It was late July. The summer heat beamed down to mark Airbus’ JD Cymru North curtain raiser at the Hollingsworth Group Stadium. Players were rearing to kickstart a promotion quest. But there was one player more excited than most about the prospect of his day in the sunshine.

Long-serving captain Steve Tomassen emerged from the tunnel leading out the troops before kick-off, the welcome sight of a host of new signings donning the Airbus strip behind him. Amongst the new faces, a teenager, one who had waited nearly a decade for this moment.

At just 16, Elliott Orton was starting in the first team. Nine years spent advancing through the ranks in the academy had been rewarded.

48 hours prior to matchday against Holyhead Hotspur, Orton discovered Steve O’Shaughnessy planned to select him from the outset. News that was delivered to the defender via two coaches who know him well from his time in the youth set-up.

“I found out I was making my debut two days before in training,” Orton revealed.

“It was Chappers (Rick Chapman) and Jay Roberts who mentioned that I’d been asked to play in the first team on that weekend.

“It was an amazing feeling knowing I’d be playing for the first team at such a young age. It’s been great coming into the team at the start of the season and featuring in most of the games.”

It was another academy graduate who grabbed the headlines on the afternoon. Oli Lanceley’s second half strike earned a narrow 1-0 victory as the Bus started life in the Welsh second-tier with maximum points.

However, the defensive and attacking qualities of the youngest player on the pitch didn’t go unnoticed. An impressive showing, aided by the presence of senior teammates, who have been major contributors in ensuring Orton has remained a consistent performer since August.

“The older lads have been really supportive. It’s great knowing the Gaffer gives the youth a chance. Hopefully some more lads can break into the first team as well.

“The older ones always give me support and more confidence in training and in games. I feel like I’ve grown up more around them.

“The defence we have has vast experience of playing at a higher level, so this has massively helped with my development and keeping my place in the team."

Despite the Wingmakers being only midway through the season, Orton has registered a healthy 17 appearances across all competitions this term. The defender has played a vital role in the 13 wins accumulated in the matches where he’s featured.

Orton’s dazzling campaign in blue was recognised late last year when the club’s youngest first team star was rewarded with his first professional contract.

It has been a remarkable rise Orton has enjoyed over a short period of time. He is determined to continue improving and staking his claim for more minutes in a promotion chasing side.

“It feels weird that I’ve been given a chance to play for the first team, but all the hard work over the last few years has paid off.

"The academy have been amazing the last nine years I’ve been there. All the coaches have supported me throughout the seasons; they have made me become confident while playing.

"It’s been a hard challenge, but I enjoy fighting for my place in the team. Owen Payne is always quality when he’s playing and training. The team is back to full fitness so there’s lots of competition in being picked in the team. The key for me is keeping fit and growing stronger."