Hartlepool United youngster 'over the moon' after scoring with first touch in professional football during memorable Pools debut
Hartlepool United youngster Calvin Okike admits he was "over the moon" after marking his first Pools appearance with a debut goal during Wednesday night's dominant win over rivals Carlisle United.
Nicky Featherstone's side moved to within a point of the National League play-off places after getting one over on their bitter rivals in midweek, with Okike's goal perhaps the highlight of a memorable evening for Pools.
As if scoring a debut goal wasn't remarkable enough in and of itself, the 18-year-old's strike came a mere 15 seconds after his introduction - and with his first ever touch in professional football. The versatile Hull City loanee, who signed on an initial month-long deal earlier this month, was in the right place at the right time after fellow substitute Sam Folarin's initial effort rebounded into his path and produced a calm finish to make sure of all three points for impressive Pools.
Okike's debut had been some time coming, with the youngster missing out on the trip to title-chasing York City after Pools failed to rush the necessary paperwork through in time before successive matches fell foul of the recent wet weather. Having been left on the bench during Saturday's remarkable comeback win over Solihull Moors, the teenager wasted little time endearing himself to Pools fans with his first ever professional goal.
"I don't know how to feel to be honest - I'm over the moon," Okike told BBC Radio Tees Sport.
"I'm just over the moon, I'm really appreciative of all the staff and the boys since I've come in; they've been absolutely great.
"The fans have been top-drawer, it doesn't get much better. I'm over the moon with it and, more importantly, I'm happy to come away with the three points.
"It was crazy, glory to God because I prayed beforehand for a goal and He answered. It's mad, I came on and it was a bit of a tricky finish, I thought I shanked it to be honest. Again, I'm just over the moon and want to say thank you to the staff, all the players and my friends and family that came down to watch. It's absolutely amazing.
"The parry was quite fast and the ball was sort of behind me a bit; it was a hard finish to be fair, and fortunately enough I managed to execute it.
"I got told about the move two or three weeks ago and when I got told, I was lost for words to be honest. Hartlepool, I know how big of a club it is, National League but with high hopes for the season. It really came as a shock to be honest but the boys have been amazing, the staff have been amazing and I'm really thankful."