Collins pleased not to fluff his lines against Newport after missed early chances
The MK Dons striker has had a string of early chances recently
Striker Aaron Collins was relieved not to have egg on his face when presented with a chance inside the opening minute against Newport County - a goal which turned out to be the winner on Saturday.
The Welsh striker had not scored for a month heading into the game against his former club, but had not been short of chances to do just that, most notably early chances against both Grimsby and Cheltenham.
Capitalising on Newport keeper Jordan Wright being out of position, Collins picked his spot from 22 yards out to roll home his fourth league goal of the season, ending his mini drought.
“There’s been a bit of a theme,” he said. “I had a chance at Grimsby in the first five minutes, I had one at Cheltenham too. Both times Ben Wiles played me in, both on my left-foot, and I fluffed both of them. It frustrates me as a striker, because those are chances I should take.
“This one was even earlier, on my right-foot, I picked a spot and it went in so I’m happy, even happier for the team.
“It’s my fourth goal of the season in the league now, hopefully I can crack on and reach double figures by the end.”
Collins came through the academy at Rodney Parade, making his EFL debut for the Exiles in 2014 before moving onto Wolves in 2016. Choosing not to celebrate his goal against the club who gave him his first chance, Collins said he felt for the plight the club is currently going through - sat bottom of the Football League - but knew he had a job to do for Dons.
He continued: “I came through at Newport, and they gave me my first chance in the EFL. I’ve always had a lot of respect for them, I didn’t celebrate - it’s my hometown club. I’ve got a lot of friends and family who are Newport fans, and it’s tough because you don’t want to see the club do badly.
“I’m on the pitch to do the job for my team, but I’m hoping they stay up because it’s a club that is important to me. I had good times at that club and they helped me to where I am now.”