Evan Mooney insists his first goal in professional football was the stuff dreams are made of.
The talented teenager, who only turned 17 last Wednesday, climbed off the bench and netted in Saturday’s quite remarkable 3-2 Premiership victory for St Mirren at St Johnstone.
Boy wonder Mooney levelled after Makenzie Kirk and Benji Kimpioka had cancelled out a first-half strike from Killian Phillips.
However, there was yet more drama nine minutes into time added-on when Roland Idowu won it for the Buddies from the spot.
He converted after VAR ordered a re-take when skipper Mark O’Hara’s effort was saved by Perth Saints keeper Josh Rae.
There were special scenes at the full-time whistle and Mooney was determined to take it all in with mum Lorna, dad Andrew and wee brother Austin – who is also in the academy at Ralston – proudly watching on.
The Erskine youngster, who made his Buddies debut against Hearts in October, said: “I’m delighted and it’s a dream come true for me. I’m buzzing.
“It’s something that you talk to people about. You hope it comes and I’m just so glad that it did. It was dramatic. You score the goal and there are so many emotions. Credit to the boys for getting the win.
“My mum, dad and wee brother were in the crowd which makes it more special and my sister and grandparents would have been watching at home.
“They’ve all been so supportive. I’ll catch up with them when I’m on the bus but I managed to see them in the corner at the end of the game.
“It was such a good moment and the fact they were here made it even more special. Austin is also in the academy and is my biggest supporter.”
Mooney had an anxious few moments before VAR confirmed his goal and added: “I think there was a flick-on and I thought I’d go full steam ahead to try and tap it in.
“I was trying to ask the ref to clarify it but I didn’t get much of an answer! I was just patiently waiting until I heard the whistle.”
Mooney says he was also “buzzing” for fellow youngster Luke Kenny who came on and did well in central defence with big Richard Taylor injured. But he admits it is straight back to business at the training ground today.
“Nothing changes,” he vowed. “I’ll keep both feet on the ground and keep pushing forward to get more chances. Every day I am trying to improve.
“Training with the boys has been good and they’ve been so welcoming. It’s such a high level and I’m still climbing to try and get close to it. I’m loving it.”
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