Ben Heneghan described his first Chester-Wrexham experience as 'unbelievable' and said he'd underestimated how big the game was.
Heneghan drifted between Neil Ashton and Theo Bailey-Jones and steered Kingsley James' cross past Daniel Bachmann with 93 minutes and 46 seconds on the clock, settling one of the most memorable meetings between the clubs.
Given he had not scored in his dozen or so senior appearances, the defender would have been long odds on the list of potential match-winners.
Chester boss Steve Burr committed men forward in the closing stages and was rewarded when his right back netted the decisive goal.
Heneghan said: "That's the most important goal of my career up to now. It's an unbelievable feeling, awesome.
"I've just seen it coming over and gambled in front of the left back and the rest is history as they say."
Heneghan, who turned 21 last week, began his career with Everton before moving to Stoke City, who released him at the end of last season.
He signed for the Blues after catching the eye on trial and has shown promise since in the right back berth despite being a natural centre half.
Heneghan's only previous senior experience was a two-month loan spell with Droylsden and the Salford-born defender admitted the intense atmosphere inside the Swansway Chester Stadium on Tuesday has surprised him.
"I was saying to the lads before I knew the derby was big but until you get out there on the pitch you don't understand how big it is," he said.
Chester have now recorded back-to-back wins for the first time since January and Heneghan feels the team can build on their improved form.
He said: "I think when we're on our game we're a good side and I think can take it to anyone really so we've got to keep playing they way we're doing, improve game on game and get some points and get up the table."
For the full interview with Ben Heneghan see this week's Chronicle, out on September 25.
