Luke Harrop has been a key figure in the Eccleshill United FC side for a few years now, but yesterday saw him net possibly the most important goal of his Eagles career to date, the winner in the play-off final.

Harrop shared his thoughts on what was a very dramatic play-off final, after catching his breath following the final whistle.

To begin with, Harrop talked us through his initial feelings after scoring the goal that clinched promotion for The Eagles; “Wow. As I’ve said I think I was quiet today, I didn’t do much really, but I was in the right place at the right time thankfully.”

“As soon as it left my boot I knew it was in and then it was just running off. I’d already cramped up but sprinting to the dugout I was fine!”

“It wasn’t about me, this win was for absolutely everyone affiliated with the club, it’s a team game but like I say, I am buzzing to bag the winner in the play-off final!”

Scott Manning, who Harrop is close friends with, unfortunately suffered a double leg fracture in the game and had to leave in an ambulance. Harrop dedicated the win to him, and had a few words to say; “I’m really close with Scott, he comes to my house before games and I have really come to like him even though he is a Southerner!”

“That goal, the win, everything was for him. I wish him the best, I’ll still be in touch with him and around him and that’s what we can do at this difficult time for Scott.”

That goal secured Harrop’s spot as top goalscorer this season for Eccleshill for the third season running, putting him one ahead of midfielder Jonny Irving.

Discussing that accolade and how he felt about it, Harrop stated; “It was never in doubt, even though I’ve been playing on the wing! I’ve always played up front or in attacking positions, so I just love scoring goals.

He added; “To finish top goalscorer again, I love it! To be honest though, it wasn’t in my mind- I wouldn’t have cared who scored that goal as long as we won but obviously, now, I’m buzzing!”

Harrop signed out of the interview in typical fashion when asked if he was going to be out celebrating the promotion, responding with a simple question; “What do you think?”

Overall it has been another fantastic season for The Eagles’ talismanic goalscorer, and his name will go down in Eccleshill’s history books after his promotion winning goal yesterday.