It was so nearly the perfect ending to a big week for our 19-year-old striker Zach Robinson at the Cherry Red Records Stadium yesterday.
“It was a proud moment to get my first league start, but not the result we wanted,” said Zach after he had a couple of chances to level the scores after the break against Lincoln. “I didn’t want to lose of course, but I am proud and hopefully we can kick on.”
Having been recalled from his loan with National League South side Hampton & Richmond on Thursday, he was pitched straight into the starting line-up following an injury to Sam Cosgrove in training on Friday.
“I’m glad to be back and be a part of it,” said Zach. “I wasn’t supposed to be in the starting line-up initially, but then Sam pulled out with a back problem. I found out I was in the starting line-up and I just prepared in the same way as I do for every game really.
“I’ve been welcomed back into the group, and everyone is positive and excited to perform well and keep the club where we belong in League One. There’s plenty of games and we’ve just got to stay positive - the players, coaches, the fans - everyone must stick together, and we’ll pull through.
“Robbo is a very honest and hardworking man. Very inspirational as well. I will run hard and work hard for him, as will everyone else in that changing room. We have faith in him, and he has faith in us.”
Zach carved out a couple of opportunities on goal in the second half and Jack Rudoni had a goal chalked off towards the end, when play was brought back for a foul on the forward.
“I don’t really know what happened too much, as I was down on the ground,” said Zach. ”They were saying the linesman put the flag up and the referee pulled it back for the foul. I’m not really sure.
“With the penalty shout before the end, the linesman had a much better view than the referee and he can clearly see it, but the referee has overruled him - that’s what he’s said.
“We’re giving away goals that we shouldn’t be and we’re disappointed with that. We’ve had the chances to win the game, but we still believe we can come out of this. We’ve just got to keep going with nine games left.”
Zach feels he has benefitted greatly from his spell with Hampton & Richmond. He’s looking forward to resuming a prolific strike partnership with Ayoub Assal from their days together with our under 18s side.
“Me and Ayoub have a very good partnership and a natural chemistry,” said Zach. “We showed that with the 18s and hopefully we can regain that.
“I definitely enjoyed my time with Hampton & Richmond. The changing room there was one of the best I’ve been in. I got a lot of game time and scored a few goals as well. I’ve been adapting my game to men’s football and understanding the cuter side of it, as well as the dirtier side. It’s definitely helped me.”
Pic: Ian Stephen (Pro Sports Images).
You can see the full interview with Zach Robinson below, via the video link to our official YouTube channel.