Football Academy learners Ben Collison, Micheal Rhodes, James Mapp and Stefano Blankson described the opportunity as an honour and an experience they will never forget.

For Mapp, a lifelong Hornchurch supporter alongside his family, pulling on the club’s shirt carried particular significance.

He described the match as the best experience he had ever had and one of the best nights of his life.

Stefano also reflected on how special it was to have his family watching and thanked his fellow college players for their good-luck messages before the fixture and congratulations afterwards.

Their selection sparked plenty of support from other learners in the college’s Football Academy, who shared their pride at seeing BDC players represent Hornchurch at senior level.

BDC first-team coach Mark Holder said the four players had earned their selection through hard work and a positive attitude.

The opportunity demonstrated how the college’s partnership with Hornchurch FC can give young footballers valuable experience of the senior game and the chance to put their skills into practice in a competitive club environment.

Dean Cutting, BDC's curriculum manager for Sports Academies & Step To Success, said: “All of us from the college, and especially the Football Academy, are very proud of them and the way they have represented the College in such a positive way.

“But most importantly, we are proud of how they have represented themselves. They should be very proud.”