PLAYER REVIEW: Carl Lightfoot on his stunning strike
It was a symptom of how well Reds’ day was going on Saturday when youngster Carl Lightfoot chipped the City of Liverpool goalkeeper from 25 yards four minutes after making his league debut.
Danny Grainger’s men stormed to their first NPL North West Division victory at the weekend and Lightfoot was one of three teenage goalscorers as we beat our Merseyside visitors 5-2.
Shortly after the hour mark, with the game at 3-1, the manager turned to his ‘bench’ sat in the stands and summoned the 17-year-old academy graduate for his league bow.
A few tidy touches later, Lightfoot was licking his lips when Brad Hubbold slid him through with a perfectly-weighted pass. He then had the audacity to dink stopper Marshall and wrap up the game.
Cue a rapturous celebration, which saw Jim Atkinson run right from his penalty area to get involved in the pile on.
🍟 Do you want some salt with that cheeky chip, Carl Lightfoot❓
💬 Read the youngster’s post-match thoughts at 12 noon 🕛
Full highlights: https://t.co/YhHqm0zuK9 [@PLASKY_GAMES]
🔴⚪️ #COYR pic.twitter.com/A5JBlOtWXB
— Workington AFC (@WorkingtonAFC) October 6, 2020
Post-match, as the wet weather failed to let up, Lightfoot was still pinching himself when we spoke to him.
“I don’t really remember the moment to be fair, it just sort of happened,” he admitted.
“The rush of the goal, I don’t remember taking it but luckily, it went in.”
Grainger included both Lightfoot and fellow Development Team prospect Harry Atkinson in his matchday squad for the game and both featured as substitutes.
On his opportunity, he said: “I was wanting to come on and when I got my chance, I knew I had to show what I can do.”
His goal was made even better by the slick build-up, and assister Hubbold’s work wasn’t unnoticed by the fledging.
“It’s easy,” acknowledging the benefit of playing with a well-oiled midfield machine.
“Because I know I’m quick enough and the midfield can play the balls through, it’s perfect for my game.”
Having spent various summer nights training with the first-team, the teenager is well-acquainted with the senior squad.
However, brother of Kendal Town’s Carlisle United loanee – who we faced last week – Lightfoot conceded that it hasn’t all been smooth sailing since his step up.
“Towards the end of last season, I wasn’t very confident,” he revealed.
“But since coming back, I feel like I’ve just grown more in confidence.
“I’ve started to gain more confidence because I know the lads more, so I’ve just grown into the squad.”
Carl could be involved into tonight’s trip to Colne, kicking off at 19:45 which you can keep up with here.
Featured image by Ben Challis
