Brentford new boy Stuart Dallas may have moved into League One football, but on Wednesday night he might have been forgiven for thinking he had found his home away from home.
The 20-year-old, who was boss Uwe Rosler’s first summer signing having penned a pre-contract agreement in April, found the net on his debut in Wednesday’s 5-0 win at Ryman Premier League side Hampton & Richmond Borough.
Dallas moved across the Irish sea from Irish Premier League side Crusaders and was more than comfortable to make his bow at Hampton’s Beveree stadium.
And the Northern Ireland international admitted it was a great way to get his Bees career up and running.
“It went well and it was a good all round team performance, especially having never played together,” he said.
“With only training twice a week back home it has been hard work stepping up to full-time training, that was always going to be the case.
“It is a similar sort of stage and similar sort of crowd to what I’m used to in Northern Ireland with the Crusaders. It was great to be involved.”
Dallas helped Crusaders to the Irish Cup final last season, but he admitted he jumped at the chance to move on once Rosler had shown an interest.
“As soon as I saw the gaffer, it was a no brainer to sign,” he added.
“He gives youth a chance and hopefully if I get one I can take that chance, but it is up to me to take that chance.”
Youth team player Alfie Mawson, Dallas, Dutch striker Rowendy Schoop, Myles Weston and Dover Athletic full-back Leon Redwood all found the net on Wednesday night.
The Bees go to Hayes & Yeading on Wednesday before departing on a three-match pre-season tour to Germany.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here