Hackney: It Was A Special Night For First Everton Goal

Hayden Hackney says Thursday evening’s victory over Newcastle United was a “special night” to score his first Everton goal. 

James Garner, Hackney, and Thierno Barry were all on the scoresheet for the Blues’ 3-1 Carabao Cup fourth-round victory at Hill Dickinson Stadium.  

For Hackney, his strike to help Everton into the quarter-finals was his first-ever goal for the Toffees, and he described the result as an “important moment” for the Club.  

“I’m delighted with that,” he said. “It was a special night. 

“I think us as a team and the fans knew it was a big game. After losing the last two games – I know it was against good opposition – but I feel like that was a big moment tonight. 

“I think it was an important night against Premier League opposition.

“The fans really helped. They were unbelievable.”

On the goal, he explained: “I’m always working on arriving in the box at the right time. It was a great ball from Barry, and I managed to put it in the corner. 

“It was a great feeling to get my first goal for this amazing club and hopefully there’s many more to come.” 

After sporadic starts so far for the Toffees following a summer move from Middlesbrough, Hackney is hopeful an impactful performance against Newcastle, which also included an assist for Garner, can keep him in David Moyes’ starting 11.

“I’ve had a bit of time on the bench,” he continued.

“The lads have been playing really well, so I can’t complain. I kept working hard and hopefully, I took my chance tonight.  

In the next round of the Carabao Cup – the quarter-finals – Everton face an away trip to take on Fleetwood Town.

The Cod Army overcame Arsenal in earlier this week to progress in the competition, and Hackney acknowledges it’ll be a tough test for the Blues. 

“We’re really excited,” he added. “It won’t be an easy game – you’ve just seen them beat Arsenal, so we’re excited for that one."