Hat trick hero

As he was interviewed, Gozie Ugwu clutched on to his signed match ball presented to him for scoring his first league hat trick.

- - Listen to this interview with Gozie Ugwu

Gozie told the media:-

"I am really happy to get three goals. I had a few chances to make it four but the keeper made some great saves. It was good to start because I have been waiting for my chance. I had a bit of a dip in form but the team that went out was doing well in themselves. Faiss was scoring, Moff was playing well and it is always hard to get back in the team. Thankfully I got my chance and I just looked to take it.

"I had scored hat tricks before in 21s and 20s; it was just in the league that I hadn't. That was bearing on my mind and I spoke to the boys and coaches at half time, they said just to keep going and perhaps it would come. Thankfully it did."

Gozie's first goal came in fifth minute of the game when he headed home from an Andy Stirling free kick and he had a special celebration.

"I was tired after that! It was a great cross, I just got my head on it and to be fair it was one of my best headers. I am not used to scoring headers like that but I was happy that it went in."

The second goal was from a fine finish in 18th minute, he described it:-

"It went in off the post. I got a flick through from Shaun Byrne and I saw the goal opening up. I could see some people at the back post and thought about squaring it but I just bent it in."

The 21 year old who joined the Pars from Reading on 1st August was on a hat trick for some time after that but after missing a crucial spot kick against Forfar, there was no way he was going to accept such a chance to notched the third if one came along.

"No no, I just leave them to anyone who is on the pitch that the gaffer says. It is all forgotten, I definitely learned from that - I am still young, I am still learning. It is one of those things that you have to not let happen again."

His third goal duly came on the hour and from a great assist from Josh Falkingham. For striker who is only contracted to the end of 2014 it is vitally important that he hits the net now, Gozie continued:-

"That is seven for the season so far but I wanted to be in double figures by Christmas. I have still got time. Hopefully I can secure a place in the starting line up with this performance but we have great strength and depth in the squad really.

"Me and Smudge (Allan Smith) have come in and we have Faissal and Moffat on the bench still. Wallace is still coming back from injury. They are all good players and we just look to train well and hope to get in the first eleven on the Saturday."

It would be a major surprise if having scored three goals that Gozie didn't start next Saturday in the William Hill Scottish Cup tie at Stranraer. He saw it that way too and added:-

"You hope if you score goals you keep your place but at the end of the day that is up to the gaffer and the coaches."

Related Stories

• Dunfermline 4 Stirling Albion 0
• Jim Jefferies Post Stirling Albion
• Thieves of Dunfermline
• Pars Family supports Foodbank