Goalkeeper Jack Atkinson said that heβs always confident in penalty shootouts after his two saves earned FC Halifax Town under 19s a dramatic victory over Hyde United in the youth League Cup.
Atkinson twice saved from the spot, and also scored a penalty of his own, to inspire the young Shaymen to a 7-6 win on penalties after the match finished 1-1 at full-time.
Townβs number one said that he always has belief in his penalty saving ability. βI always have it in the back of my mind that I back myselfβ, said Atkinson.
βObviously the last two games have proven that my ability in penalties is alright. I donβt necessarily work on them specifically training, itβs more of a mess around, than an actual session.β
Atkinson claimed he wasnβt particularly worried as he took a penalty of his own, the first of those in sudden death.
βIt wasnβt too nervous to be honest,β he continued. It was the side that I go down every time but I was hoping to hit it a bit higher.β
βMy bottle went a bit so I went safe but the main thing is that it went in and I sent the keeper the wrong way.β
Atkinson, who has been training with Halifaxβs first-team on regular basis this season, feels that coming up against tougher opposition is ideal preparation for the step to the senior squad.
βThese are the teams that we want to be playing week in, week out, so itβs good for us ability wise to get used to playing this type of opposition,β Atkinson said.
βObviously, when you go into menβs football and the leagueβs get a bit tougher no teams are walk overs whereas in this league there are a couple where we may take our eye off the ball at times and be too relaxed.β
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