Sapsford: Scoring to beat Celtic was best feeling I've had as a footballer
The Australian attacker reflects on first season at Tannadice.
Australian attacker Zac Sapsford has described scoring the winning goal against Celtic at Tannadice as “the best feeling I’ve had in football”.
The striker ended his first season at Tannadice with 11 goals and 15 goal contributions overall.
Sapsford quickly found his feet in Scotland, scoring early against the likes of Rapid Vienna, Dundee, Rangers and Celtic.
While his performance dipped in the second half of the season, he scored three goals in his last seven appearances, including finding the back of the net against St Mirren to score United’s final goal of the 25/26 campaign.
The 23-year-old was recognised at the club’s Player of the Year awards, where he won Young Player of the Year and Goal of the Season.
Sapsford said: “That moment to win the game against Celtic was probably the best feeling I’ve had in football.
“Coming into Scottish football, I always knew that Celtic and Rangers were these powerhouse teams, so being able to beat Celtic at our home ground … everyone felt that.”
Sapsford also reflected on his own first season playing football halfway across the world.
He said: “I think I’ve grown as a player and as a person coming over here.
“I hit the ground running, and that always helps as an attacker to score goals early.
“I set goals for myself as an individual and I hit those this season. It’s my best return as a player of professional football.
“Hopefully I can get more next season.”
Manager Jim Goodwin fully expects Sapsford to enjoy a successful second season.
He said: “We’ve asked a lot of Zac over the season because of certain situations at certain times. We’ve been short of players at times, and he’s played pretty much every position across the front line.
“He always gives 100% and that was really good way for him to sign off, with a goal in the last game of the season. It’ll give him a bit of confidence and he’ll feel good about himself going into the close season.
“We’re expecting big things from Zac next season.”