Fulham Away: To Goodison on film

Words: Louise Sturdee

Images: Louise Sturdee

April 15, 2023.

Not a day that will go down in Premier League history but the day I finally ticked off Goodison Park.

Merseyside was basking in the sunshine when the boys from West London arrived. The former being a rare occasion, or so I’ve been told.

Fulham were surprising everyone this season, including themselves, by sitting pretty in the top half of the Premier League table. While Everton on the other hand, were having one of their bleaker seasons in recent memory, with struggles surpassing what was happening on the pitch.

Before kick-off we found ourselves in the away pub located next door to the other historic ground in the city.

A few pints were followed by an enjoyable walk through Stanley Park to the ground.

One of the nicer walks to a football stadium I’ve had, it must be said. Be that the sun, the walk, or both.

Goodison Park is a ground on so many football fan’s bucket lists, and with good reason.

The historic character of the ground can be felt from the moment you arrive. Between the tight concourse and the tall Main Stand that faces you directly from the away end, I understood why I had heard so many other fans praise Everton as an away day.

Before this match, Fulham had only won once at Goodison, and that was behind closed doors during the pandemic, so it was safe to say not many of us were expecting much from the day.

But three goals and three points later, we had been blessed with a great time, and Fulham continued to spoil us with a phenomenal season.

If Everton get relegated it will be sad, but it will be sadder still when they move out of Goodison Park, which is nothing less than an iconic ground in English football history.

As someone used to the historic soul of Craven Cottage, I appreciate a ground with great character.

Goodison certainly has that.