Bali Mumba outlines a key target for his South Shields loan as he reacts to his first goal

Mumba has joined South Shields until the end of the season and made a major impression on his full debut, scoring the only goal in a crucial win away at Nantwich Town.

The 18-year-old’s contribution sent his team nine points clear at the top of the table and speaking after the game, Mumba said he was ‘buzzing’ to have made the difference in a bruising encounter.

“I was buzzing after that,” he said.

“It was good, in my first game when I came on I was dying to get a goal.

“Obviously it didn't come but this game was a great one to it in with us winning 1-0 as well. I'm very happy with that.

“I've got to get used to that [physicality],” he added.

“My arms and legs are sore but it's part of learning, you have to get on with and keep pushing.

“This is going to help me big time in the long run.

“That physicality is good, you have to get up and keep fighting.”

South Shields now face FC United of Manchester in a crunch clash at Mariners Park this weekend.

FC United of Manchester currently sit second in the table but have a game in hand.

“I'm a local lad, so getting the wins and helping out means a lot,” Mumba said.

“I'm looking forward to that one, very excited.

“It's my first game, there'll be a big crowd, I want to show what I can do and help us get the win.”

Joint manager Lee Picton praised Mumba for his contribution.

“He’s so exciting to watch,” Picton said.

“If we were to turn the clock back then I certainly wouldn’t want to have to defend 1v1 against him, that’s for sure.

“The way he’s landed on the ball, taken a couple of players out of the game and so quickly got his shot off, it was high quality.

“His overall contribution, especially with the ball, was fantastic.

“There’s been three or four late tackles on him in the second half, because that was the only way to stop him.”