Bailey Akehurst made his Football League debut for Gillingham on Saturday but his parents missed his big day after breaking down on the M1.

Akehurst’s sister managed to make it to Hillsborough but the parents of the former Howard School pupil also made a late decision to attend - only to run into difficulties on the way.

Eighteen-year-old Akehurst didn’t let it bother him as for 60 minutes he enjoyed coming up against some of the best forwards in League 1 infront of a 20,000 crowd at Hillsborough that included a sizeable away following. He got taken off after tiring and cramping up.

Boss Steve Evans was delighted with his young player who is still only a second year scholar.

He said: “I am immensely proud of him. I told him at the end ‘enjoy celebrating with the supporters, you are one of them’. His parents missed it but hopefully Mr and Mrs Akehurst can watch it on YouTube!”

Akehurst has previously appeared in cup competitions but nothing beats a league debut.

Evans said: “Whatever he does in his career he will be able to tell his kids and his grandkids that he made his full debut for Gillingham Football Club at Sheffield Wednesday. He’s a local lad and well done to him.

“For 55-60 minutes he was excellent and then that 10-minute spell before we took him off Bailey was obviously very tired and cramping up and we had to change it.”

It was only a couple of weeks ago Akehurst was playing in the FA Youth Cup against Sutton United at Gander Green Lane. He could have played for the under-18s on Saturday but an injury crisis at Gillingham has meant Evans turning to some of his younger players.

More on the Gills;

Evans: Injuries costs us the victory

Report: Sheff Wed 1 Gillingham 1