Brentford striker Ben Strevens was pleased to make his début in the 2-2 FA Cup First Round draw against Gateshead.
The former Dagenham and Redbridge man made his Bees' bow seconds after his side had fallen behind to the Blue Square Premier club and within 15 minutes they were 2-1 up.
Although Gateshead levelled it up late on the striker - who picked up a foot injury a week before the start of the season - was happy to be involved for the first time.
"The result didn't go our way but it was good to be out there," he said. "It's been long awaited.
"The boys reacted well to going a goal behind.
"We came back and deserved to go 2-1 in front.
"Going in front you would think we had done the hard part
"But we didn't defend a ball into the box, it ricocheted around and dropped to their guy.
"We can bring them back to Griffin Park on a Tuesday night under the lights and we expect to win."
Strevens also paid tribute to Carl Cort, whom he partnered up front for the last half hour - the first time they had appeared in a Brentford team together.
"Carl is a very good player, I tried to play off him, I got a chance and I think I should have scored.
"It has been three and a half frustrating months and it was good to be out there."
See a full video interview with Ben Strevens on Bees Player on Sunday.
By Chris Wickham
