West Brom v Harrogate Town - Aaron Martin looking to continue his rapid rise

Harrogate Town striker Aaron Martin is not exaggerating. His footballing journey over the last 18 months has been quite remarkable; an ascent up the footballing pyramid akin to something you might find in a comic book.

We’re not yet entering Jamie Vardy territory, though the 29-year-old is undoubtedly on the kind of unlikely upward trajectory that bears some comparison.

At the end of 2018/19, Martin was turning out for Brighouse Town in English football’s eighth tier. In between matches, he worked as a scaffolder.

This evening, he will walk out at The Hawthorns to contest a League Cup second round-tie with West Bromwich Albion of the Premier League.

“There’s not a chance I’d have believed you if you’d said to me last summer that I’d be lining up against a Premier League team in a Carabao Cup game in 12 months time,” the ex-Sheffield United and Barnsley academy player says.

“It’s happened so quickly. I’ve reached the Football League, which was a childhood ambition. I feel like I’m living on a cloud at the moment

“I’m just trying to take it all in, and enjoy each moment, because a footballer’s career is a short one.

“Playing at West Brom will be a really special moment, that’s what every player wants from a cup draw – to end up with the chance to take on a Premier League club.

“It’s exciting. Everyone is buzzing for the game and we go into it with no fear because after playing at Wembley [in last month’s National League play-off final] everything seems easier by comparison.”

A bundle of energy, a big, physical presence with a turn of pace and an eye for goal, Martin ticks all the boxes and, such is his character, he views this evening’s contest with the Baggies simply as an opportunity to test himself against elite-level opponents.

“It’s a remarkable opportunity to go and play a Premier League team and see where we are as a club, and personally on an individual level,” he adds.

“If I play, I’ll find out where I stand against top-level defenders, we’ll see how I can do up against really good players.

“It’s a very exciting prospect.”

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James Mitchinson

Editor