Barnsley goalscorer Matty Templeton spoke to the press after bagging his first senior goal for the club in the Reds’ 4-2 success over Blackpool.
After being brought on as a substitute in the final moments, Templeton took less than three minutes to grab the goal that put the game beyond all doubt.
Templeton reflected, saying: “It was unbelievable. I was dreaming about it a couple of nights ago, then dreaming about it as I was driving in today and it’s actually happened, I don’t know what to say.”
Head Coach Lee Johnson brought the 19-year-old on to help see the game out but after Blackpool made the scores 3-2, the Head Coach was left questioning his own decision.
The teenager repaid his manager’s faith within minutes, following up on all of Johnson’s tactical preparations.
“He told me to stay narrow tactical-wise and when I got the ball to keep the ball and when I get the chance, get at them.
“I tried to get everybody up the pitch, it fell to Ben and I lost my feet. I got back up, took a touch, knew where the goal was and it was like slow motion as it went in, I couldn’t believe it,” he added.
The versatile left-sided player has been a regular in the Under-21s side, contributing with plenty of goals and assists but feels this could be a turning point.
“I’ve been trying to create goals and score goals in the Under-21s to try impress the gaffer and he’s given me my chance, I’ve taken it and hopefully there will be many more to come.”
Templeton outlined what he feels he can add to the side, saying: “As soon as I get the ball, I think attack, try and score or create goals. Hopefully he’ll use me more for that.”
Midfielder Templeton has been at the club since the age of eight and to score his first senior goal has been a dream come true.
“You dream of scoring all the time when you’re young and doing it in front of a crowd and celebrating with them because they make some of the best noises you can ever hear.
“It’s like it's silence and then the cheer, it’s unbelievable.
"We needed the win today. All the lads together worked hard and we needed to win today and it meant a lot to all of us to win."
