Second-year BSc (Hons) sport performance analysis student Alex Riches took temporary charge of Lowestoft Town for their match against Mildenhall Town.

And after becoming one of the youngest to manage in the non-league game, the University of Suffolk student admitted victory on his debut was "a surreal moment."

Lowestoft Town FC players. Image: Courtesy of Alex Riches/Lowestoft Town FC (Image: Courtesy of Alex Riches/Lowestoft Town FC)

The Trawlerboys won the Isthmian League North Division match 2-0, with Riches - who was aged 20 and 335 days - in the dugout as he became one of the league's youngest bosses, albeit for one game only as Lowestoft continue to search for a new permanent manager.

Riches, who lives in Great Yarmouth, said: “It was a surreal moment taking charge of my first game.

“Coming into this season, if I was told I would have an opportunity like this, I would have said ‘you’re lying!’

“Having that buzz of a victory, and a good performance to go along with it, I couldn’t have asked for a better feeling really.”

Riches is currently an intern at Ipswich Town FC working as a goalkeeping analyst for the Under-18 and Under-21 teams.

He said: “The internship has also been massive. Working with professional goalkeepers at Ipswich Town has taught me so many details, little and big.

“Being able to bounce off some of the best coaches in the game has been eye-opening.”

Riches had to stop playing football aged just 18 due to injury but has found a new passion for analysing tactics.

Since then, he has worked remotely for a Swedish under-19 club as a match analyst, and as a goalkeeper coach with Great Yarmouth Town.

Dr Mikael Jamil, senior lecturer in performance analysis and sports science, said: “We are extremely proud to see the achievements of our students, both past and present, and Alex’s managerial debut is a strong reflection of the dedication and professionalism we seek to develop.

“Success stories such as this highlight the value of our partnerships with organisations like Ipswich Town, which play a crucial role in providing meaningful opportunities."

Senior players have taken on the managerial mantle since the departure of manager Andy Reynolds and his coaching team.

© Eastern Daily Press