In light of today’s announcement that Everton will face Villarreal on 2nd August for Duncan Ferguson’s testimonial, we take a look at the Goodison icon’s best moments in a blue shirt.
5. Wigan 1 Everton 1, Tuesday 31 January 2006
A controversial choice, perhaps, but one that fully epitomises the warrior-like spirit with which Ferguson played. On as a 73rd minute substitute, and with the game evenly poised at 1-1, Ferguson lasted a mere 7 minutes before being sent off for a punch on Wigan’s Paul Scharner. Similar incidents featuring the likes of Steffen Freund and Paul Ince further illustrate the fearsome temper of the Gwladys Street’s cult hero.
4. Manchester United 2 Everton 2, Wednesday 21 August 1996
Ferguson was a constant thorn in the Old Trafford club’s side during his time at Everton, and this game was no different. The Scot opened the scoring with a sublime shot on the turn that arrowed into the home side’s net, and then proceeded to double Everton’s lead after Peter Schmeichel has misjudged Andy Hinchliffe’s teasing cross. Ferguson’s heroics that night would have gone down in Everton folklore but for United’s second half fightback that culminated in David Unsworth’s late own goal.
3. Everton 2 West Brom 2, 7th May 2006
The Goodison favourite’s final game for the club was another memorable affair, as Ferguson’s late equaliser earned the Toffees a point in their final home game of the season. Trailing lowly West Brom 2-1, the Blues were awarded a 90th minute penalty. Ferguson’s scuffed left-footed effort was saved by Albion custodian Tomasz Kuszczak, however the former Rangers star duly dispatched the rebound to satiate an emotional Goodison Park. A fitting send-off for the iconic centre-forward.
2. Everton 2 Liverpool 0, 21st November 1994
A momentous occasion for Ferguson, as the towering Scot nodded in the opening goal in his very first Merseyside Derby. The Blues went on to win Joe Royle’s first game in charge comfortably, with Paul Rideout bagging the all- important second.
1. Everton 1 Manchester United 0, 20th April 2005
Wayne Rooney’s first return to Goodison since his acrimonious £28 million move was overshadowed by Ferguson’s second half winner as Champions League chasing Everton tightened their grip on 4th place. The Scottish international stooped to head Mikel Arteta’s inswinging free-kick into the Gwladys Street net to send Evertonians into raptures. A night to remember for all concerned with our historic club.
What’s your favourite Ferguson moment? Tweet us your ideas @TheToffeeTalk
