Jude Soonsup-Bell admitted it was a “massive weight off my shoulders” after scoring his first league goal for the club in Town’s impressive 3-1 victory over Salford City at Blundell Park.

The forward’s superbly-taken header set the Mariners on their way to another big three points, capping a week that has seen Town so far take maximum points from clashes with promotion rivals.

Here’s everything he had to say after the final whistle…

On another big win under the lights:

“That’s not a bad way to spend a Tuesday evening, is it?” he was asked.

“No, for sure. With the momentum we have at the moment, the boys were fired up for this game.

“We got the win on Saturday and that was a massive one against Notts County as well. We’re in good form and hopefully we can keep it going.”

Back-to-back victories over two sides in the promotion mix have lifted belief even further within the dressing room.

“Confidence is high and the team spirit is really high as well,” he said. “Everyone in the squad plays their part. Everyone’s contributed throughout the season and we just want to keep pushing until the end.”

Bouncing back with character:

After a disappointing result at Bristol Rovers, Town have responded in perfect fashion – something Jude believes says a lot about the group.

“Throughout a season you’re going to lose games, that’s just football,” he explained. “It’s about how you bounce back and that’s what really determines where you are in the table.

“It felt like a big loss for us because we’d been on such a good run. But to bounce back with two big wins shows the character in the squad.”

With just one defeat in the last 13 matches, the Mariners have given themselves a strong platform heading into the final stretch.

“We know we’re right in it,” he added. “It’s hard not to look at the table, but we just have to take it game by game.”

A first league goal to remember:

There was a special moment for the 20-year-old as he powered home Darragh Burns’ cross with a magnificent header to open his account in the league and for the club.

“It’s always difficult to get your first goal,” he admitted. “It’s been frustrating at times because I’ve been close in a lot of games.

“But when the ball came in, I just thought, ‘This is my opportunity.’ Heading’s always been a strong part of my game.”

Having watched the goal back post-match, even he was surprised by the technique required.

“I looked at it after and I was a lot further out than I thought! I had to arch my neck and really direct it into the corner. It was a great ball in and thankfully it went in.”

And the feeling?

“It’s a massive weight off my shoulders. But the most important thing is helping the team win and climb the table.”

Earning his chance:

Jude’s journey this season has required patience and perseverance, having had to wait for consistent opportunities earlier in the campaign.

“At the start of the season I didn’t play as much and that’s always difficult for any player,” he said.

“The only thing you can do is get your head down and keep working. All the coaching staff have helped me massively in training and when you get your opportunity, you have to take it.”

He believes that period has helped him grow.

“For any young player, not playing is character building. It’s about how you react. If you react positively, managers and teammates respect that. It’s all part of your career.”

Jude was also keen to credit the impact of the manager and coaching staff on his development.

“David’s worked with a lot of young players before and they’ve succeeded under him. He knows how to get the best out of you. David, Shaun, Ray – they’ve all helped me a lot.”

Backed by the Mariners faithful:

Scoring his first league goal at home made the moment even sweeter.

“The fans are brilliant here,” he said. “They’re so good at home and away. To score my first league goal in front of them was special.

“You feel that support. It gives you that extra boost.”

With league leaders Bromley up next at Blundell Park, he knows the backing from the stands will be vital once again.

“It’s a massive game,” he said. “Winning against teams in title contention gives us confidence, but the fans will be so important.

“They’re that 12th man we need. I’m excited and really looking forward to Saturday.”

Another confident performance, another important win, and a milestone moment for one of Town’s emerging talents.

Momentum is building, and Jude Soonsup-Bell is determined to play his part in what promises to be a thrilling run-in.

You can watch Jude’s full post-match interview here:

UTM