Gideon Kodua said scoring Luton’s stoppage-time winner against Forest Green Rovers was “the best feeling ever” after the forward ended what boss Jack Wilshere believes has been a frustrating spell by firing the Hatters into the next round of the FA Cup.
The West Ham loanee struck deep into added time to clinch a 4-3 victory at Kenilworth Road, just as extra time loomed, after Luton had surrendered a 3-0 lead in a chaotic tie. It was the second time in a month Kodua has come up with a decisive late goal, having converted a penalty to rescue a League One point at Blackpool when Town trailed 2-0.
After his match-winning moment, Kodua told TNT Sports: “It’s the best feeling ever, man! I work so hard in training to produce moments like that, so I never take any goal for granted. You can see by the celebrations how much it meant to me.”
He added that new boss Wilshere has given him confidence, saying: “First session in, I was asking him questions and he told me, ‘Gids, don’t worry, it’s a long season.’ He said, ‘You’ve got this. Show what you’re capable of.’ I think I’m showing it and we’ve just got to keep going. I do love the FA Cup. It’s a big night, historic night, so it’s good to get a goal.”
Wilshere, who took charge last month, praised the 21-year-old for responding positively after starting the cup clash on the bench.
“I’m really happy for Gideon because he’ll probably admit himself that he’s not been happy with himself,” said the Luton manager. “Since I’ve been in, he’s been really good and his intentions were right all the time. He tries but he probably hasn’t got the success he wanted at times.”
The manager believes the recent return of several attacking players, including Izzy Jones and Ali Al-Hamadi, could push Kodua to raise his game further.
“When I said about Gideon probably being a bit frustrated with himself, I think having players back like that will help him,” Wilshere said. “He’ll see them, he’ll see their quality and he’ll lift his levels as well.”
Kodua’s goal capped a frenetic contest that tested Luton’s nerve and, for Wilshere, underlined growing belief within the squad, making it the first time they’ve won three games in row since April, and the first time Town have won three in a week since the Christmas period of the 2022/23 campaign.
“When I first came in people were talking about belief and lack of confidence, which there clearly was,” he said. “There are things you can do in training to make it more enjoyable and give players clarity, but ultimately winning games is the best way of building confidence.”
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