The 25-year-old joined the attack in a final throw of the dice as ninth-tier Holbeach trailed National League North outfit Worcester City 1-0.
Holbeach United 1-1 Worcester City
Emirates FA Cup
Second round qualifying
Carters Park
Winning sides receive £4,500
Drury then proceeded to volley home to secure a second round qualifying replay on Tuesday – and became an overnight sensation on YouTube.
“It’s a bit surreal. I still feel like I am going to wake up tomorrow and it’s all been a dream,” he told TheFA.com.
“I keep watching the clip over and over again. It’s not even something I’ve practised. Instinct kicked in and fortunately it went in.”
Drury explained the events that led to his stunning strike.
“I got the call from the bench to go up. Initially they wanted me to take the free-kick but then I went further up to the edge of the box.
“The ball came over and luckily no-one was with me. It was a bit behind me so I just had to throw my foot at it with a bicycle kick.
“It was the only thing I could do and luckily it went in the corner.
“Then I just got up off the floor and ran towards the fans but I didn’t get very far before all the lads grabbed hold of me. They were great scenes.”
Primary schoolteacher Drury is in his first season at Holbeach having starting his career at Boston United, before a stint at Boston Town.
Ricky Drury scores for Holbeach United
But while he holds no ambition to become a striker, he is no novice with the ball at his feet.
“I started as an outfielder and the only reason I went in goal was because the lad who usually did didn’t turn up. But then he didn’t turn up a week after and I just got stuck there.
“I started as a centre-half and played as a forward but it was in midfield really.
“At Holbeach when the boys are training I join in with all the outfield drills.
“I also play outfield on Sunday for Pinchbeck United with a lot of the lads from Holbeach.”
Drury was eager that his strike should not overshadow the magnitude of Holbeach’s achievement against Worcester, who last year reached the second round proper before bowing out, 14-13 on penalties against Scunthorpe United.
“The result was something we only dreamed of. It was a great result for the club and a great day for everyone involved in Holbeach,” he said.
“Worcester knocked out Coventry last season so they know how we feel and fair play to them - they were very complimentary and the fans they brought with them were great.”
A Tuesday replay at Aggborough is next up for Holbeach, who already have a win in Worcestershire under their belts this campaign.
Drury said: “We’ve just taken each game at a time and see progress as a bonus.
“We played a local team first up, then travelled to Stourport Swifts and had a good win there.
“To get a tie against Worcester City who are three leagues above us was exactly what we wanted, and to get a good result is fantastic.
“It is going to be a long journey but we’re looking forward to it. We know what Worcester can do but we’re confident in ourselves, and you never know!”
