Wisbech boss would have taken a point from Premier Division North clash with Heanor before last-gasp winner
Wisbech boss Leon Mettam says he would have happily taken a point from today's Premier Division North clash with Heanor before teenager Harley Murkin struck a dramatic late winner at Fountain Fresh Park.
Murkin, 16, converted a late ball in from his manager on the volley to hand the Fenmen three points and back-to-back wins in the United Counties League for the first time this season.
Speaking after the 1-0 victory, Mettam said: "I think a point would have been a fair result over the course of the 90 minutes and I would have taken that.
"They've had a couple of chances, we've had a few sniffs but none of us have put them away. I don't think there was very much quality in the game but I don't think the wind allowed it in the first half, it was blowing a gale across the pitch.
"We have not gone two wins in a row in the league all season until today and I said that to the players before the game. It was one of those little bridges that we needed to cross to get to where we want to be.
"Whether it's the first minute or the 93rd minute, it's two wins in a row, improvement and a step in the right direction."
Mettam felt his side's exertions against Loughborough took their toll on his players in the opening half.
"I think it was a case of after the Lord Mayor's Show after Tuesday night," he admitted.
"We went to the trenches on Tuesday night to get that win and it was a huge win for us.
"It was a leggy first 30 minutes I thought to get into it, myself included, and it took us time to get going.
"Once we did get going we got our wing-backs into it and they're such a threat.
"When they are at it, there's not many better around at this level."
The Fenmen boss had every sympathy for Murkin after the youngster saw red in injury time.
Murkin belied his tender years with the sweetest of finishes in the last minute – but was sent for an early bath after picking up two quick yellow cards in the exuberance of scoring his first senior goal.
"I'm so pleased for Harley, obviously he's a 16-year-old and just enthusiastic. He has been brilliant for us, runs around and scores a great volley at the back stick," said Mettam.
"I just think he's got a bit carried away with himself. He has whipped his top off, got a yellow for that, and then taken their full-back out two minutes later to get the red card.
"But listen, that's a learning curve for the lad and I said that to him as he was walking off. He was almost in tears, but I told him not to worry about it.
"I did that when I was his age. That is just a passion if you take out of players then you lost that player so I never want to take the fire out of the belly.
"He's taken it on the sidefoot volley, so listen he's got all the attributes at 16.
"He's a big size, he holds it up well, he wins his headers, works hard and can clearly finish.
"I've said to Brooksy (Danny Brooks) and numerous people that he could be a real asset to Wisbech Town if he keeps improving, listening and learning because he's coming into men's football and isn't looking out of place."