Non-league goalkeeper nets incredible stoppage-time equaliser to rescue a point for Ebbsfleet United against York… as he calls his goal an ‘early Christmas present’
- Mark Cousins scored his first career goal against York on Saturday
- The goalkeeper’s header in stoppage time earned Ebbsfleet United a point.
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Ebbsfleet United goalkeeper Mark Cousins received an early Christmas gift with the first goal of his career when he scored a stoppage-time equalizer against York.
York captain Lenell John-Lewis gave his side the lead at the LNER Community Stadium and the game looked set to end with the relegation-threatened hosts securing all three points.
Then, deep into stoppage time, Cousins took a corner, putting pressure on his opponent George Sykes-Kenworthy as his cross was crossed.
As the delivery approached the six-yard box, Cousins found space and headed home to the delight of the traveling fans.
After the game, the 36-year-old, who spent time in the Fulham academy as a youth before a ten-year stint at Colchester United, wrote:
Ebbsfleet United goalkeeper Mark Cousins scored a stoppage-time equalizer against York.
The result left the newly promoted Navy within two points of safety in the National League.
“An early Christmas present: I scored my first career goal. What a feeling it was! Have a nice Christmas everyone!”
The result moves Ebbsfleet to within one point of safety in the National League, with York two points ahead of them in 19th place.
Dennis Kutrib’s side returned to the fifth division after winning the National League South last season with a club record of 103 points from 46 games.
The club attracted attention earlier this season when they announced they had signed former Liverpool star Jordon Ibe to return to football after more than a year away from the game.
The 36-year-old described his first career goal as an “early Christmas present” on social media.
Kutrib said of the new signing: “This signing will cause a lot of discussion outside of our club, but for us and for Jordon it’s just about Ebbsfleet United and him getting back on the pitch to show us what we know he can do. .
“We took our time starting or bringing Jordon into the lineup because he’s been here with us for a while, getting to know us and his new teammates and waiting until he’s ready to play again.”
“I’m delighted that we have reached this point and look forward to seeing what he will do in front of our fans in the coming season.”