Ethan Walker was pleased to score twice on his return from injury as he helped Preston North End to a 3-2 victory over Fleetwood Town in the Central League Cup.
Walker has spent time away from the Lilywhites recently just down the road with National League North side AFC Fylde, but that spell was cut short due to a thigh injury picked up in training.
Tuesday’s game against Fleetwood marked a return to competitive action for the forward, and he was happy to do so with a brace and a victory.
“I'm very pleased,” he said. “I've spent the last three and a half weeks out with a little injury in my thigh so to come back and get some minutes in my legs is great, but to top it off I got two goals and a win.”
The second of those came in the 95th minute of the game, just moments after the Cod Army looked like they had snatched a draw at Euxton.
An injury to PNE midfielder Lewis Leigh – after North End had brought all of their outfield substitutes on – meant the Lilywhites had to play the last 15 minutes with ten men, hence the lengthy stoppage time.
Ethan added: “I was a little bit annoyed when we conceded the second goal because it could have been avoided, but we did well to hold on as long as we did, but on the whole we can still be happy and proud of ourselves today, even if it had finished a draw.
“I think from the second half we needed to start a little bit stronger and maybe get another goal.
“We tried to hold on for the last ten minutes because obviously Lewis [Leigh] came off and we had no subs left, so it was a nothing to lose situation and I thought why not go for it and see what happens, and it's found the corner of the net and just rolled in so I'm pleased.
“I think it's something that I've been trying to do, it's something that I do when needed. I think that if it's necessary to do when we are drawing like that or if we are losing a game, then it is something that I like to do, to drive at players.”
As mentioned above, the 19-year-old attacker has recently been out on loan with AFC Fylde, spending a month at Mill Farm and getting on the scoresheet once in that time.
Following on from a spell with Carlisle United last season, it all adds to the teenager’s experience, and he was happy with how the move went, despite having to return earlier than expected.
“It was great,” he said. “It's always slow at the start trying to fit in with the players and getting game time, but I think that when you try your best in training and you do well you will get your chance, which I did get.
“Luckily I scored and I started a few games, but the day before I was supposed to return to PNE I got a little injury which is why I have been back here for the time being to get the injury sorted. I'm happy to have played in today's game and hopefully it's something to build on.”
Watch Ethan's full interview on iFollow PNE now at the top of this page.