An Everton fan had a moment he will never forget on Friday night when he scored in front of the Gwladys Street faithful.
In one of the most heartwarming moments you are likely to see in football, Paul Stratton was brought on by manager Frank Lampard at Goodison Park to score in the 4-0 friendly win over Ukrainian side Dynamo Kyiv.
It was a just reward for the die hard supporter, who earlier this year had travelled to the Polish/Ukrainian border to help refugees fleeing their homes following Russia’s invasion.
On the night, striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin opened the scoring in the first pre-season game at Goodison, with Dwight McNeil coming off the bench to score twice.
However, it was 44-year-old Stratton who stole the show when he replaced Dele Alli to take a penalty.
He could barely contain himself as he stripped off to take the hallowed turf, receiving a hug from Lampard and Alli.
As he made his way to the 18-yard box, he was clapped by both sets of players and then tucked the ball into the corner.
His celebration was something else, too, as he ran to the cheering supporters and took in the acclaim before kissing the badge.
In March, the Scouser and former policeman, booked a week off work to make the journey to Poland armed with a phrasebook and a network of former colleagues to do what he could to help those with nothing.
Friday night’s friendly – dubbed the ‘Match for Peace’ – was in aid of the people of Ukraine and Stratton did not know the part he would be playing to make it ‘4-0’, making it the surprise of a lifetime.
More than 30,000 supporters were in attendance and new signing McNeil said: “It was a great occasion.
“You saw everyone come together before, during and after the game in solidarity.
“It’s a credit to the club, because it was a great evening.”
And we are all Paul Stratton fans right now.
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