Chris Horton scores against Lancaster City. Pic: Dave Birt
Chris Horton scores against Lancaster City. Pic: Dave Birt

Chasetown FC defender Chris Horton became the goal hero in his first start for the Scholars – but admits the job is only half done.

The youngster made came off the bench in the midweek win over Rushall Olympic and followed it up with a goal in the 1-1 draw at Lancaster City in the FA Trophy at the weekend.

But despite the enjoyment of his first senior strike, the centre back can’t wait to finish the job in the replay.

He told The Lichfield Blog:

“It’s been quite a week for me really coming straight into the side, but all the lads made it easier as the two games I have played in, we all have put in great performances on the pitch and came away with good results.

“On Saturday I thought it was a brilliant game for the whole team. We all played excellently but just switched off a little near the end of the game and it caused us to conceded a goal. But I feel that we should have won the match and it’ll be another good game Tuesday when we play them at home.

“We will have the backing of the fans and I hope that we all play as well as we did against Rushall to get us through to the next round.”

Horton’s appearances in the first team have been one of the few bright spots from Chasetown’s recent run of injuries and absences.

But the young defender has looked at home in his two appearances to date, and admits he knew he had to take his chance when it came.

He explained:

“It has been quite hard for me to get in the squad as I have had to wait a few weeks to get a chance, but I knew this when I went with the first team. But I also knew that as soon as I had a chance I would have to impress and play the best I could.

“It was difficult when I got in the squad as it is for every player when they first play, but playing alongside Ross Miller and Craig Milligan made it easier for me as they are both great players.

“It came as a shock when I found out that I was to replace Rich Teesdale on Tuesday but I knew that this was my chance to put in a good performance and impress. I felt that that Tuesday was one of the best games I had played in a while.”

Chasetown’s FA Trophy replay kicks off at 7.45pm at the Scholars Ground tomorrow (October 20). A win would also ensure a lucrative home tie against FC United of Manchester in the next round.

Founder of Lichfield Live and editor of the site.