Jose Izquierdo’s goal against West Ham in the 3-1 victory at the Amex Stadium back in February will live long in the memory for a number of supporters.
But Robin Woolley, a Seagulls fan based in Newcastle, will have a constant reminder in his home after he won an online auction for a signed match-worn shirt from the Seagulls wide man, in aid of young Irons fan Isla Caton, who suffers from a rare childhood cancer called neuroblastoma.
He said, “I’m delighted, it was a shirt I had to have because I was at the game and saw the goal itself – but more importantly it’s money that I’ve bid for a very worthwhile cause.
“I have a daughter who’s Isla’s age so I thought that if I was ever in that situation I’d want people to help me and the family out as well.
“Nobody would wish that on anyone, so I would hope people would also put their hands in their pockets."
A video message from the Colombian midfielder was widely shared across social media and well-received by a collection of supporters from different clubs – Robin emphasised the response to the clip as being the perfect example of the power of football.
“The response that the family have got definitely shows how influential the sport can be.
“You put rivalries aside, there’s a lot of Millwall fans online who are giving their support to the cause and I believe someone is running an event in a West Ham shirt as well, so that tells you all you need to know.
“When you think of the bad publicity around those rivalries it goes out of the window with something like this.
“I saw the link on Twitter and the video as well and thought I have to have that for such a great cause – the plan is to have it framed and up on the wall in the house, it’ll take pride of place.”
The spectacular effort at the start of last month kick-started a good run of form in the top flight which currently sees Albion sitting in 11th position going into Saturday’s Emirates FA Cup tie with Manchester United at Old Trafford.
Robin was invited down to the American Express Elite Football Performance Centre on Thursday, as Chris Hughton met the media ahead of the last eight cup tie in the historic competition.
“It’s the best goal I’ve seen at the stadium – I’ve had a bit of journey down because I live up near Newcastle, but I was able to have a look around the training ground and see my first-ever press conference too.
“To top it off, I got the shirt from Jose in person as well so it’s been great.
“It was really interesting to see how the press conference works – I was tempted to stick my hand up but someone got in ahead of me with what I was going to ask!”
Fans can donate to Isla’s Just Giving Page - set up in order to raise funds to get Isla vital treatment, by clicking here.