CARLTON'S GOT A WAKE-UP CALL

SCUNTHORPE hero Carlton Ubaezuonu didn’t sleep for 24 hours after scoring the goal that sealed a return to the National League.

- Chris Dunlavy

The 27-year-old striker’s scrambled winner in the 16th minute of extra-time gave the Iron a 2-1 victory over Chester in the National League North final and sparked scenes of delirium at Glanford Park.

When the final whistle blew on Sunday afternoon, Ubaezuonu was lofted shoulder high by supporters who have suffered through three relegations in five years. And the party was just getting started...

“My family had come across from Ireland so we all went upstairs and had a bit of an open bar after the game,” he recalls.

“That was really good, but I left early because we'd planned a celebration back home. I ended up having a bit of a party back in Leeds with my family and friends.

“I was shattered by that point, but because of all the adrenaline, I couldn't sleep at all. My body was so tired because I'd done so much running for 120 minutes and then stayed up celebrating.