Seb Palmer-Houlden | “It’s an amazing feeling scoring the winner…”

Seb Palmer-Houlden described his stoppage-time winner as an ‘amazing feeling’ after he secured a dramatic 1-0 victory over Doncaster Rovers on Saturday afternoon.

After being introduced as a second-half substitute, The No.30 swept home a clinical finish, meeting Lewis Payne’s dangerous cross to seal a huge away win for the Exiles in Sky Bet League Two.

“It’s really special [scoring the winning goal],” said the forward post-match. 

“I don’t think the game was technically the greatest but it was a smash and grab, and fortunately we kept going and got the three points in the end. 

“The clean sheet is very important to us too. The boys have been working hard in training and you could always see it was going to come over the next few games. We should have had a few more already this season and I think we’ve been unlucky with decisions and little mistakes that have cost us in doing so.

“Hopefully we can remain solid over the next few games, build from game to game and take it into Tuesday. 

“It’s an amazing feeling scoring the winner today, you just can’t explain it. With our fans, who offer brilliant support each week, to score and go and celebrate with them is a dream really for me." 

The Exiles return to action on Tuesday night with a trip to Eastleigh in their Emirates FA Cup Third Round replay following the 1-1 draw against the Spitfires in the opening clash at Rodney Parade.

And with the winners now facing a home tie against Premier League giants Manchester United in the Fourth Round, Palmer-Houlden believes his teammates must remain focused on what's first ahead of another tough prospect in midweek.

“We’ve got to play the game Tuesday, not the occasion,” added the Bristol City loanee.

“We can’t focus on what’s ahead we’ve got to focus on Eastleigh first and foremost. They are a very good side who have a lot of good players in their team. We know that going to their place is going to be hard.

“We can definitely use the potential of Manchester United as motivation for us on Tuesday, but it will be the same for Eastleigh I’m sure, as it’s a great draw for both teams. 

“We just have to be at it at 100%, we can’t underperform, and we need to be at our hardest to go out and win the game for us and the fans.”