POOLE Town’s Pietro Almieda is believed to be the youngest player to play for the club in a league game for 30 years.

The 16-year-old came off the bench as a substitute for the final ten minutes in Saturday’s 2-1 defeat to Hanwell Town.

Almieda has already made six appearances for the U19’s Youth Alliance side and scored one goal.

He also started in a friendly on Tuesday evening in which Poole lost 3-1 to Shaftesbury.

Almieda is the youngest player to play for Poole since the 1995/96 season in which the squad consisted of a number of 16-year-olds.

Within that season, the Dolphins recorded a record 41 defeats in 42 matches with a goal difference of -171.

When mentioning teenagers who have played for the Dolphins, one that will stand out in the memory of Poole fans is ex-manager Tom Killick.

Similarly to Almieda, Killick made his debut at the age of 16, he went on to play for a number of years before managing the side for 20 years.

After making his debut for Poole, Almieda said: “It’s a big step up from youth football, I was very excited but also nervous.”

Almieda added: “Since first training with the squad, they have treated me like a family.

“It was such a great feeling to be able to make my debut for the club, I feel like I’m part of the team.”

Regarding Almieda’s debut, manager Steve Tully said: “Pietro was outstanding.

“He showed good composure on the ball, he played in good areas, and I’m really pleased for him.

“He’s been training really well with us for the last month or so, he’s someone I really like.

“He’s more of an attacking midfielder, more of a number ten but needs must, and he put in a shift on the left-hand side.”