First Start, First Goal

YOU suspect that Christmas Day will be an anticlimax for Caolan Lavery after he set the Pilgrims on the way to a 2-1 victory over Bury in their final Home Park game of 2013.

The Northern Ireland Under-21 international striker, who is on loan from Championship Sheffield Wednesday, netted a splendid solo goal in the tenth minute to set the Pilgrims on their way to three points on his full senior debut.

“It’s my first professional goal,” said Caolan, whose previous appearances, including four at Argyle, have all been as a substitute. “It’s a good feeling, just good to get off the mark for the loan. Thankfully, we went on to win the game.

“First start, first goal – it’s been a good day. Hopefully, I can stay in the team now and help the lads push on over Christmas.

“I’ve scored goals in the reserves and every level I’ve played, finally I’ve managed to get my first professional one. It’s a great feeling.”

The goal was set up by a long pass by Luke Young to the left flank, from where Caolan cut inside, teased defender Nathan Cameron, and slid the ball past goalkeeper Brian Jensen at his near post.

“I saw Youngy had a bit of room on the ball so I just span out and he put it over the top,” said Caolan. “I came 1 v 1 and just put it in at the near post. It was all a bit of a blur, really.”

Caolan has had to be patient since arriving from Hillsborough, making do with substitute appearances until Saturday.

“You can understand where the gaffer was coming from as the results have been good,” he said. “It was just a case of biding my time and, when I got the chance, take it. Hopefully, I’ve done that today.”

In a swirling wind, the Pilgrims finally bagged the points in the 78th minute, when Reuben Reid retorted their advantage following Chris Sedgwick’s delightful leveller four minutes after half-time

“I think we probably deserved to win in the end,” said Caolan. “We had more chances than them. The wind didn’t help. You were making runs and the ball was coming and, all of a sudden, it stopped and has fallen to the centre-half. It’s a bit frustrating.

“We said before the game: ‘Get the win today and it will put us in the right frame of mind for the busy Christmas period.’ It is a perfect platform.”