Edegbe delighted to have made a 'good impression' on his home debut

Michael Edegbe in action against Hungerford Town.

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Having set himself the target of making one first-team appearance for Slough Town this season, Michael Edegbe jested he is ‘overachieving’ after he played his third senior match for the side at the weekend.

Saturday’s FA Trophy clash with Eastbourne Borough was the 19-year-old goalkeeper’s home debut and he marked the occasion with a man-of-the-match display in a 3-1 victory which progressed the Rebels into the fourth round.

Edegbe admitted he was expecting to feature in the fixture at Arbour Park – following Jonathan North’s red card against Hemel Hempstead – but was a bundle of nerves and excitement nevertheless to make a good impression in front of home support.

“After Northy got sent off, I was just preparing myself and thinking I might be called upon. On Monday, Jon (Underwood) messaged me to say he told my loan club, Egham Town, I would be playing for Slough at the weekend.

“I was feeling a bit of both [excitement and nerves] to be honest. I was probably more nervous when I made my full debut at Hungerford (Town), but I also wanted to make sure I made a good impression at Arbour Park.

“To be fair, I thought I did well. I wanted to make sure I was doing the basics right like kicking well and making sure I’m off my line. As it was my home debut, I didn’t want to do anything silly.

“Going into the season, my goal was to get one appearance and I’m already on three before the new year. I am probably overachieving right now so any more appearances, I will feel blessed with really.”

Edegbe added: “Northy has done a lot for me and has helped with my development the most this year – he has helped me get these chances. My plans are to keep doing well for my loan club and when I’m needed for Slough, just step up and help them go as far as they can in the league and the cup.”

Like teammates Alfonso Tenconi, Eitel Goueth, Joseph Lawal, and Gabe George, Edegbe has stepped up from Slough Town’s under 23 setup to assist the senior squad this season.

Describing Academy23, the youngster had nothing but praise, insisting: “It probably is the best program I’ve been on football-wise. It helps you develop so much and teaches you so many things.

“Me, Eitel (Goueth), Joe (Lawal) and Gabe (George) were all playing well within it and that’s how we got our chance. Alfonso (Tenconi) is scoring goals consistently too, so it just shows how good A23 is helping the first team.”