Every football fan has that one unforgettable moment they dream of: scoring the winning goal at the iconic Kop End at Anfield.
For Brian Howard, it wasn’t just a dream—it was a reality.
And unlike most fans who can only imagine such an achievement, Howard still talks about it with a smile every chance he gets.
On February 16, 2008, during an FA Cup fifth-round tie, Barnsley, a Championship club, pulled off one of the most shocking upsets in recent memory.
They stunned Liverpool with a last-minute 93rd-minute goal, knocking them out of the competition in dramatic fashion.
Howard was the hero that day, sending the away end into absolute chaos with his match-winning strike.
It’s hard to believe it’s been 17 years since that magical moment.
“That makes me feel really old,” Howard laughs now at 42.
“I remember doing an interview before the game, saying how amazing it would be to score there. And then to actually do it? Unreal.”
A Historic Moment for Barnsley
Howard’s goal wasn’t just a personal victory—it was the stuff of footballing folklore.
The atmosphere at Anfield was electric, and the upset made headlines across the country.
It was the kind of result that even seasoned players and managers couldn’t have predicted.
Barnsley’s victory, coming from behind to defeat a Liverpool side stacked with stars like Jamie Carragher, Xabi Alonso, and Steven Gerrard, was a huge shock.
It didn’t stop there, though.
The Tykes followed it up by defeating defending FA Cup champions Chelsea in a stunning 1-0 win at Oakwell.
Reflecting on that magical evening, Howard recalls the moment vividly.
“I had so much frustration in me from earlier in the match when we had a clear penalty turned down.
When I finally got the ball, it felt like fate.
The touch that came off Alonso, the opening, and the way Carragher’s position blocked the keeper’s view—I just went for it. And it went in.”
Celebrating With Fans
The win wasn’t just about football. For Howard and his teammates, it was a celebration with the fans that made it even more special.
After their return to Barnsley, the team’s bus had a hard time getting to the Oakwell car park because of the sheer number of jubilant supporters.
Howard and his teammates made their way straight to The Mount pub for a quick drink or two to soak in the moment.
“We had a beer with the fans,” says Howard.
“You probably wouldn’t do that these days, but it was a great time.
After the Chelsea win, we were out in town again, taking over the local bars.
We probably stayed out a little later than we should’ve, but it was one of those nights you’ll never forget.”
The following morning, Howard and a few of the lads had to appear on Goals on Sunday with Chris Kamara.
“We slept all the way down there and were in serious need of strong coffee before going on air!”
The Magic of the FA Cup
Looking back on that period of his career, Howard recalls the immense pride of playing in the FA Cup.
“Barnsley is a special place,” he says. “Games like those bring the club and the town together.
Sure, the recent results haven’t been what everyone wanted, but games like this can help lift the spirits and unite the community.”
The Tykes’ incredible FA Cup run didn’t end with the Liverpool upset.
After knocking out Chelsea, they made it all the way to the semi-finals, where they faced Cardiff.
Though they ultimately fell short, Howard still cherishes the memory of that run.
He remembers the electric atmosphere in Barnsley’s home tie against Chelsea.
“It was under the lights at Oakwell, the crowd was buzzing.
We were confident and believed we could pull off the win.
The pitch invasion after we scored was unforgettable.
And then there was Wembley, walking out with the armband—that was the proudest moment of my career.”
Passing the Torch to New Generations
Today, Barnsley’s FA Cup dreams live on in a new generation of players, many of whom are hoping to carve out their own giant-killing moments.
Current captain Luca Connell hails from Liverpool, and former Reds academy player Vimal Yoganathan is now part of the squad.
Some players, like David McGoldrick, bring years of experience, while others, like Jack Shepherd, have only recently made the leap from Sunday League football.
At the heart of it all is 34-year-old manager Conor Hourihane.
After a long and successful playing career, Hourihane is now making his first steps into management with Barnsley, and he has his eyes set on another upset in the FA Cup.
“Conor is one of the most driven people I’ve met,” says Howard.
“I’ve seen what he achieved as a player, and I know he’ll bring that same determination and success to his management career.
This FA Cup tie could be his moment to make a real name for himself.”
Full Circle: A New Chapter for Barnsley
For Howard, it’s incredible to see the next generation of Barnsley players hoping to replicate that fairytale run.
“The magic of the FA Cup may not be as strong as it used to be,” he reflects.
“But for teams like Barnsley, it still holds something special.
It’s a chance to pit yourself against the best, to prove yourself on the big stage.
And for the players, the magic is very much alive.”
So, as the Tykes gear up for another FA Cup run, fans and players alike will be hoping for that one moment, that one magical upset that brings the town together once more.
It’s a long shot, but if anyone knows what that feels like, it’s Brian Howard.
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