BRADFORD'S Tawheed Ahmed is eager to make an impact at his new club, Nostell Miners Welfare FC in the NCEL.

The young and tricky winger made the move to the Wakefield club in the summer but so far he has mainly found gametime from the bench.

However, Ahmed is beginning to have more of a telling impact on his side and on Saturday the Bradford man notched his first goal for the club, and not only that, he struck his career first FA Vase goal.

Reflecting on the goal and his start to life at Nostell, Ahmed said: "It was really nice to get my first goal for the club and in the FA Vase. The FA Vase is a massive competition at Non-League level and you can truly feel it when you are playing in it. To have the opportunity to go on and play at Wembley is massive and every club at this level appreciates playing in it.

"That's why that goal was so special to me and it's up there with one of my best career moments so far; it's just a shame that it came in a 2-1 defeat."

He added: "Although I'm not starting, I'm enjoying my football at the minute and I'm beginning to settle into the club well. Patience is key, so I must continue to take my opportunities with both hands when they arrive, and that's what I'm doing at the moment.

"I've been in semi-professional football long enough to know you must be patient and I feel with this team and manager, I'll get my opportunities. I'm enjoying playing under the boss, his style of football and with the team."

Bradford football fans may recognise Ahmed from his time in the Yorkshire Amateur League with Toller, St Bede's and Athletico.

The youngster started his journey at Nab Wood Juniors before heading off to Middlesbrough for a trial.

The move didn’t materialise but he then spent a year at City after scoring a hat-trick against them in one game. After a year in the Bantams' academy, he was released.

The-then 16-year-old moved to the likes of Toller, St Bede's and Athletico in order to feature in the Yorkshire Amateur League.

Reflecting on his journey so far, Ahmed said: "I've had a lot of ups and downs and there have been times where I've gone to Non-League games and not come on the field, but you need them experiences to help shape you as a player.

"My hard work is what has got me to where I am today; to be playing at semi-professional level at a young age, especially as an Asian.

"There are not many young age Asian lads playing at this level or progressing through the footballing pyramid, so I'm proud to be one of them.

"I've got to say, I've been impressed with the Football for Peace initiative in Bradford because young Asian players need more of a pathway to get tot the top. I never had that when I was growing up, so it would be great if more initiatives like this continued. It would only help to improve the game we all love."

Ahmed returns to action with Nostell on Saturday with a home tie against Horbury Town.

Nostell currently sit in 13th.