Paddy Power
GORDON DAVIES scored Fulham’s second goal in their last victory at Chelsea, a 2-0 win in 1979.
Davies, currently 68 years old, reflects on his time with the Blues during the mid-1980s, specifically recalling a significant clash against Fulham. As he reminisces, he addresses a notable statistic that has lingered for over 44 years—the fact that he was the last player to score a goal in a Fulham side that won at Chelsea. Despite retiring from playing three decades ago, Davies expresses his desire to see this statistic put to rest. The match in question took place at Stamford Bridge, with Fulham entering the game on the back of five consecutive losses. In a local derby atmosphere and with Chelsea vying for promotion, the pressure was on. However, against the odds, Fulham managed to secure a crucial win, with John Beck’s remarkable goal breaking the deadlock on the hour mark.
The context of the game adds to its significance, as Fulham, struggling at the wrong end of the table, faced a Chelsea side pushing for promotion to the top flight. The match unfolded in front of Chelsea’s largest crowd of the season, intensifying the local derby atmosphere. Davies highlights the strategic element of the fixture, where the longer the score remained 0-0, the better Fulham’s chances became. Ultimately, John Beck’s spectacular goal provided the breakthrough that secured a memorable victory for Fulham in a challenging period for the team.