corner at the Town End, struck from just in front of the away bench) but for spectacular there was also Jerry Williams' dazzling collection of own goals. What a finisher!


I think the whole board can agree, the mid to late 70s were the best ever days to support RFC.


1978-79 was magic - particularly this time of season with the three local derbys at easter and Steve Death's amazing run.


Yeah, I loved that season - like the first hit of a drug that turns you into an addict, or the big win with your first bet that hooks you for life.

A back four of Gary Peters, Mark White, Martin Hicks & Steve Hetzke stopping everything - and the latter moving up front and getting the goals that too us to promotion. Lawrie Sanchez breaking through, Richie Bowman buzzing around midfield - and the South Bank singing "One Goal Behind" when we inevitably scored first.

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Re: On This Day

by Who Moved The Goalposts? » 01 Apr 2025 10:44

LUX I was there too, behind the Tilehurst end goal where it was scored ( Franchise- where is he these days? - and Carnaby’s Whiskers were with me). Description above correct, but I would say he was more central than “ towards the left touchline”.


yep, about in line with the left edge of the box I'd say.

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Re: On This Day

by Snowflake Royal » 01 Apr 2025 11:05

Who Moved The Goalposts?
LUX I was there too, behind the Tilehurst end goal where it was scored ( Franchise- where is he these days? - and Carnaby’s Whiskers were with me). Description above correct, but I would say he was more central than “ towards the left touchline”.


yep, about in line with the left edge of the box I'd say.

I definitely had you confused with someone else, because there was no way you were there if I was right.

Congrats, I thought you were about 25 years younger than the youngest you can be.

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