Young Caleb hopes his Wigan strike is the first of many for Cobblers

Caleb Chukwuemeka scores his first league goal.

Young striker Caleb Chukwuemeka hopes his second-half strike against Wigan Athletic on Saturday will be the first of many league goals for the Cobblers.

The 18-year-old came on after 61 minutes at the DW Stadium when Town led 2-0, but Joe Garner’s penalty two minutes later got Wigan back into the contest.

However, just another three minutes had passed when Chukwuemeka scored the decisive goal. Ryan Watson fed Sam Hoskins down the right and he pulled it back for the teenager who swept a first-time shot into the bottom corner.

“It was a very good afternoon for me and the team,” said Chukwuemeka. “I wanted to thank the gaffer for having faith in me and bringing me on when he did.

“He loves telling me how I should help see the game out and obviously if I can score a goal as well and that’s what I did so I’m grateful.

“As soon as Hosko had the ball, I thought I would position myself in a way that I could see the goal. When he pulled the ball back to me, it wasn’t the cleanest of touches but I tried to hit it on the ground and fortunately it went in.

“After the goal I was looking to see where the camera was! I wanted to celebrate with my team-mates first but then after that I did my own celebration.

“It’s good to get that first goal in the league and now it’s about how many more goals I can score. I’ve set myself a target but I’m keeping that a secret!”

Chukwuemeka was also grateful for the referee who played a good advantage in the build-up to his goal.

“Credit to the ref, it was a good advantage,” he added. “I thought he actually had a good game. Some decisions didn’t go our way but overall he had a good game and it was a very important win for us.

“Hopefully it’ll be a confidence booster because it’s come at the right time.”