Zach Mitchell made a winning debut for Colchester United on Saturday.
The 18-year-old defender caught the eye with an accomplished display as he helped the U's to a 2-0 win against Tranmere Rovers at the JobServe Community Stadium.
Speaking post-match, he told Col U TV: "I'm definitely delighted to make my first start. The fans were excellent and really welcoming. I think we put in a really good performance and hopefully that continues."
Colchester boss Ben Garner was full of praise for Mitchell. He told the Daily Gazette: "I think Zach Mitchell’s debut was as good as I’ve ever seen, at any club. I thought he was outstanding.
“I knew Zach previously and gave him his debut at Charlton, last season, so we knew what we were getting in terms of character and he’s lifted the group. He’s as brave as a lion with and without the ball and he’s everything that I like to see in a player, in terms of courage and intensity."
Elsewhere in League Two, Jack Payne was introduced as a 67th-minute replacement for MK Dons, who drew 1-1 at home to Notts County in a top-of-the-table clash, and Aaron Henry was an unused substitute in Crawley Town’s 4-1 triumph over Newport County.
U21s defender Ollie Hobden played the full 90 minutes for Chatham Town, who were condemned to a 5-1 defeat by Cray Wanderers in the Isthmian League Premier Division.
Meanwhile, Diallang Jaiyesimi’s St Johnstone were not in action owing to the international break. The 25-year-old wideman could make his debut for the cinch Premiership side this Saturday when they host Rangers, live on Sky Sports (KO 12.30pm BST).
(Photo: Photerior)
