Myles Mason was pleased to make a game changing impact in Preston North End U18s’ 1-0 win against Blackpool on Saturday.
The 17-year-old forward was introduced with just 11 minutes remaining in the local derby clash, but he set up Ethan Walker to score the winner just six minutes later in a fantastic cameo performance.
“It was a good feeling because we were trying hard to get the lead and I came on and made an impact and as a result, we won the game,” explained the first-year scholar.
“I thought if I was to receive the ball, I could just easily get past them with the ball and they wouldn’t be able to catch me.”
Mason’s assist for the Lilywhites’ goal saw him run almost the entire length of the pitch before laying off to an advancing Walker on his right, who placed the ball into the far corner past the Blackpool goalkeeper.
It was a great piece of decision making by the youngster, although he did admit he was tempted to go for goal himself to cap off that amazing run forward.
“The actual goal that I assisted came from a corner and then I just got the ball and drove forward, set someone up and we got a winner.
“I wanted to go alone, but it was a bit far out and there was a man in front of me, so it was just a better decision for me to look for someone to pass to.”
Overall, Mason was delighted for the team to triumph on derby day, and he revealed that assistant boss Andy Fensome had stressed the importance of gaining a positive result beforehand.
“Fenners was hyping the game before, telling us that it will look better on the club and for all the lads if we won the local derby. So yeah, it’s a good feeling to win.”