Cork native Eoghan O'Connell scored a sensational last minute winner for Rochdale against Hartlepool in League Two on Monday.
The 26-year-old took possession just outside his own box in the 94th minute with the sides level at 1-1. The former Celtic defender strode forward and hit a superb strike from outside the Hartlepool box to the bottom corner.
"I've only just got my breath back," the Rochdale captain told the club's YouTube channel.
"I think I ran through the whole stadium celebrating. It's nice to score a goal like that but it's even better when it's to win the game in the last minute. I've never done anything like that in my career before.
"I think they had the ball around the halfway line. They passed it, I read it that the guy was going to flick it around the corner, and took a bit of a gamble. I was going to pass it but thought I might as well have a run.
"I was going to play Abraham Odoh in but the centre-back dropped off with him. So I thought'Who am I going to pass it to next? I think Newbs was on my right, and that looked like it was cut off. I just took another touch, saw a gap and thought 'Why not?' It flew in."
Eoghan O'Connell winner for Rochdale vs Hartlepool
Is anyone going to STOP him?! 🏃♂️💨
Rochdale centre back Eoghan O'Connell ran from deep in his own-half and then scored with a great finish from 25 yards out 👏 pic.twitter.com/oAFjC5qANV
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) April 19, 2022
The goal was O'Connell's third in 128 games for the side now 15th in League Two.
"I've got a bit of slagging," said O'Connell, who hails from Cork City.
"We had a baby about seven months ago. They are always onto me about dong the 'rock the baby' celebration. I haven't scored since she was born. One of the lads said she'll be five before I score!"
Lovely reception for the skipper after the game 🤩@bonesyo | #RAFC pic.twitter.com/GKqQSAlYkr
— Rochdale AFC (@officiallydale) April 18, 2022
See Also: Roy Keane Believes His Days In Management Are Probably Over
