We’d like to wish every Fulham a very happy Rodney McAree day.
The Northern Irish midfielder’s magnificent strike at Brunton Park clinched a crucial three points for Micky Adams’ men as the Whites came from behind to beat promotion rivals Carlisle United on this day 28 years ago.
McAree hadn’t even expected to play – which meant his Dad missed the moment the former Liverpool trainee – became a Craven Cottage cult hero. The match is remembered for McAree’s sweet strike from miles out in front of 2,000 travelling fans, but Fulham fought back from a poor start when Rory Delap headed in Steve Hayward’s cross.
But Adams’ superb side found a way back early in the second half when McAree’s ball in from a clever short corner was met by Danny Cullip and ‘Super Mick Conroy’ did the rest from barely a yard out. McAree’s long-ranger from Christer Warren’s knockdown sent the Cottagers back to the top of the table, completing the double over Carlisle, and on the cusp of promotion.
You can watch the highlights below, read our match report archived from Sportscene or read Lydia Campbell’s interview with the man himself. If you made the magical trip there and back, feel free to share your memories in the comments.
I was there and the train journey back was just as good as the game. We would all leave the train at each station just to dance around and sink before getting back on before it left the station. Amazing memories
My Dad took me to this game and it was my first Fulham away trip as it was just down the road from where we were living at the time. He’s no longer with us so this brings everything back.
What a day. What a team. What a season.
‘Who put the ball in the Carlisle net? Rodney McAree!’