Match-winner Kevin Hayes spoke following his crucial, unforgettable goal led the Anchors to a huge victory over Hyde United.
Hayes struck in the 82nd minute with an audacious effort from the halfway line to give his side the lead.
He opened by reviewing his winning goal, exclaiming: “I don’t think I’ll ever score a goal like that again in my career. The clock kept ticking and I had won the ball back, I didn’t really fancy running anymore to be honest and I saw the goalkeeper off his line so I thought I’d try it and it came off so I’m absolutely buzzing.”
Hayes followed up by noting the importance of his goal, as it helped the Anchors leapfrog Guiseley into third place: “It’s secured that third spot, more importantly the home tie in the playoffs, that we have wanted for a few weeks, and on Monday we were a little bit worried that we might have missed our chance, but that home tie is absolutely massive and I’m sure we will fill the ground out and hopefully get a good result.”
The tricky winger then picked up on how the win has helped the momentum ahead of Tuesday’s game: “It just shows how much these lads believe in ourselves to always bounce back from negative results. For weeks now we’ve grafted so hard to grind out results and it’s the same again here. It just shows how hard everyone is willing to work to get to where we want to be.”
The long-term Anchor then took the time to look ahead to his fourth consecutive playoff appearance with the club: “The home tie is absolutely massive. We know it’ll be close to a sell out here and it’s so helpful when we have a massive crowd – it’s a massive advantage. We’ve beaten Guiseley here before this season, that was in front of a big crowd too, it’ll be much different this time but we’re happy to be playing at home and we’ll be more than confident about getting a result on Tuesday, and see what happens from there.”
‘King Kev’ closed with a message to those fans attending Tuesday’s game: “Sing your hearts out, before the game, during the game, after the game – whatever happens, and I’m sure good things will come of it. Every one of the supporters this season deserves it just as much as we do.”
Limited tickets are still available for Tuesday’s game, be quick to purchase yours at https://stocktontownfc.ktckts.com/event/skt2425po/play-off-semi-final-202425
