LOUIS STILL HAS SCORER’S INSTINCT
JEFFERSON Louis knew he’d score on Monday.
It’s hard to question the hunch of a man who started his footballing journey in 1996 and has taken in 41 clubs during an illustrious career.
The 43-year-old striker came on for Levi Steele after an hour of their play-off final at Ware last Monday and his late brace sealed a remarkable victory and a first promotion to Step 3.
“I said to Browny (Ben Brown) on the bench – I’m going to score today,” Louis told The NLP. “I knew I’d get an opportunity but
I didn’t know how it would come. I just had this feeling but I didn’t know I’d score the winner.
“He thought I was joking but I just believed it. It was written for me. When Eddie [manager Odhiambo] brought me on he just said: ‘do what you’ve been doing’. After Ware scored twice, everyone went on the attack, they didn’t think ‘if it breaks down here what can we do?’
“I was telling everyone on our side to relax after we conceded twice. We had to stay solid. We didn’t want to go all guns blazing and leave ourselves exposed. The tie would have been all over.”
Louis’ two goals in added time wrapped up a momentous victory in the club’s history and the much-travelled frontman is delighted to have contributed.
“Scoring those two hasn’t done anything for my career – I’m not suddenly going to have a League team come in for me!” he laughed. “But it’s done a lot for other people.
“It’s put North Leigh in a situation they’ve never been in before. I can go down in their history – Jefferson Louis scored two goals that helped them get to Step 3.
“I was so happy for the boys. I’m happy for myself but I’m happier for the young players.
“Some of these boys have so much ahead of themselves, I think a lot of them will make it as pros. They’ve got a lot of potential. Hopefully they’ll experience these times in the League one day.”
Louis left Southern Premier South outfit Beaconsfield Town in October to join the Millers, having previously been on Oxford United’s books with Leigh assistant Michael Alexis.
“I asked myself whether I could cut it again,” Louis replied when asked if he’ll remain with North Leigh. “I think I can. I’m really happy I’ve helped Ed and Mike. They have this promotion on their CV now in their first job.
“I enjoyed it. I was in and out of the team but I get that. I feel like my experience and knowhow will go a long way for these players. I’ve got a lot of respect for the management and this team.”