Matthew Etherington scored a stoppage-time equaliser for Stoke on Saturday against Manchester City in front of a family day out at the Britannia Stadium. It meant Etherington could enjoy the post-match celebrations with his loved ones - two of his relatives were mascots.
After the 1-1 draw, he said: "It was amazing to walk out with my stepbrother and cousin. My family from Cornwall, my two daughters were here.
"So were my girlfriend, my girlfriend's family, my dad and my mum, everyone really.
"So it was a good time to score, especially the way the game was going. It was a good feeling and I will remember it for a long time without a doubt.
"Kenwyne (Jones) got the flick-on and it has come to Tuncay. He had his back to me but I still knew he had seen me. He back-heeled it straight into my path, it held up a bit in the ice and I managed to get a good strike on it."
Etherington has a feeling of belonging in the Potteries after arriving in January 2009 following his well-documented gambling problems.
"They welcomed me with open arms. The manager has been absolutely fantastic towards me.
"He is a great man and a great manager. I have a lot of respect for him. I owe him and Peter Coates and this football club a hell of a lot.
"The fans have been brilliant. They were singing my name at the end of the game and it gives you goose bumps."
