‘Your lad has scored’ – Sean Dyche’s son scores crucial goal for relegation-threatened EFL club

Sean Dyche had a moment to be proud of on Tuesday night, and it was nothing to do with Nottingham Forest.

Max Dyche, son of the iconic Premier League manager, scored a crucial equaliser for Northampton to snatch a 2-2 draw away at Barnsley.

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The Cobblers are currently locked in a fierce relegation battle in League One, and started the night second-from bottom in the table.

Managed by former West Ham and Newcastle ace Kevin Nolan, Northampton headed into the clash off the back of four straight defeats.

But the visitors made the perfect start when Nesta Guinness-Walker gave them the lead after just three minutes.

Barnsley then equalised on the half-hour mark through David McGoldrick, before Adam Phillips put them 2-1 up.

This set things up for some Dyche heroics, as the 22-year-old pounced on a loose ball into the box to head home Northampton’s equaliser on 71 minutes.

Footage shows the youngster wheeling away in celebration, as the rain lashed down on him at Oakwell.

‘Sean Dyche, where are you?’

It didn’t take long for word to spread of the younger Dyche’s goal, as his equaliser was announced on Sky Sports’ Soccer Special.

Former Liverpool striker Neil Mellor was on reporting duties, who excitedly informed viewers of his late equaliser.

Reporting the goal, he called out: “Sean Dyche, where are you? Your lad has just scored!”

And Mellor was quick to point out that Dyche Jr seemed to be a chip off the old block with his kit choices on a rainy night in Barnsley.

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With Forest boss Dyche known for his no-nonsense tactics and old school approach, this had clearly rubbed off on his son.

Mellor added: “How about that, Max Dyche? He’s got no gloves on, he’s got a short-sleeved top on.”

But there was one thing Dyche Sr may no approve of, as he added: “He has got some silver boots on, so I’m not sure about that one.

“But there you go, Dyche Jr finding the back of the net!”

Dyche’s equaliser came at a crucial time, as Northampton held on to grab a crucial point away from home.

While they remain 23rd in the league table, Nolan’s side are now just a point off safety, having taken their tally to 30 points.

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In an added boost, two of their relegation rivals dropped points on Tuesday night, as bottom club Port Vale lost 1-0 to AFC Wimbledon, while 22nd-place Burton were beaten by Doncaster.

As for Dyche, his second-half header was just his second goal in 25 appearances in all competitions this season.

Meanwhile, the centre-back also completed his first 90 minutes for Northampton since a 0-0 draw with Stockport on New Year’s Day.

Who is Max Dyche?

A product of Northampton’s academy, Dyche made his senior debut in December 2020, aged just 17.

He has gone on to make 77 senior appearances for the Cobblers, during which time he has scored three goals.

These appearances have been sandwiched between loan spells, with the youngster previously spending time at non league outfits Kettering Town, Brackley and Aldershot.

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His dad Sean has spoken about following his son’s career, and admitted his time away from football before his Nottingham Forest appointment had allowed him to watch him in action more.

He told talkSPORT in August: “I’m watching him, I don’t know whether he’ll start or be subbed or involved.

“I watched him at the end of last season, that was good, because obviously I don’t get that many opportunities.

“I like some of the leagues outside the Premier League, I played in them, managed in the Championship of course as well.

“I do (keep up) through my son of course, and his role and what he’s trying to do,