TOWN’S latest debutant Danny Broadbent aims to make sure Yorkshire cricket’s loss is the Galpharm football club’s gain.

In previous years, the 17-year-old striker, right, might have joined Willie Watson, Ken Taylor, Chris Balderstone and Arnie Sidebottom in playing for both clubs.

But the demands of modern sport mean it’s virtually impossible to double up at the top level.

Having played both football and cricket for England at junior level, Birstall-based Broadbent, who turns out for Liversedge in the Central Yorkshire League, was forced to choose between the summer game and soccer when Town offered him an Academy place in 2005.

While the signs were that the all-rounder would have had the same chance at Headingley, it didn’t take him long to take up Town’s invitation.

“I enjoy my cricket, and it was fantastic to play at the level I did, but football was always my first love,” explained Broadbent, whose England soccer appearance came at Under 16 level against Northern Ireland at Chester two years ago.

“I was delighted when Town offered me an Academy place, and while I’ve a long way to go, I’m really pleased with the progress I’ve made.”

Broadbent, who played junior football with both Howden Clough and Clifton, became the second Academy second-year player to step up to first-team level this season when he came on as a 71st-minute replacement for Joe Skarz against Tranmere at Prenton Park eight days ago.

Like centre-back Shane Killock, who started the game at Crewe, Broadbent’s bow came in a defeat, but it was still a big moment.

“I really enjoyed being involved, despite the 3-0 scoreline, and it’s just a shame I couldn’t help us get a goal back,” added Broadbent, whose introduction came as Town switched to three up front in a vain bid to pull back what at that stage was a two-goal deficit.

Broadbent admits to being nervous, but not as much as he was the Saturday before, when he was called into the squad for the home clash with Oldham.

“I found out on the Friday before that game,” said the player whose big chance came about because of injuries to Andy Booth, Lucas Akins and Luke Malcher.

“I was really nervous and didn’t sleep too well the night before.

“In the event, I stayed on the bench, but the experience was fantastic, and I think it definitely helped when I was involved again at Tranmere.

“I was still pretty nervous, especially when the manager told me to do my final warm-up because I’d be going on in a few minutes.

“But I settled down after I’d had a couple of touches, and I thought I did okay.”

That opinion was echoed by manager Ritchie, who said: “It was a difficult game to come into, but I was really pleased with Broady.

“He was up against a tough and experienced defender in Ian Goodison, but he was hungry for the ball and gave as good as he got.

“He’s shown a lot of improvement since I arrived at the club, and while there’s still a lot of hard work ahead, Danny’s made a very solid start to his career.”