JORDAN Cobley has told his cricket team he won’t be back at the crease again this season after he scored a vital goal for Northwich Victoria in the FA Cup.

The 19-year-old, a handy batsman, started the summer playing for Barnton in the Cheshire League.

However a thrilling cameo as a substitute on Saturday, when he netted an equaliser for Vics with his first touch to earn a second crack at 1874 Northwich, justified his decision to focus on football.

“I told the cricket lads I was knocking it on the head to play footy,” he said.

“In the past they’ve given me a bit of stick when I’ve been a sub and not got onto the field.

"Well, they can’t say that now!”

The teenager, who celebrated his birthday on Thursday, capped a week to remember with a stunning angled finish after controlling Michael McDonald’s pass to the back post.

He said: “It was a big game, and to get the equaliser that keeps us in the competition is a good feeling.

“It was a class pass, wasn’t it? I was thinking to myself ‘don’t miss now’, and luckily I didn’t mess it up!

“In the end, we were a little bit disappointed not to go on and win it but at least we have another shot on Tuesday.

“I think we surprised them; this is a new bunch of lads and we’ve done well considering we’ve not had much time together.

“A result like this gives us confidence, particularly as 1874 probably started as favourites.

“We think we can get through still, but we have to go out and prove it in midweek.”

Northwich Guardian:

Jordan Cobley batting for Barnton during a Cheshire Cricket League encounter with neighbours Winnington Park at Broomsedge in August 2015