To say that Plymouth Argyle goalkeeper James Bittner's wait for his Football League debut for the Pilgrims against York City was a case of 'good thing coming to those who wait' is a bit of an understatement.
Ever since he was first named as a substitute goalkeeper for AFC Bournemouth against Tranmere Rovers in the 2001-02 season, patience has been a virtue for Bittner as, following spells with Fulham, Torquay United and Argyle, as well as stints in non-league football with Salisbury City, Exeter City, Forest Green Rovers and Hereford United.
Bittner made over 200 appearances for the aforementioned clubs in the Conference, but failed to make an appearance for Torquay during the 2005-06 season and Andy Marriott was ever present.
He finally got his chance after 4,991 after Pilgrims' first choice keeper, Luke McCormick, succumbed to a hip injury, in a game that Argyle won 2-1 to remain at the top of League Two.
Should McCormick not recover in a week's time, then Bittner could well be set to face his former club as the Pilgrims travel to St James Park to face Exeter City next week in the second Devon Expressway derby of the season.
