Hartlepool United starlet Luke James has described scoring his first ever league goal as a dream.
The youngster who is still a first-year Apprentice at Victoria Park has started Pool’s last two League games after climbing off the bench to impress in the New Years Eve defeat at Sheffield United.
On Saturday he capped another good display with his first ever senior goal in the defeat of Rochdale and he was delighted by the moment.
“It was the best moment of my life,” he admitted. “But what was even better was that we got three points, especially with it being at home because we really needed it.”
“I just seemed to hit it and everything went right for me – it just flew in the top bin. I didn’t know what to do when I celebrated – I was just running around like mad.”
“As soon as I hit it I knew it was going in and I just thought ‘wow’. It actually felt like a dream. I’ll never forget it, the best moment of my life.”
James raced towards the Mill House Stand to see his team-mates from the youth team, who celebrated with him on the final whistle as he headed back to the changing room. And there were more plaudits inside the room with the squad.
“I thought I played quite well, so it capped off my best game ever,” he said after his role as a central striker in a front three.
“The standing ovation when I was substituted was mad. I never thought that would ever happen. I’ve just got to say thanks to the fans for doing that, it was great.”
“When I scored I went up to the youth team and celebrated, then when I went back in the changing room all the pros started clapping for me and that was really nice.”
“My mam and granddad were there. My dad was going to come but he went away on the rigs on Friday so he was a bit gutted. I was trying to find them in the crowd but couldn’t, but I was glad they were there.”
He added after ending Pools’ run of defeats at home: “It’s a big relief, everyone is absolutely buzzing and it’s a weight off our shoulders now.”
“I never imagined it would be me who helped bring the run to an end. I just thought I’d come on as a sub. But the last two times I’ve started I’ve given it my all and Saturday was just ‘wow’.”
“It’s been a bit of a whirlwind the past few weeks. As soon as I signed my professional contract everything has just stepped up and up. I can’t ask for much more to be honest.”
