STRIKER Lucas Akins celebrated becoming one of five Town Academy players to be offered first-year pro contracts by making his home debut against Orient.
The 18-year-old, who had taken his first-team bow down at Northampton in the previous match, replaced Gary Taylor-Fletcher after 70 minutes on Saturday.
That followed confirmation that he, fellow striker Luke Malcher, midfielders James Berrett and Mitchell Bailey and goalkeeper Simon Eastwood will remain at the club after completing their Academy contracts (Joe Skarz had already been handed a one-year deal).
Winger Alex Hallam is the only one of the seven Academy second-year players not to be retained.
"Six out of seven is a good ratio," said boss Andy Ritchie.
"There's often a thin line when it comes to these kinds of decisions, so it's great that so many of them have made it this far.
"Hopefully we can keep developing them so that all six become first-team regulars."
Akins said: "Making my home debut was another big thrill after playing at Northampton and getting another contract.
"It provides some security so that I can knuckle down and really concentrate on continuing to work hard at my game."
