Donegal native Sean Patton made his debut for Derry City on Friday night at just 16 years old.
The Drumkeen man signed a pro contract with Derry last August and after impressing with the U19s, has been involved in the senior team matchday squads for the past month.
He had been on the bench the five previous games but was called upon for the first time in the 4-1 win over UCD at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium.
Patton came on for fellow striker Jamie McGonigle in the 73rd minute as Derry led 3-0.
Jordan McEneff gave Derry the lead in the first half and Michael Duffy scored a brace within 20 minutes of the restart.
Adam Wells got one back for the Students, who had Donegal Town native Jack Keaney and Letterkenny’s Michael Gallagher in defence, with Keaney captaining the side.
Matthew Ward made it 4-1 for Derry to put them top of the Premier Division for the first time this season following Shamrock Rovers’ 2-1 loss to Drogheda United.
St Johnston native Ciaran Coll and Ramelton man Ronan Boyce also played 90 minutes for the Candystripes in the win.
Patton, who doesn’t turn 17 until July, capped off a memorable weekend as he scored four goals in the Derry City U19s 5-1 win over Klub Kildare on Sunday, with fellow Donegal man Tiernan McGinty from Falcarragh netting the other goal.
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