AFC Bournemouth
“I've never experienced a feeling like that.”
Those were the words of Brooklyn Genesini who, not only made his AFC Bournemouth debut in the 90th minute against Norwich City, but also popped up with an equaliser just 60 seconds after coming on.
The Cherries looked to be bowing out of the Carabao Cup in the second round, as Adam Idah netted seven minutes from time, but the young right-back converted Dominic Sadi’s cross to take the game to penalties.
Five superb spot-kicks later and Scott Parker’s side had secured their place in the hat for Wednesday’s third-round draw.
It was a special evening for Genesini, who made his AFC Bournemouth debut alongside Owen Bevan, Ben Greenwood, Sadi and Neto.
He summed up a whirlwind evening with afcb.co.uk after the full-time whistle.
“I'm lost for words. When I saw the ball go in, I was just in shock,” he began.
“There was a lot of emotion in the 90th minute, so I just screamed my head off and celebrated with all the lads, who congratulated me. It was just a blur.
“After the game, the feeling is still unreal but it's also the feeling of winning on penalties. It makes you feel so proud of yourself and the team.”
The 20-year-old went on to discuss that moment and talked through what was going through his mind as the ball came across.
“I saw Dominic on the ball and I knew that he’s a left-footed player,” Genesini continued.
“I play with him in the development squad all the time and I just backed his quality.
“I knew to get in at the back post, it's what Shaun Cooper always says to us, to attack the back post. I did that with full speed and full power, and had the confidence to score that late goal.
“I just wanted to get any contact on the ball, get it on target and then the rest comes after that.
“It was really nice for the lads to come and celebrate with me. They're a great bunch and it's great to have these guys, who are like role models to me, come over and congratulate me.”
Genesini, who has won the Central League Cup and Hampshire Senior Cup with Cooper’s development squad, admitted that he can take a lot of confidence from his first senior appearance for Parker’s side.
“It's such a confidence boost when you're asked to be in the squad, even just to train with the first team because the quality in the dressing room is unbelievable," he added.
“I remember sitting on the bench tonight and just really wanting to be on the pitch to show what I can do.
“I wanted to bring the impact I was there to do and luckily I got the opportunity in the last few minutes. It's a good stepping stone for me and something good to take forward.
“Even when I'm not training or involved with the first team, it gives me confidence when I then train with my own age group, so it’s all really positive.”
