ON LOAN
Southend United striker Bim Pepple was delighted to make his long awaited FA Cup debut one to remember.
Pepple, who is with the Shrimpers from Luton Town, came off the bench to score the only goal of Saturday’s fourth round qualifying clash at Eastleigh.
And the forward was thrilled to experience his own memorable moment in a competition he grew up watching as a youngster.
“I used to wake up early in Canada to watch the FA Cup with my brother and my family so to finally play in it is brilliant,” said Pepple.
“I’ve been on the bench three times before I think and not got on so this was my first time and thankfully I got a goal which feels good.”
Pepple’s matchwinner came deep into added on time.
But the forward admitted his low shot was fortunate to somehow squirm past Eastleigh goalkeeper Joe McDonnell after Pepple had initially done well to outmuscle Spitfires defender Ludwig Francillette.
“I remember I had a bit of back and forth with him in the first game we had with them,” said the 21-year-old.
“I had one when I got through on goal and kind of mis-hit it that night but to be fair I kind of mis-hit this one too but luckily it went in.
“If you keep trying and keep fighting that can happen so I’ll take it and move on.”
However, Pepple did confess he was actually aiming for the opposite side of the goal.
“I could make myself look good and say I was aiming for that corner but I opened and wanted to go for the far corner, it just came off my foot wrong,” said Pepple.
“I thought I had messed it up but luckily it’s gone in.
“If you don’t shoot you don’t score and I’ll take 10 of them this season for sure.”
And Pepple was further boosted by the celebrations which followed his goal.
“It would’ve been a bit better if it had gone in a bit nicer but I’ll take it and to celebrate with the fans was great,” said the striker.
“They’ve been brilliant since I came in.
“I’ve been feeling the love and support so to give something back to them was good.”
But Pepple, who has been on the bench for the Shrimpers’ last three matches, is now eager to help Kevin Maher’s side build on the hard fought win.
“Of course I want to start, every player does but I have to keep working hard in training and try to get goals when I come on then hopefully things can go my way,” said Pepple.
“But whether I’m on the bench or starting I’ll always give 100 per cent.”
Pepple will look to do that against Rochdale this weekend when Blues resume their National League campaign.
However, he is also keen to keep progressing in the FA Cup and knows exactly who his dream opponents would be if the Shrimpers can progress to the third round.
“I wouldn’t mind Man Cit away and seeing their players,” said Pepple.
“Maybe it might be a bit different if we actually got to play them but I think that would be nice.”
