Striker Jimmy Knowles has said that following the ‘confidence boost’ of scoring four times against Port Vale in the Central League on Tuesday afternoon, his plan is now to simply ‘keep working hard.’
The 17-year-old fired home once in the first-half and three times in the second to secure a 4-1 win for his side against high-flyers Port Vale.
The forward described his performance as a ‘very good afternoon.’
“It was a very good afternoon,” he said. “It was a good performance by the team. We all stuck together well, and obviously I came up with the four goals.
“I think it was four shots and four goals, so it felt like my day today. Obviously it’s good to help the team get the win.
“It comes down to the hard work that we do over at Brooksby [Melton College] and doing stuff in the gym. I think it showed in the game today.
“It’s really boosted my confidence now. I just need to keep my feet on the ground and keep working hard. Hopefully there’ll be more to come.
“That’s all you have to do in football – work hard and see where it gets you. I’m looking to get as many goals as I can for the season, but if I don’t, then it doesn’t matter, as long as I’m helping the team.”
“That’s all you have to do in football – work hard and see where it gets you. I’m looking to get as many goals as I can for the season, but if I don’t, then it doesn’t matter, as long as I’m helping the team.”
Senior professional development coach Richard Cooper says that Knowles’ enthusiasm and willingness to run is ‘frightening.’
“Jimmy gets himself into positions where he can always score goals. The first one was a reaction from a second ball, and the second is all his own work.
“He’s chased down a lost cause and he’s battled, cut in and produced a good finish. His third and fourth was good play by the lads.
“His enthusiasm to train and play every day, he trains as he plays. The willingness to run is quite frightening really. He’ll do that all day and never moans.
“It’s just pleasing today that he’s got his goals because I think he deserves them.
“We try and do everything for the team. Jimmy’s touches are for the team, for us to get up and support him.
“The team comes first over the individual, and if you’re a key individual within that shape, you’ll always get your opportunities.”
Next up for the reserves is a trip to face Notts County in the Central League on Tuesday 09 April. A venue for this fixture is yet to be confirmed.
