Pic: Will Kilpatrick
HE'S scored at Old Trafford against a Manchester United side that included Paul Pogba and England international Michael Keane, but for Joe Ironside it's now all about finding the net to help Kidderminster Harriers to promotion.
The 23-year-old striker has only been at Aggborough a fortnight having arrived from Nuneaton Town with Kiddy in the thick of the National League North title race – and he's loving life!
Ironside wasted no time in making an impression at his new club with two goals on his debut in a 4-3 win against Tamworth.
That took his season tally to 20 goals and the former Sheffield United youngster says he's reaping the benefits of regular game time.
“It's about having people believe in you and taking that onto the pitch,” Ironside told The NLP. “I've played quite a few games this year and that helps you get into good habits. This is the most I've played in a season and when you're a striker it's important to have that run of games.
Opportunities
“I know at Kidderminster I'm going to get chances, so it's up to me to put the ball in the back of the net. On a Sunday I'm already looking forward to the next game on Saturday.”
Ironside began his career at Sheffield United and graduated into the first team where he started four games and made a host of substitute appearances.
He was also part of a young Blades side that reached the FA Youth Cup final where they took on Pogba et al over two legs. But despite falling short, Ironside did manage to get himself on the scoresheet in the second leg.
“I remember chasing shadows,” he joked. “I was only 17 and it was one of those once-in-a-lifetime things. It was a sell-out at Bramall Lane for the first leg and then 27,000 people for the second leg at Old Trafford.
“It's something you can take with you for the rest of your career – especially getting a goal at Old Trafford.
“To be honest I did my best to miss it. I must have scuffed it about ten times. It hit the floor and went over the keeper's leg. But it doesn't matter how they go in.
“It's an experience not many people get to have, especially at youth team level.”
After making the move to Kiddy with just eight games left, the season run-in is like a mini cup run in itself. And Ironside, whose dad Ian played in goal for Middlesbrough, Scarborough and Stockport County in the 90s, is determined to make a big impact.
“When the interest first came about from Kidderminster I spoke to a few people and it became a no-brainer for me,” he said.
“Since I've gone in it's been good. I get along with all the lads, the staff have been class – getting two on my debut helped!”
