ADDERS SO SLICK, SAYS SPOT-KICK KING AIDEN
TEENAGE penalty hero Aiden Jeynes reckons Atherstone Town’s players have caught the winning bug and believes the Step 6 club can go all the way to Wembley and claim a historic FA Vase success.
The 18-year-old goalkeeper was thrown into the deep end for the biggest game of his young career for Wednesday night’s fifth round replay at Worcester City due to regular No.1 Carl O’Neill being suspended.
And he took his chance with both hands, saving a penalty in a dramatic shootout to set up a sixthround home tie with Northern
League side Consett.
It was a performance to justify Scott Rickards’ decision to throw his young keeper into the spotlight – one which the Adders boss said he had no qualms in making.
“It was something that was forced on us but we had no issue using Aiden,” he told The NLP. “He’s a young lad who is incredibly dedicated to his football.
“He went to the Lamb at 2pm on the day of the game to practise his kicking.
“For him to make a penalty save and become a hero, he deserves every bit of good press that he gets. This will form part of his football journey moving forward.”
Jeynes is now champing at the bit for his next taste of Vase action, insiting the Midland League Division One side are “riding a wave”.
“The team spirit here is something I’ve never seen before, so to save a penalty and help the lads through was incredible,” he said.
“We don’t feel like underdogs, but we’ve got to concentrate and focus on Consett. We have the belief we can go all the way, so we’ll be giving it everything to do just that.
“Scott Rickards and Mike Fowler do a brilliant job of motivating us and getting us up for every game.
“It’s not just the Vase either. We’re going for promotion in the league, so there’s an incredible feeling around the place at the minute.”
A crowd of over 800 fans packed Sheepy Road for the first Worcester City tie and Jeynes is already anticipating a similar atmosphere for the visit of Consett in a fortnight’s time.
“The Atherstone supporters are amazing,” he said. “They are with you every game and don’t stop chanting and singing for the whole match. As a player, you can’t ask for any more.
“The feel-good factor is massive at the minute and we’re riding a wave. The winning feeling is contagious. It’s a good habit to get into.”