Club News

Zack Nelson | "We're looking forward to the next round!"

Zack Nelson said it felt ‘amazing’ to progress to the Fifth Round of the FA Youth Cup after he was on the scoresheet in a 3-1 victory against Queens Park Rangers at Kenilworth Road.

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The attacker – who scored a hat-trick in the previous round against Birmingham City – was selected as Man of the Match as the Hatters continued their march in the competition with a tie against Preston North End up next.

“It feels amazing,” Nelson said summing up his emotions on the evening. “We haven’t been able to get to this round since 2016 when the likes of James Justin were playing so the team are really buzzing and we’re looking forward to the next round. We’re going to put in the hard work and hopefully there is another good result to come.”

Nelson and his team-mates have been ruthless in the league and have now transferred that impressive form to the prestigious youth competition, beating two Category 2 sides in the process.

“It was a bit of a shock to go behind but we never give up. We all stick together and we fight till the end, that’s just what we do.

“As soon as Jake (Burger) got that goal, we knew we were back in the game. We’re a relentless and ruthless team, we look to be on the front foot all the time. As soon as we got the lead I thought we were in control, second half we were a bit under pressure but then we got the result which is the most important thing.”

In fine form personally, having been involved in the first team squad for the home draw against Huddersfield Town in October, Nelson sealed the deal on the night with a third goal of the evening – a composed finish from inside the area.

“We were going on the counter-attack and I thought I’ve got to bust a gut to get into the box, I ran off the back of my man and it was just natural for me to pass it into the bottom corner. I can’t do it all by myself, I have to thank my team mates for giving me the opportunity to do so.

“I told Millar to play me in. There was a bit of confusion between me and Oli but I called it and he’s let me have it!”

Over 1,000 supporters gathered at Kenilworth Road to witness the next generation and the 17-year-old shared just how much it meant to him and the players.

“It was a really good feeling. This season we have put in so much hard work so it was a really good experience to show the fans what we’re about and show them all the hard work we have been putting in.

“We’re looking forward to it (Fifth Round). Now we just need to push on, get back to the training ground and continue to work hard.”

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