It was a day to remember for 17-year-old James Hill on Saturday as the youngster made his EFL debut in the 1-1 draw with Peterborough on Good Friday.
Hill – son of former footballer Matt Hill – made his appearance in the second half of the match as he replaced Nathan Sheron, and it was a debut to remember as he was involved in Town’s equaliser right at the death.
The Cod Army’s goal came through Ash Hunter in stoppage time after a well timed volley was struck low and hard past Aaron Chapman – just the impact Joey Barton wanted from his two changes.
Here is what James Hill had to say…
On the feeling of making his league table…
“To get the opportunity to make my league debut was amazing, to finally step onto the pitch and to then go and make a difference on the day is the best feeling ever.
“When I came on the pitch, it was great to see he had the faith in me to go out there and make a difference, but also for Ash [Hunter] who scored the goal. For us to come on together and then partner up for the goal, it’s a great feeling.
“My debut against Leicester was a completely different feeling with coming up against a Premier League side, but this was bigger for me as I was coming on in front of our fans, and then making that impact.”
On the ‘assist’ for Ash Hunter’s late equaliser…
“I have always had a large throw-in but for it to come off for the first time I’ve played for the first team, it’s just a delight because now I hope I have put myself in the gaffer’s mind for the next game against Blackpool. My dad has said to me that, that throw might just do that.”
On what Joey Barton and Ash Hunter said to him…
“The gaffer just said to me just keep doing what you’ve been doing and with what I have done with the Under 18s. I was going through the motions and that step up was about me being relaxed and ready to help the team out of the situation.
“Ash just said come on, come on, you can do it. He has really helped me throughout my time with the first team, and he is always the first to bounce around me and make me feel comfortable.”
On his Under 18 team mates after the match…
“My team mates are delighted for me. It was nice to have that support around me before and after the game, as well as the coaches who all had belief in me. It was nice to see everyone gather around and hug me and well done to me on my debut.”