Boy with brain cancer thrills Rovers fans with special goal

On Saturday, Tranmere Rovers were led onto the field at Prenton Park by five-year-old Nathaniel Gidman and his inspirational dad Phil.

Known as Nate, the youngster is no stranger to a large portion of the Super White Army, who have been following the story of the boy with Medulloblastoma - a cancerous brain tumour found in children - for the past year.

Only a month ago, Nate's parents were given the devastating news that their son's cancer had grown more aggressive and that he was only expected to have months to live.

Nate and Phil lead Tranmere out against Leyton Orient, flanked by captain Peter Clarke. Photo: Tranmere Rovers

Phil and the family have turned their attention to filling Nate's life with happy memories and with the help of Tranmere Rovers, he was appointed mascot for the club on Saturday against Leyton Orient, a match that the Whites would win 1-0.

Before the game, Nate and Phil came onto the pitch and were given the opportunity to create a never-to-be-forgotten moment.

With Rovers' goalkeeper Joe Murphy stood between the goalposts, Nate had the chance to score a goal at Prenton Park.

Helped by his dad and the roar of the Super White Army, the youngster made his way towards the goal, closing in on his big moment.

A stumble and a miscue made it look like he was going to miss his chance, but thanks to a quick drag back of the ball from Phil, Nate eventually prodded it over the line to score the most important goal of the day in Birkenhead.

The crowd cheered as Phil held his son aloft, before leaving the field to rapturous applause. A fist punch from Nate's dad showed what the happy moment of solidarity with supporters had meant to him.

Speaking to the Globe last night, Phil said: "That was a special moment, a brilliant conclusion to a journey that we’ve all shared and a little boy's heart filled with delight. Thank you all for sharing with us."

Nate and his family were guests of honour at Prenton Park and spent time with Chairman Mark Palios and former player Dave Higgins after the match. The little boy even got a fist pump off manager Micky Mellon just before the match got underway and could also take the match ball home.

Proud dad Phil shows a beeming young Nate the strength of the Super White Army. Photo: Tranmere Rovers

Having taken a moment to reflect on the day, dad Phil shared his thoughts with supporters on Twitter.

He said: "Right now there aren’t the words. To share that moment with you all. I’m stunned, not surprised. Stunned. The greatest people in the world. Adrenaline has gone and tears are coming, hands down the pinnacle of my life.

"I can’t describe how much I love you all. Thank you #SWA"

As for Nate, a little boy who has had to deal with unspeakable adversity, the first words to his father this morning said it all.

“I scored a goal with my football.”