New addition Chris Conn-Clarke marked his United debut with a brace, as the Blues progressed into the First Round of the Emirates FA Cup.
Speaking to CUTV, he said: “It is obviously good to get into the hat for the next round, the FA Cup is a marvellous competition, but to get two goals, I am buzzing with it and hopefully there is more to come.”
The Northern Irishman came straight into Mark Hughes’ side against fellow Enterprise National League outfit, Boston United.
“At half-time, we were just saying just to come out and nothing sloppy, don't let them back into the game, but they got the two goals, and they were on top, and to come through that little period it showed character from the lads.
“It was tough when they came out first 10 minutes and scored two goals, but we overcame it.”
Conn-Clarke was influential in the first period at Brunton Park, showcasing his ability to fans from the outset.
“I felt sharp in the first 15 minutes. I can play off the left, I can play in the middle as well, but it was just switching the play against the shape that was crucial.
“We switched it a few times and got David Ajiboye into space, and he came up with a goal and an assist as well.”
Josh Grant notched his first goal for the club in Saturday’s contest, marking his birthday in style.
“I whipped the corner in, and Ajiboye flicked it on, and he scored, so buzzing for him as well.”
United were comfortable leaders at the interval, but two goals early in the second period pegged the Cumbrians back within range of the visitors.
“It was very loud, very vocal, so we do have leaders and when you have them leaders behind you and in front you - for me as a young player, it's calming.
“It was a bit of carnage in the first 15 minutes, as I said, but I felt calm, and then I knew we would kick on and get a few more goals.”
The attacking midfielder scored his first goal for the Blues on 60 minutes with a precise cushioned effort into the far-right corner out of the reach of the diving Rhys Lovett.
“I was buzzing, having not played this season and last year was tough for me personally, so to come today and score, I was buzzing, especially in front of the fans as well.
“Ajiboye's come in, set it to Whelo [Callum Whelan] and Whelo’s passed it to me and I've just tapped it in.
Conn-Clarke got his second of the afternoon on 78 minutes with a looping effort over the Boston ‘keeper.
“The keeper got a bit of a touch on it, but unfortunately for him, it still found its way in. It's a good shot, but he's got his fingertips to it, and luckily enough it’s gone in.”
United will find out who they face in the First Round Proper on Monday evening at 6:30pm, with the Blues being ball number 52 in the draw - for more details, click HERE!
“I'll certainly tune into it and see who we get. Last year, I played against Everton away at Goodison Park, which was very special, so hopefully we get a big team.”
The twenty-three-year-old made his debut in front of 3,289 United fans.
“I know the stands weren't fully open, but it was very vocal. I can see that they're a passionate bunch, but I can't wait to see it full next week.”
United face Forest Green Rovers at Brunton Park next Saturday at 5:30pm in a top-of-the-table clash.
“I can't wait, I've spoken to Regan and the lads, and they say it is rammed, and it has been very passionate, so yeah, I'm looking forward to it.”
Conn-Clarke completed his move to the Blues on Thursday morning, reuniting with former teammate Regan Linney.
“Not just Regan, but all of the lads have helped me settle in. They are a great bunch of lads, and I can't say a bad word about them. They've made me feel very comfortable and maybe that's the reason why I've flourished on the pitch today.”
