James Tomkins completed a memorable personal hat-trick by helping West Ham United to a 1-0 Barclays Premier Reserve League victory at Everton.
Trips to the blue half of Merseyside have played a huge part in the young centre-back's career. After making his first-team debut Goodison Park in March 2008, Tomkins was sent-off in the Hammers' 3-1 defeat at the same venue in May 2009.
The 21-year-old's debut - now some two-and-a-half years ago - saw him come face to face with Yakubu, with the powerful Nigerian striker giving the rookie defender a testing afternoon with his physical approach.
On Tuesday, Tomkins got his revenge, combining well with New Zealand FIFA World Cup star Winston Reid to shackle both Yakubu and Jermaine Beckford as Alex Dyer's side made a winning start to the 2010/11 campaign.
"It was a good game for us lads coming in because they had some good players in their side and it was a good run out," said the Academy graduate. "It was good to play in the reserves and, with them having some first-team players, it made it even more important to do well.
"They had Yakubu and Beckford who are both good players and it was a good contest for us at the back. We were delighted with a win and a clean sheet.
"It brought back memories of my debut. I've had a few weird scenarios against Everton in my career - obviously my debut up there and I also got sent-off in the other game I played there, so it brought back a few different feelings.
"It was good to get 90 minutes under my belt and was good for the lads who haven't played that much to get their fitness in."
Tomkins appeared in the Barclays Premier League meeting with Aston Villa and Carling Cup second-round victory over Oxford United, but has found first-team chances harder to come by in recent weeks.
Having impressed against an experienced Everton strike-force, however, the England Under-21 international is hoping to force his way back into Avram Grant's plans for Saturday's trip to Stoke City.
"It's important to get match-practice in - that's important. I've known Alex for a long time and he's a good man, and he has got a good team spirit in the reserves, which is good.
"I really want to play. I'll keep working hard and trying to impress in training, as that's all I can do. If I do play well for the reserves, hopefully the feedback will get back to the manager and, you never, know, I might get to play. That's all that I want to do - to play."