Shropshire’s FA Cup hero Sean Evans today revealed his joy at netting an historic goal – just a year after he was told his career could be over.

Winger Evans, who still lives in Ludlow and played for his home town club in the County Premier League at the start of the season, netted Stourbridge’s second goal in last night’s 2-0 victory over League Two Plymouth in the first round replay.

But the 24-year-old – who began his career at Shrewsbury – revealed he feared he would not return to action after breaking his leg while playing for AFC Telford United in a friendly against Wolves.

“I have come back from a broken leg and 12 months ago there was no way I thought this was going to happen,” said Evans, a former Manchester United trainee.

“I just couldn’t see how I could get to where I am today.

“I built up my fitness at Ludlow so I have to say thanks to them because they helped me get back on the road to recovery.

“I had another operation two months ago to remove another screw in my leg but I’ve still got a metal bar in there and that will stay in as long as it doesn’t cause me any discomfort.

“I appreciate it all a lot more now because 12 months ago I was told I would never play football again so to be where I am now is a dream come true.

Evans, who arrived for a his first spell at Stourbridge with Paul Scholes’ old boots from his time in United’s academy, starred two years ago in the club’s previous run to the first round, when they lost to Walsall.

But he insisted he never doubted they would go one better last night.

“It sounds stupid to say because we were playing a League Two side who are three leagues above us,” he added.

“But we were very confident and confidence is a big thing in football.”