MODEST Keelan O’Connell admitted he will focus on giving his all for Weymouth following his winning goal in the epic 4-3 win over Hemel Hempstead Town.
O’Connell got off the mark this season with a calm and composed finish in the 95th minute to complete Weymouth’s comeback from 2-0 and 3-2 down.
O’Connell also has just one assist to his name after a difficult season in which he has struggled for form, compared to five goals and 11 assists in 2022/23.
He remains a trusted part of manager Bobby Wilkinson’s plans and has even turned out for the Terras’ under-23s as he retains match sharpness.
READ MORE: Weymouth 4-3 Hemel Hempstead - reaction
And, just when Weymouth needed it most, that decision paid off in handsome style as O’Connell slid home the winner against the Tudors.
However, in typical style, the unassuming O’Connell played down the significance of his contribution.
He told Echosport: “It was a tough game, the first half was tough but the way we reacted in the second half, we came into life.
“Every attack we felt like we could score, so I think that was an important finish to the game for us.
“The run we’ve been on, just to keep that going as well, it’s huge for momentum and scoring late winners lifts everyone.”
On his winner, he added: “Personally, it’s been a tough season for me for different reasons, personal reasons as well.
“It’s just about sticking with it and taking the opportunity when the time comes. Hopefully, I can continue.
“The important thing is to keep doing and build confidence, play well as well as chipping in with goals and assists.”
Meanwhile, Wilkinson also deserved his share of credit for bringing on O’Connell in the 56th minute to help change the game when Weymouth were 2-0 down.
Explaining his call to field O’Connell, along with the likes of strikers Ezio Touray and Dan Roberts, in the under-23s, Wilkinson told Echosport: “That’s why I always talk about a week’s preparation.
“We all drove down here for an under-23s game, it’s a three-hour journey, and an hour-and-a-half for Keels.
“Then, they got their 70 minutes, we took Keels off after 45 because I knew I might need him for a bit of width.
“That’s why you prepare right for the whole week. When you look at it now, it worked. All our preparation behind the scenes is what’s getting us rewards.
“I got taught very early as a manager to prepare right and you will always give yourself a chance. If you don’t prepare right, you won’t win games or you’re hoping to win.”
Weymouth travel to Chelmsford on Saturday (3pm).
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here