For Junior Stanislas, his first West Ham United goal was a lifelong dream come true.
The England Under-20 winger joined the Hammers at the age of eleven, working his way through the club's famous Academy before being handed his full first-team debut in Saturday's 2-0 Premier League victory over Sunderland.
Stanislas, who netted the opening goal following a slick four-man move three minutes before half-time, said his first senior start in a claret and blue shirt had been everything he expected and more besides.
"I couldn't have asked for a better start," said the 19-year-old. "It was my full debut, I came on against West Brom a couple of weeks ago but this was my first start. A goal, three points and a clean sheet, it can't get much better than that."
Stanislas was handed his full debut after impressing manager Gianfranco Zola with his talent and attitude after returning from a successful loan spell at League One side Southend United.
The 19-year-old caught the eye at Roots Hall, starring in two FA Cup third-round ties against Premier League Chelsea, before returning to Chadwell Heath in mid-January to train as part of the first-team squad.
Back at West Ham, Stanislas excelled in a 4-2 reserve friendly win over the Blues on 27 March, scoring a hat-trick at Chelsea's Cobham training ground in front of the watching Zola and first-team coach Steve Clarke. Following that display, and another eye-catching run-out for England's Under-20s on 31 March, the manager decided to throw the winger in against the Black Cats.
The teenager responded with another match-winning performance. Afterwards, Stanislas admitted he had relished the opportunity to show what he could do from the kick-off.
"The manager just said to me to clear my mind and go out and play my normal game. Gianfranco and Clarkey have come in and got the boys playing well. They've put a lot of confidence back into the squad so it's looking good."
Stanislas was told he would start Saturday's game just a couple of hours before kick-off, but there was still enough time for him to call a group of friends from his home in south London and get them to the Boleyn Ground in time for the match. It would not be long before he would make their trip worthwhile by tapping the ball into Craig Gordon's net.
"It was a great feeling, I've been dreaming about if for years now so for me to start in the Premier League and score as well was amazing."
Despite his unforgettable full debut Stanislas, who named the Brazilian striker Ronaldo, AC Milan forward Kaka and England star Steven Gerrard as his footballing idols, admitted his West Ham team-mates will not allow the goal to go to his head.
"The boys here will keep my feet on the ground. They won't let me enjoy it too much, trust me. When I come back in for training, I can guarantee you it will be business as normal."
Stanislas will be hoping he has done enough to keep his place for Saturday's Premier League trip to Tottenham Hotspur, where West Ham will continue their challenge for a top-seven finish. Wigan Athletic's defeat at Everton on Sunday strengthened the Hammers' hold on seventh position and a place in next season's UEFA Europa League.