Bristol Rovers' Jersey Mike's Trophy fixture against Reading was a proud day for the Pirates' Academy and a match that Excel Iwhiwhu will never forget.
The defender has progressed through the age categories at the Gas and made his senior debut against the Royals, playing the full 90 minutes as Rovers came from two goals down to draw 2-2 before winning on penalties.
The centre-back impressed during his first appearance in the blue-and-white quarters and shared the moment with Jack Toogood and Kazim Salahi-Ali, who both came off the bench to play for Rovers for the first time.
Speaking to BRTV after his debut, Iwhiwhu reflected on his journey in football so far and his first experience of competitive senior football.
MAKING HIS DEBUT
"It felt amazing to make my debut. Obviously, I've been waiting for it for a long time, and the fact that it's come today and I've got a full 90, I'm really proud of myself, my family and everyone who has supported me."
"I was told yesterday that I might be in the team, but the team might change. Today, I just saw my name up there next to Ciarán Kelly, and I was just astonished, to be honest.
"I was kind of nervous at the start for the first few minutes, but after that, I felt completely fine. I just found my rhythm, played how I usually play."
SHIRT UP IN THE DRESSING ROOM
"To be honest, I can't explain how I felt. Inside of me, I felt every bit of emotion. I was nervous, anxious, but most of all excited to show everybody what I am about."
PLAYING ALONGSIDE KELLY
"He has a lot of experience, and he thoroughly guided me through the game. He was telling me this and that. So, playing with him was really good.
"Byron Anthony, and Kelly were telling me just basic covering and heading through the ball, all of that stuff. Like, if nothing is on, you can just hit the channel and make sure it stays on the pitch. I think those bits of advice really helped me today."
JOURNEY THROUGH THE ACADEMY
"I joined the U14s and I remember that for one of my trial games, I played against Swansea U18s. I played through the U15s, played the year above, and it really inspired me, made me grow every day and helped my development."
PLAYING SENIOR FOOTBALL
"To be fair, it felt normal, to be honest, because in pre-season, we played a lot of men's teams and I have been up with the first team a few times. It is similar in a way.
"They are physical; they want to get a hold of you, and you just have to know when you have to match them, know when you have to let them have the ball and counter-attack them."
