JAKE Phelan is determined to build on his heroics that sent Denton Town to a cup final.
The young defender popped up in the right place at the right time to send his new team to the Manchester FA Footy.com Saturday Challenge Trophy showpiece.
Town will face Oldham side Heyside in the final, which will be played at Hyde United’s Ewen Fields on a date to be arranged.
But Phelan, whose moment of glory came in the last minute of the tie against Waterloo, is adamant that it will not be a one time occurrence.
He said: “Coming off the bench you have to make an impact on the game and scoring the last minute winning goal that takes us through to the final feels so good.
“We didn’t have many chances in the game but we was more clinical in the end and that’s what gave us the win.
“The hard work of all players paid off and I’m looking forward to playing again.
“I hope to cement a place in the team, but it’s not a given as the whole squad is competing for places. I want to score more goals this season and gain as much experience as possible.”
Phelan, who went to Audenshaw School, joined Denton Town after coming through at Cheadle Town.
Now he is looking to see how he copes in the world of men’s football.
The 17-year-old added: “I’ve not been here long and I already have felt welcomed by all of the players at the club.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity that Darren Green and Phil Cooper have given me to get more game time in men’s football as I am still only young.”
In the Cheshire Football League, Denton Town have endured more frustration as their game at Warrington-based Orford was called off.
A spokesman said: “Especially when other fixtures have been played at the centre we were playing at!”
December sees Town scheduled to face Garswood United at Whittle’s Park before heading to Cheadle Heath Nomads Reserves and rounding off the year with a journey to Ashton Athletic Reserves on December 28, weather permitting.
And the vagaries of the climate and the fixture list mean they already have to make up as many as five matches on their league one rivals.
Town’s veterans side is scheduled to host Moore United and Hindsford this month after only playing two Cheshire Veterans Football League matches until the end of November.