FORMER Dorchester Town striker Jonah Ayunga said it was “unreal” to make his return to the Avenue as his Brighton & Hove Albion Under-21 side romped to a 7-0 friendly win over the Magpies.

Ayunga signed for the Seagulls back in February, signing a two-and-a-half year deal at the Amex Stadium and he received a rapturous welcome when he came on as a second-half substitute.

However, he was unable to get on the scoresheet

Speaking after the game, Ayunga told Echopsort: “It (the applause) was unreal. It was great to see everyone at the club.

“I had a couple of chances to score but couldn’t find the net.”

The teenager has quickly adjusted to life at a professional club and has enjoyed the experience so far.

“It’s been hard work,” he admitted.

“It’s been a step up this but I have come in and I know what I need to do.

“I’m focusing on the Under-21s for now but I’ll see what happens (with the first team).”

It was a busy night for the Ayunga family as his younger brother, Solomon, played in the pre-season fixture too, getting some game time for the Magpies.

He also fired a blank in the clash, but he is set to have a bigger part to play in the first team for the upcoming season.