Taking a look back at a classic West Ham United moment on this day in history, in association with Basset & Gold...
It was a day he - 18-year-old Academy of Football graduate Freddie Sears, that is - would never forget.
On this day 12 years ago, the young forward enjoyed the kind of debut every aspiring footballer dreams of, stooping to nod the ball in and seal a 2-1 win over Blackburn Rovers, after Brad Friedel had parried his initial effort.
The away team had taken the lead at Boleyn Ground when Roque Santa Cruz's header connected with Morten Gamst Pedersen's cross, but the goal was cancelled out by a clinical Dean Ashton finish just before half-time.
The Hammers had gone into the game off the back of three successive 4-0 losses, but, thanks to the searing Sears, went on to finish comfortably in tenth in the Premier League.
As manager Alan Curbishley said of Sears at the time, "Someone said the drinks are on him - but I'm not sure if he can get in the pub!"
Relive Sears' magical moment again right here!
Basset & Gold are West Ham United's official sleeve sponsor and eSports partner. Their mission is to challenge the market and create investment opportunities that are easy to understand, transparent and continuously control risk, while maintaining market-leading returns that meet investment goals. Click here to find out more.
