FA Cup semi-final match-winner Marlon Harewood was almost
lost for words after sealing the victory that earned West Ham
United a mouth-watering showdown with Liverpool on May 13.
Thanks to his 78th minute strike against Middlesbrough yesterday, the Hammers striker joined the likes of Ronnie Boyce, Alan Taylor and Frank Lampard in claret and blue folklore by hitting a winning goal to send the Club through to the most prestigious domestic cup final in the game.
Amid the celebrations of the Hammers' dressing-room at Villa Park, Marlon took a moment to reflect on the occasion - and understandably found it tough to put into words the enormity of his actions.
"It hasn't even sunk in yet!" he said. "I can't remember the goal, or what happened in the game - all I know is that we've won and are in the final!
"It's an awesome feeling. We're in Europe next season, going to the Cardiff for the third year running…I can't believe it's happened."
As for the stunning left-foot strike that secured our 1-0 win against Steve McClaren's men, Marlon was typically modest in his assessment of the most memorable goal of his career to date.
"All I can remember is getting the touch in front of Gareth Southgate and just swinging my left boot at it!" he laughed. "To see it hit the roof of the net was an unbelievable feeling, and one I will never, ever forget.
"The celebrations went a bit mad and I got booked for taking my shirt off - but I'll accept a yellow card for scoring the winner in an FA Cup semi-final.
"Now we're just looking forward again. The final will be a great occasion, but we're not just going there for a day out - we are determined to win it. I can't wait…an FA Cup final…how good is that!"
Thanks to his 78th minute strike against Middlesbrough yesterday, the Hammers striker joined the likes of Ronnie Boyce, Alan Taylor and Frank Lampard in claret and blue folklore by hitting a winning goal to send the Club through to the most prestigious domestic cup final in the game.
Amid the celebrations of the Hammers' dressing-room at Villa Park, Marlon took a moment to reflect on the occasion - and understandably found it tough to put into words the enormity of his actions.
"It hasn't even sunk in yet!" he said. "I can't remember the goal, or what happened in the game - all I know is that we've won and are in the final!
"It's an awesome feeling. We're in Europe next season, going to the Cardiff for the third year running…I can't believe it's happened."
As for the stunning left-foot strike that secured our 1-0 win against Steve McClaren's men, Marlon was typically modest in his assessment of the most memorable goal of his career to date.
"All I can remember is getting the touch in front of Gareth Southgate and just swinging my left boot at it!" he laughed. "To see it hit the roof of the net was an unbelievable feeling, and one I will never, ever forget.
"The celebrations went a bit mad and I got booked for taking my shirt off - but I'll accept a yellow card for scoring the winner in an FA Cup semi-final.
"Now we're just looking forward again. The final will be a great occasion, but we're not just going there for a day out - we are determined to win it. I can't wait…an FA Cup final…how good is that!"