It was a difficult afternoon in Buckinghamshire for Peterborough United, but there were positives to take from the clash with Wycombe.
While the result wasn't what Peterborough United were looking for at Adams Park, there were positives for manager Darren Ferguson to take with substitutes Ryan De Havilland and Malik Mothersille catching the eye and for one second half arrival, it was a Football League debut and one that has come quicker than anticipated.
Pemi Aderoju spent a period of time on trial at the football club after catching the eye with 12 goals in 12 games for non-league Biggleswade and has lead the line for the under 21s with distinction, scoring four goals in his last three games.
With Ephron Mason-Clark, Kwame Poku, Michael Olakigbe and Jeando Fuchs all unavailable for the trip to Wycombe Wanderers, he was handed squad number 47 and was named among the substitutes alongside Academy graduate Harley Mills.
With Posh chasing goals, manager Darren Ferguson gave him an opportunity late on and he nearly scored with his first touch before being harshly booked for a soft foul.
"It was a day that I was dreaming about since I was a child, making my Football League debut. I thank God that I have been able to get to this point and hopefully it is the first of many appearances at this level.
"I have been doing quite well for the under 21s, but I didn't expect to be given the opportunity in the first team so soon, obviously football is football and injuries and suspensions can happen and it opens a few doors and then it is about trying to take advantage of it when it comes.
"It was a surreal moment when the manager called me and said I was going on and I just wanted to make an impact and the first touch was a header towards goal - that would have been crazy had it gone in, but the defender got a touch on it.
"It was an experience I am not used too, playing in front of so many supporters, in a game that was still alive at the time. I have always dreamed of my debut at first team level in the league. It is down to me now to continue to work hard for the under 21s and in training."
