Ethan Walker was pleased that his hattrick against Shrewsbury Town helped the youth team to a 3-2 victory in the first away match of the season.
The 16-year-old attacker equalised after Shrewsbury had broken the deadlock early on before scoring a quickfire double in the early stages of the second half, that enough for the win, despite Archie Elmore adding a second goal for the hosts thereafter.
Walker said the hattrick made for an even greater feeling knowing that his goals had helped the team to secure a third consecutive win.
“My finishing had to be clinical today,” the youngster told PNE.Com. “I’ve never scored a hattrick for the youth team, this is the first one and hopefully there are many more to come.
“There’s no way that we can score the goals without the midfield doing what they’re doing and to have them is just another bonus for us going forward and scoring more goals.
“The whole team plays its part in getting the goals, right from the back – it’s not just me that takes all the credit, the midfield, defence and the goalkeeper are all also helping out.
“Scoring goals early in the season is always a bonus and that’s something I want to continue achieving. Hopefully no injuries will come my way during the season, but I’ve just got to keep doing what I’m doing and keep scoring goals.”
North End’s last away game in the EFL North West Youth Alliance was also against Salop at the end of last season, where Walker was again on the scoresheet with a brace on that occasion.
The attacker suggested the long away trips provide extra motivation for the players – who Walker also believes are forming some good partnerships – as they do not want to return home with a negative result.
“Whenever we go behind, it gives you that kick that you need to respond quickly and the best way to do that is by scoring goals and making clear cut chances in the final third. We did that and won the game 3-2 which is pleasing.
“The long journey here means you can’t go home with a defeat, everybody would be upset and sad in the changing rooms. “I think it makes you raring to go and want to get on the pitch. From coming here, everyone was raring to go and wanting to get the win and enjoy themselves after the game.
“Everyone is gelling together and things are going well. We’re responding very well to each team we come up against and scoring the goals that we are doing, which we didn’t last season, is a bonus this year as well.”