Oisin Smyth was the hero as Oxford United came from behind to win 2-1 at the Valley on New Year's Day.
Smyth stepped up to play a starring role in defence and then popped up with a stunning late goal to win the match for the U's and start 2024 in the best possible way.
"I only knew I was playing for certain this morning" he told iFollow. "Last night we knew Jordan was carrying a knock but I only got the go ahead that I was playing this morning. I’ve played that role for Northern Ireland but I’ve played so many positions over the last couple of years so it still felt a bit new to me in the first five minutes or so. It was just about getting my boundaries, and having Elliott and Ciaron there to help me do that was really important.
"We conceded early but we have such good team character in the group so if we go behind then it's frustrating but we don’t panic because we know we have the players out there to turn that around and get a result.
"With the goal, my mum and dad had come over to see me for the new year and were here today. My dad told me he thought I would score the winner so when I saw the space open up I thought, why not? I was looking for them in the crowd and had just spotted them when Cam jumped on my back, got me in a headlock and threw me on the floor in the celebrations!
"I do practice finishing every day after training and hard work definitely pays off. I know I am going to get those chances sometimes so I work on them. They don’t always go in but you just keep working hard and see where that takes you. You never know when you are going to be called upon so be ready and try to make the most of your chances when they do come along.
"To score in front of my parents and in front of the fans was a brilliant feeling and one I won't forget.”