Super sub Michael Coulson scored the winner for Barnsley against Blackpool in Saturday's FA Cup tie after coming on for Simon Davey's team when the Tykes were a goal down with 20 minutes to go. But his accurate strike marked the anniversary of his only other goal for Barnsley at Southend at the same third round stage last season. Ironically, Barnsley have been drawn away to Southend again in the fourth round later this month. After the match, the 19-year-old former Scarborough striker spoke about his goal to givemefootball's Ian Clarkson, a moment he hopes will lead to a change of fortunes at Oakwell after being loaned out to Northwich Victoria earlier this season.
Q:YOU MUST HAVE ENJOYED THE VICTORY AGAINST BLACKPOOL?
A:Yes, it was a great comeback and me getting a goal made it even better. It was a good feeling to get through to the fourth round as we don't do it that often.
Q:WHAT DID THE MANAGER SAY TO YOU BEFORE YOU CAME ON?
A:He said 'do the same again'. I'd played against Scunthorpe on New Year's Day and came on as a substitute. The manager thought I did okay and wanted the same sort of thing. The manager used the same tactics by playing three up front, it seemed to work. He told me to get myself a goal and I did. Winning's a really nice feeling. But I didn't hear the manager's team talk as I was out on the pitch warming up. I suppose it wasn't the best of games, but we won.
Q:THE MANAGER THINKS YOU AREN'T READY TO START FOR BARNSLEY YET – IS THAT YOUR ULTIMATE AIM?
A:Hopefully I'm building up to that, I'll take it when it happens but I don't mind coming on as a sub, this has been a long time coming for me. I'm doing my best and I'll keep on trying. It's hard to get into the game when you come off the bench, but I enjoyed the way the Blackpool game went. Brian Howard played me in; he put it right into my path.
Q:WHAT IS IT ABOUT THE FA CUP THAT BRINGS THE BEST OUT OF YOU?
A:I don't know but obviously I've done well in the Cup games. When I scored against Southend it was the last minute and that's how the Barnsley fans first got to know me as a player. That was my first real appearance for Barnsley in a proper competitive game. I'm just happy to take my chance. It was only a few weeks ago that I was getting nowhere and struggling a bit to be honest.
Q:HOW DID YOU KEEP YOUR SPIRITS UP?
A:It was hard for me, but I had to keep going because you never know and football changes so fast. I stayed behind for extra work because I wanted to be playing, then the gaffer suddenly called me into the squad and I hope I've repaid him. I did all I could to get into the team, I just kept working, now I have to keep going as there are new players coming and that means competition for places. The manager will be signing people.
Q:WHO WOULD YOU HAVE LIKED IN THE FOURTH ROUND?
A:My old club Scarborough would have been nice but they're not around any more. I know the manager wants a cup run and the chance of drawing a big club eventually, but Southend away won't be easy. The Cup is very important to a club like Barnsley and I still think there's some magic in it of course. I remember watching Scarborough when they played at home to Chelsea in the third round. I was too young to play but I was there and it was a great day.
Q:HOW AWARE ARE YOU THAT THE NEW ARRIVALS AT OAKWELL MEANS EVERYOEN WILL HAVE TO STEP UP THEIR OWN GAME?
A:Of course, everyone's going to have to play to their best now, week in, week out, otherwise they'll be out of the team. But I think that's not a bad thing and it can only be good for the club as well.
