Midfielder delighted to open Blues account
Christmas came early for Nigel Atangana at Cheltenham.
The French midfielder grabbed his first ever goal in professional football to rescue a point for Pompey.
His fierce curling shot struck the underside of the crossbar and nestled in the net to cancel out Omari Sterling-James’ first half opener.
And the only disappointment for Atangana was that the Blues could not go on to claim all three points.
He said: “I had one chance in the first half on my left foot. It was on my mind a bit, so I’m happy that I could score. You feel like a hero – it’s a great sensation.
“It was my first goal for the team and also in professional football, so it was a good day for me and for the club.
“There was some frustration that we didn’t go on and win the game, but it wasn’t a bad result.
“I played in a new position just behind the striker. It wasn’t easy, but I was happy to be in the side and to score.
“It’s a new role for me and it’s good to be able to play in different systems and do different things for the side.”
Atangana has had limited chances to impress since signing from Havant & Waterlooville last summer, but has made the most of stepping up into the full-time game.
He said: “You just have to keep working hard on the training ground. That’s what I’ve been doing and I got my chance.
“I’m learning a lot training every day with experienced players like Danny Hollands. They speak with me constantly and help me to improve.”