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Craig Noone reckons fate intervened after promising pal Stephen Darby a goal against Derby.
The winger scored an emotional winner against the Rams in front of his team-mate, watching in the stands for the first time since being diagnosed with motor neurone disease.
Wanderers’ players had worn Darby’s number 23 shirt as they ran out on to the pitch and will later auction the kit to raise money for the MND association.
And after the final whistle, Noone described how his mate’s bravery had spurred the team on to a dramatic victory.
“It was tough when he came in last week,” he said. “It showed the kind of man he is to stand in the dressing room and tell us all.
“We went out with the shirts on. And to see him before the game really picked us up.
“I said to Darbs before the game ‘I’ll score a header today with this new haircut’ – it was fate… surreal.”
The Bolton News’ cameras perfectly captured Noone’s celebrations with Darby in the stands.
“It’s a great photo,” he said. “I can remember checking it had gone in the net, first, and then I only had one thing on my mind. I knew where he was sat and it was great to share that with him.”
Noone has backed Darby to fight against the life-limiting illness and feels he can continue to provide an inspiration to Wanderers.
“Nothing fazes Darbs, he’s a solid character,” he said. “He will battle this the way he has to – I’ve got no doubt.
“We showed we are there for him. He’ll be coming in, around the dressing room and the training ground, he will be really important for us. He’ll put a smile on our face.”
Wanderers worked hard for their victory – their first since August 22 – defending resolutely against a side which had beaten Manchester United in the Carabao Cup a few days earlier.
“We had to make it difficult, get in their faces and be difficult to break down,” Noone said. “Once we’d got the goal, to a man, our performance was second to none. It had to be."
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The winger scored an emotional winner against the Rams in front of his team-mate, watching in the stands for the first time since being diagnosed with motor neurone disease.
Wanderers’ players had worn Darby’s number 23 shirt as they ran out on to the pitch and will later auction the kit to raise money for the MND association.
And after the final whistle, Noone described how his mate’s bravery had spurred the team on to a dramatic victory.
“It was tough when he came in last week,” he said. “It showed the kind of man he is to stand in the dressing room and tell us all.
“We went out with the shirts on. And to see him before the game really picked us up.
“I said to Darbs before the game ‘I’ll score a header today with this new haircut’ – it was fate… surreal.”
The Bolton News’ cameras perfectly captured Noone’s celebrations with Darby in the stands.
“It’s a great photo,” he said. “I can remember checking it had gone in the net, first, and then I only had one thing on my mind. I knew where he was sat and it was great to share that with him.”
Noone has backed Darby to fight against the life-limiting illness and feels he can continue to provide an inspiration to Wanderers.
“Nothing fazes Darbs, he’s a solid character,” he said. “He will battle this the way he has to – I’ve got no doubt.
“We showed we are there for him. He’ll be coming in, around the dressing room and the training ground, he will be really important for us. He’ll put a smile on our face.”
Wanderers worked hard for their victory – their first since August 22 – defending resolutely against a side which had beaten Manchester United in the Carabao Cup a few days earlier.
“We had to make it difficult, get in their faces and be difficult to break down,” Noone said. “Once we’d got the goal, to a man, our performance was second to none. It had to be."
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