Nahki Wells On EFL Trophy Scoring Heroics
Nahki Wells has reflected on his man-of-the-match display after scoring twice in Luton Town’s 3-1 win over Stockport County in the Vertu EFL Trophy final at Wembley yesterday [April 12]
Wells had been a major doubt due to a groin strain suffered in his side’s previous game away to AFC Wimbledon.
Asked how close he came to missing out, Wells told BBC Three Counties Radio: “Close, I don’t think I’ve ever been into a football match where I’ve had such uncertainty on how the game will go.
“I’ve been very lucky and fortunate in my career to be quite healthy for large parts, but today was a tough one, that’s no surprise and a big, big credit to the support staff, the physios, the doctors to get me right as the last two weeks, I probably trained once.
“I knew I was playing this morning, but if you asked me a day ago, I wouldn’t have been so certain.
“Today was about trying to battle through whatever adversity and difficulties as in moments like this you always find a way. I woke up and I felt as ready and rejuvenated as much as I possibly can.
“I’ve done as much prep as I can to help get me to that and accomplish 90 minutes, and after the few weeks, I’ve had, it almost feels like a miracle, but a higher power has definitely played its part.”
Wells scored his side’s second goal to make it 2-1 with a superb finish in the 39th minute, controlling the ball before finishing clinically.
“The first one is I’ve just got a really good touch, something I wish I could do more often, but it’s all about that,” Wells said.
“It’s fallen into my path and the second bit’s the easy bit, just putting it away. I’m just grateful, happy to do that as it really gave us a lift.
“Big, big credit to Emilio [Lawrence] who got the first as that shifted the momentum and then mine’s put us in front. Everything came full circle and I just felt like we were at it today and we weren’t going to let it slip from that moment.”
He added his second in the 91st minute, firing past Stockport goalkeeper Corey Addai after his initial effort was blocked.
“Thankfully it dropped and I was able to get the goal as at that point that was when I really believed, okay we’ve done it. Up until then we had to deal with a lot and credit to them, they went to the very end,” he said.
The 34-year-old had previously scored at Wembley for Bradford City in a 3-0 win over Northampton Town in the 2013 League Two play-off final.
He also featured in Bradford’s 5-0 defeat to Swansea City in the 2013 Capital One Cup final and Huddersfield Town’s Championship play-off final win over Reading in 2017.
“I’ve been here in the Capital One Cup final and it’s gone significantly wrong, but that was a great achievement for a League Two side,” Wells added.
“Then League Two promotion, scoring, Championship play-off, because that’s the pinnacle of all our careers, trying to get to the Premier League, that one was amazing.
“I didn’t score in that but today is up there. A couple of goals at Wembley, lifting a trophy, a real high and a big day in my life and my career.”
You are an amazing athlete and have shown much tenacity throughout your career. Well done and congratulations to you and your team