Marine FC striker Niall Cummins 'closed his eyes' as he got the goal that sent Hawks out of the FA Cup

Niall Cummins admitted he knew very little about the goal that sent the Hawks crashing out of the FA Cup at eighth-tier minnows Marine - and was even unsure what part of his body it came off!
By Lewis Mason
Published 29th Nov 2020, 20:15 BST
Marine celebrate their stunning FA Cup win over Hawks. Picture: Jan Kruger/Getty ImagesMarine celebrate their stunning FA Cup win over Hawks. Picture: Jan Kruger/Getty Images
Marine celebrate their stunning FA Cup win over Hawks. Picture: Jan Kruger/Getty Images

The 26-year-old striker revealed he 'closed his eyes' as the ball either hit him on the 'shoulder or the back' to send the Merseysiders into the third round for just the second time in the club's history.

Cummins was on hand to bundle home the only goal on 120 minutes as Marine completed a fully deserved 1-0 round two victory after extra-time against a lacklustre Hawks side.

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It's sure to be a moment that the forward and those involved with the Liverpool-based club will be replaying for many years to come.

But it was hardly a thing of beauty as a diving Cummins looped the ball over Hawks stopper Ross Worner and into the net.

Describing his match-winning goal, the Marine striker said: 'I'm not going to lie - I closed my eyes and it hit me in the shoulder or my back. It is a dream come true for everyone.'It was a tremendous effort and it'll live long in the memory.'

The Hawks now turn their attention back to the National League South and a title push.

They kick off a run of three matches at Westleigh Park in the space of a week as they welcome Hemel Hempstead on Wednesday.

Related topics:LiverpoolNational League SouthHemel Hempstead

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