Jay Stansfield expressed his relief after scoring in Monday afternoon’s triumph over Preston North End.
The 21-year-old forward scored his tenth goal of the Sky Bet Championship season as he continues to impress in the second division following a season-long loan from Premier League Fulham.
His last goal, the matchwinner against the Lilywhites, was the striker’s first in six games, and he demonstrated incredible composure in front of the Tilton after carrying the ball 40 yards before scoring with terrifying accuracy.
Stansfield spoke with BluesTV after the game on ending a seven-game losing streak and proving skeptics wrong with his goal against St. Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park.
“It was a huge relief, not only for me, but for the entire team. I believe the last several months and weeks have been fairly difficult. Personally, I am a normal human being, and I see what others put everywhere, which might be hurtful.
“Today, just to go out and prove the doubters wrong and put a performance in and get a big goal in such a big game for us, hopefully, from now we can just keep pushing up the table.”
Stansfield, who now has 11 goals in all competitions, was also on target in the reverse encounter at Deepdale in September and discussed how that came to mind when he made the half-a-pitch charge to score the winner for Gary Rowett’s side.
“I’ve received some criticism recently for missing some big opportunities, and it can be difficult for me as I try to lead the line in my debut season in the Championship.
“I’m just trying to do my best for the squad. When an opportunity like that arose, I had never had a one-on-one so nervous; everything is racing through your mind.
“When I arrived at their home, I placed it top right on the keeper’s side. So you’re stuttering and looking about; fortunately, it found the back of the net.”
