CandH’s top blogger Allen Cummings remembers
As modern-day goal celebrations go, Frank Lampard’s effort at Elland Road in 1980 wasn’t the most elaborate or inventive you’re likely to see.
It didn’t have the planning or the choreography of a Michial Antonio celebration. Frank’s was simply a spontaneous reaction in a night of high drama that not only inspired a song, but went down in West Ham folklore.
It is almost 40 years – 16th April 1980, that Lampard scored the winning goal in our FA Cup Semi-Final replay against Everton – coming two minutes from the end of extra time, in a tie that was looking deadlocked at goal apiece.
The first game, held at Goodison Park, had ended 1-1. In this second encounter the magnificent Alan Devonshire had given us the lead at the end of a typically dazzling run, only for Bob Latchford to level the scores with a glancing header.
With the tie looking to be heading for a second replay, Lampard – half diving, half falling – got his head to a David Cross knock down from a Trevor Brooking cross, sending the ball wide of the despairing Everton ‘keeper and into the net.
Frank picked himself up, recovered his barings then headed straight for the nearest corner flag to celebrate with the most memorable of jigs!