GOALKEEPER Ethan Ross says he takes full responsibility for Worcester City’s defeat to Corby Town and has vowed to bounce back stronger following his late howler.

The 18-year-old, on loan from West Bromwich Albion, says he was left “distraught” when he fumbled Kalern Thomas’ cross into the back of his own net in injury-time.

City were gunning for a precious three points after Shaun Donnellan’s stunning strike but an “error of judgment” from Ross gifted their fellow strugglers a 2-1 win.

“It was a great opportunity to secure a point or even go on and get the win, so I take full responsibility,” he said.

“It was an error of judgement. My positioning was slightly off as I should have been closer to the near post.

“The lad crossed it in and I misread the bounce of the ball. I went low for it, took the wrong line of approach and it came out of my grasp.

“It was a poor mistake but it was the timing that killed it. I apologised to the lads afterwards. I wasn’t happy with my own performance and was distraught at the end.”

Ross came in for the suspended Nathan Vaughan but insisted the words of the experienced stopper after the match helped him through.

“Vaughany was especially good with me afterwards. He looked after me in the dressing room and we spoke about what had happened,” he said.

“He has got a lot more years and has played at this level, so he understands the game and has been quality with me. But all the lads and staff have been great with me.

“I have also had positive messages to keep plugging away, so the fans have been really good.”

With Vaughan set to miss 18th-placed City’s visit to high-fliers AFC Fylde on Saturday due to his ban, Ross is expected to play in the National League North clash and is determined to put the mistake behind him.

“It is something I need to deal with, move on from and understand I am in a first-team environment now where three points is massive, but the lads know I am very much in it for the cause,” he said.

“I want to push on and use this as a springboard. I was in training on Sunday because when you have made a mistake like that it is important to get it out of your system as soon as possible.

“I worked on shot-stopping and making sure I am covering my angles well as I know it could be a busy afternoon against Fylde.

“It will be a tough game as they are a promotion-chasing side but there is no reason why we shouldn’t go there and give a positive performance.”