2003 - was at a family members christening (whatever possessed them to have it that day is beyond me). Celtic fans in attendance kept popping into the lounge (all the bears remained with the christening party), Yes 1 nil sellik, 2 nil sellik, 3 nil sellik, 4 nil sellik. Wee while later, they came back through, faces tripping them. 4 nil sellik, 6 wan the huns! My uncle and myself burst into tears. Wed done it. Met up with my pals that night (was 16 at the time) and celebrated the rest of the night.
2005: met my gf at the time at her work, then a taxi over to the kirky Rangers as the game had already kicked off. Got in just at half time.
Second half starts, wee novo scores and theres cheers but slightly muted as that lot were still winning. The game goes on, and theres almost an acceptance that it wasn't too be. Place is quiet. Then 2 lassies at the far side of the hall started bouncing and screaming "they've scored, they've scored" cue mass confusion. Then it comes on the screens, the team in black have scored. Motherwell at home, mentally challengeds had a black strip. But then the realisation that they were in their green and grey rags, and all of a sudden it was utter bedlam. We didn't know what to do. Then full time at our game cue the biggest celebration I've ever seen. Honestly didn't know theyd lost until about 9 that night.
2009: me and my step dad made our way to the Glassy only to be knocked back. Walked over to Binghams and got in. Pints flowing, we got talking to a lad from Belfast who must have been close to 7ft. Just as the game kicks off I said to them "imagine after all that's happened big Lafferty scores" 5 minutes later the big yin duly obliges. "Cmon Rangers a wee goal before half time!" Thank you Pedro. All we need now is big Boydy to score. Yeeesss!! Lad from Belfast "wee man you got the lottery numbers??" Great night after that.
2011: down in Liverpool for a pals wedding reception, brilliant weekend and then out for the game. Went to the Orange Halls in Everton, and all they had was a wee screen with an internet stream which didn't work. Then one of the regulars told us the King Harry would be showing it. Zoom, out the door, into a taxi, but there was 6 of us, so I was to lie on the floor. Got to the king Harry, just as 3 liverpool supporters come running round the corner "hes scored, Laffertys scored!" Checked my watch, no bad just over 5 mins were a goal up. Walked into the pub. Bloody hell, 7 mins gone were 3 up. "Christ were as well going home and getting the cigars out the games done". Cheers when Jelavic scored his free kick. Then the ball passed through to Lafferty. Me and my wee step bro done the Dioufy and hugged each other and he hadnt even put the ball in the net.
The train home was something else. We were all celebrating and we stopped at Wigan, I think, and the platform was full of west ham fans whod just been relegated. Unbelievable weekend.
But I have absolutely no doubts, 55 will top the lot.