Youth team striker Kieran Hall on his match winning brace
Kieran Hall spoke to the Official Website after his late brace sent United through to the second round of the FA Youth Cup.
“It’s a great result,” he said, “It couldn’t have been any better than a last minute winner. It was a great effort from the lads, all the way from Morgan (Bacon) to the top. It was brilliant to win in front of the home fans at Brunton Park as well.”
Hall has had a difficult time with injuries recently, but was relieved to be back in time for the cup tie: “It’s been hard for me. I haven’t played for about six weeks due to my ligament strain but I’d like to thank Jordan the physio for getting me on track and back in time for the big game.”
The Blues battled well after falling behind twice and the striker was quick to praise his team’s character: “We did really well to bounce back twice. I was doubting things a bit when the second one went in but we did well to get back in it. I think the fitness levels showed between us and Tranmere because their players were going down with cramp but we kept going until the end.”
And Hall was pleased to pick up a victory against an impressive side: “Tranmere are top of the league and we had a close game against them in the league a few weeks ago as well. They’re a really good team so to beat them is fantastic.”
Hall’s first goal was a header, something which seemed to surprise him and his team mates alike: “I probably haven’t scored a better header than that. With being small most of my goals come from my shots. The second goal was probably a bit lucky with it bouncing off my standing foot, but as long as it goes in I don’t mind how I do it.”
The Young Blues celebrated their winner in some style, led by Hall.
"I didn’t expect to go that far with the knee slide," he admitted. "The atmosphere was great and we had to celebrate like that. It was brilliant to get to celebrate with all the lads as well.”
Next up for United in the FA Youth Cup are Doncaster Rovers, and Hall is relishing the contest.
“I’m looking forward to the next round now," he said. "We played Doncaster last season in the Youth Alliance Cup and beat them, so we’ll go into in a confident mood. They’re no fools, but if we play like we did tonight we should have a good chance.”
