18-year-old forward Gatlin O’Donkor is off the mark for the U’s after his first senior goal earned United a point against Fleetwood last night at the Kassam Stadium.
“I had been talking to a lot of people who had been asking when the first goal was going to come so I am so glad that it was tonight” he told iFollow. “When you come up in to the First Team you want to do well and make a good impression and I had been pleased with the way I played in the previous games but it was important to get the goal as well”
After stabbing home a typical poacher’s goal Gatlin revealed that he almost wasn't set for the rebound that gave him that opportunity.
“The ball came in and I hit the bar and instantly went to put my head in my hands” he said. “But I saw the ball was still in play and reacted to get a touch and get it into the net.
“We started the game slowly and when we started the second half we knew we had to start a lot quicker. Maybe after getting it to 1-1 we might have got something more out of the game but at the end of the day it’s a point and a positive result. There was no space on the pitch, it was really tough, but we found a way to get something out of it.”
United now take a break from league action this weekend and Gatlin could be involved for either the Under 18 side when they welcome Torquay to Court Place Farm on Saturday in the FA Youth Cup, or the First Team as they travel to Woking in the Emirates FA Cup.
“I don't know which I am involved in yet” Gatlin said with typical modesty. “But hopefully both teams get through and if I do get a chance to play in my first FA Cup game then that would be great.”