What makes football special

Dave Edwards on his goal and Saturday's rollercoaster ride

Dave Edwards says that, despite conceding a late equaliser, Wolves' stirring second-half fight back against Fulham at Molineux on Saturday could prove the shot in the arm that they needed in front of their own fans.

 

Paul Lambert's side were staring a fifth straight home defeat in the face after three quickfire Fulham goals had given the visitors a 3-1 half-time lead.

 

However, Wolves produced a second half display full of guts and character to turn the game on its head, with Edwards' astonishing 89th-minute finish looking as though it had given the home side all three points.

 

There was to be one final plot twist though, when Floyd Ayite headed home his second of the afternoon deep into stoppage time to earn the Londoners a 4-4 draw.

 

Edwards said afterwards: "As disappointing as it is to draw the game in the end, we have to take some optimism, because at 3-1 down we could've been looking at a heavy defeat and coming in afterwards very dejected.

 

"The gaffer was ultra-positive at half time - he said that if we got the next goal we were right back in the game, and the changes he made were very offensive.

 

"We know we have to do our bit to create the atmosphere, to give the fans reasons to shout and sing, and we did that in the last half an hour and the atmosphere was incredible.

 

“It was great to get back into it and get to the stage where we're 4-3 up, but with five minutes added on you kind of knew that they would get a chance, unfortunately.

 

"They're tough games to be involved in, because of the emotions you experience. But that's what makes football so special."

 

Edwards' goal in front of the South Bank brought back memories of his late header to put Wolves 4-3 up against Leeds in 2015, but the Welshman said that - although Wolves didn't hold on to the lead on this occasion - Saturday's goal was even more special.

 

"That is my best ever feeling on a football pitch," he said. "Better than when we beat Leeds 4-3.

 

“That was my best moment, but this goal topped it.

 

“With everything that's been going on at the club, the fans needed some positivity, and I felt like that goal gave it to them.

 

"I was caught in two minds about whether or not to square the ball across goal, but most goals from tight angles are scored up above the keeper's head, so I thought if I could get it in the air I'd have a chance.

 

“I just concentrated on getting a good connection, and it was amazing to see it go in.

 

"I really didn't know what to do when I scored - it was just absolute ecstasy. If only you could bottle that feeling up!"

 

The game also saw a debut for young Wolves goalkeeper Harry Burgoyne, who was asked to step up following injuries suffered by Carl Ikeme and Andy Lonergan. Edwards was full of praise for the 19 year-old, who was named man of the match by the sponsors.

 

Edwards continued: "He couldn't have done anything with any of the goals.

 

“The first and the third were ‘worldies’ - they were both right in the top corner, and he couldn't have done anything about the two headers either.

 

"One of the big turning points of the game was the double save he made at 3-1, but I thought he looked at ease all game.

 

“The gaffer said beforehand that there was no need for us all to crowd Harry - he said he's good enough to deal with things, and that we don't have to protect him.

 

"I thought he handled the whole occasion superbly."