"Wow," exclaims Billy Sharp, puffing out his cheeks. "I couldn't have written it any better."
'It' being the 88th minute between Bournemouth and Sheffield United on Saturday, August 10, 2019. The Blades were 1-0 down at Dean Court with two minutes to play when they won a free-kick in a dangerous position. George Baldock crossed, the ball pinballed off a cluster of bodies and Sharp reacted quickest to poke home the equaliser. Cue mayhem.
Supporters sprung out of seats. Bodies collapsed over advertising hoardings. Hi-vis jackets tried to control the carnage. Police officers formed a barricade. Sharp jumped straight in. You love to see it. "It wasn't the best of goals," he laughs. "But I can't tell you how much it meant, how good it felt. It was a special day."