Notts County shot-stopper Ross Fitzsimons feared the worst on Saturday when he conceded just seconds after entering the fray.
The 24-year-old, who greatly impressed everyone at Meadow Lane last season, has had a tough time for the Magpies this campaign and was called upon just after half-time against Northampton Town when Ryan Schofield was shown a straight red card.
Since Schofield's arrival in January , his older, more experienced teammate has been left to watch from the bench but was always assured by manager Neal Ardley that his patience would be rewarded eventually.
"I've always got the be ready for situations like that," said Fitzsimons.
"You have got to get up to the pace of the game really quickly. You have no time to feel your way into the game, especially with ten men, so I am just glad that I could do my bit for the team.
"There have been certain occasions this season where it has not gone my way.
"The first thought when the free-kick went in was that it was going to be another one of those days, but thankfully I blocked it out my mind and was able to help the team.
"But with the circumstances, and the ball coming off (Michael) Doyle's shin and going in, it is just one of those things."
Huddersfield Town loanee Schofield was one of a nine January arrivals at Meadow Lane this winter.
Despite the Magpies eager business resulting in Fitzsimons being demoted to number two, he can accept that Ardley's squad is much improved this side of Christmas.
"It has helped that we have had a few fresh faces come in," he said.
"The squad has been brilliant all season but at times it has just not gone our way.
"We have to accept that as players and as fans as well."
