FORMER Bury Town goalkeeper Nick Pope made his Football League debut for Charlton Athletic yesterday.

Pope came on as a 71st minute substitute for Charlton, after keeper David Button picked up an injury, in the 4-1 npower championship victory against Bristol City at The Valley.

It is two years ago this month that Pope joined the Addicks, after impressing while playing for Bury Town in the Ryman League Premier Division.

He told the Charlton Athletic website: “It’s unbelievable. Two years ago I was in the non-league not really going anywhere with my football and ready to go to university, and to come to this two years on after being here I have come so far. I am just delighted to end the season this way.”

Pope, who celebrated his 21st birthday last month, recalled the moment when he realised he was about to make his bow, after Button was struggling after becoming entangled in the net trying to prevent Bristol’s goal.

“I never thought how serious it was until he (Button) kicked the next one and he looked like he was struggling a bit, so I obviously did the warm-up and had to wait and see. You can only be as ready as you can.”

Pope, who played nine matches for Cambridge United while on loan at the Abbey Stadium towards the end of the season, said on his Twitter account: “Would like to thank everyone for there (sic) messages! Really appreciate it. Won’t forget today, hopefully the 1st of many in a cafc shirt. Xx”

Meanwhile, his brother Josh is celebrating a milestone of his own after making 169 consecutive appearances in goal for Thurlow Nunn League Premier Division side Mildenhall Town.

He has played every minute of every league game since March 31, 2009.

Pope has missed only one match - an FA Vase tie against March Town United - during that time, meaning he has started 205 out of the club’s last 206 league and cup games.