With midfielders Danny Brown, Mark Convery and Darren Quinton all injured, teenager Michael Hyem was called onto the first team bench at Torquay on Saturday, and when second half substitute Stephen Smith limped off with a hip injury after just eight minutes in the action, Hyem was sent on for his first first senior appearance since the end of August.

The youngster has been playing regularly in the Ridgeon's Premier League for the club's CRC side, and he feels that helped him settle quickly into the pace of the game on Saturday.

"Playing in the Ridgeon's League is a great grounding for coming to places like this," he stated. "Rather than playing youth games or Championship team's reserve sides, we get competitive tough opponents week in week out."

"When I came on I knew I had to get straight into challenges against players like Chris Hargreaves, who have years of experience. It's important to get battling straight away and to show the opposition that you're not afraid of anything. It doesn't matter who I'm going in for a tackle against because I know I can win the ball and will do everything I can to get it."

The Brampton-based 18-year-old replaced Smith in the 74th minute and admitted, "I'm pretty elated to have been on the pitch when Rob got his winner. The lads are elated in the dressing room now and I'm sure the long journey home will fly by - as I hope it does for the fans.

"They've also travelled a really long way and out-sung the home fans for most of the game, so it was even more special to have the goal go in at the end where they were."

Hyem now hopes the U's can build on the success at Torquay and take the momentum into Saturday's FA Cup tie at home to Aldershot.

"Next weekend will be very important financially for the club. Aldershot are flying high but, as we've shown today, we fear no-one and if the fans turn out in numbers and make the noise they can we will have an extra man out there.

"Hopefully we can give them a win to take us to round two!"

Interview by David Gray

United's match against Aldershot Town in the FA Cup 1st Round is on Saturday 10th November at 3pm. A large crowd is expected, and supporters wishing to sit in the Main Stand and Family Enclosure are strongly advised to book their tickets in advance [article].

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