Ben Fox says it meant 'everything' to get his first senior goal for Burton Albion as the Brewers overcame Cardiff City in the Carabao Cup second round.
Fox - one of three Albion academy graduates on the field alongside Joe Sbarra and Matt Palmer - nudged Nigel Clough's side 2-0 in front at the Cardiff City Stadium by climbing high to divert Sbarra's well-placed cross over Bluebirds keeper Brian Murphy following Tom Naylor's first-half opener.
A late strike from Anthony Pilkington was not enough to prevent Burton from securing a second straight victory in all competitions, with the Sbarra-Fox link up for the goal one of the game's outstanding moments.
Fox was named Albion's academy player of the year at the end of the 2015/16 campaign - and the 19-year-old was able to appreciate where he has come since after bagging that crucial goal in front of a small but committed group of travelling Brewers - including some familiar faces.
"It's (been) a big journey - it's everything you want," he said.
"Obviously there is a process that you've got to follow.
"Going out on loan (to Tamworth FC) last year, that was part of the process - and to get my first goal tonight is just fantastic.
"It's a bit of relief, it's excitement, it's everything.
"I had my family here tonight, everyone was there to watch me, so it's really good.
"They were (among the fans) - I spotted them as I was very much celebrating!
"It's fantastic, a really good night and one I won't forget."
As for the goal itself, it was fitting that Sbarra - who again caught the eye in the role just behind striker Lucas Akins - provided the classy assist, with him and Fox having linked up so often before throughout the academy age groups.
"Me and Joe have been playing together for a while now with the academy," he added.
"He set me up tonight - he's such a good player, like all the boys - all the boys are fantastic.
"It's good just to get the opportunity, and the gaffer has given us opportunities this year, and it's nice to repay him.
"We made a little bit of eye contact.
"We did it at Oldham as well, he just had a little glint and then he has crossed it in - and I was just buzzing.
"I was straight over to him as well. He set me up, so he's the first one to celebrate with."
