IF last season felt difficult at times, the start to this campaign must have left Mansfield Town's Shane Redmond feeling totally isolated.
Manager Paul Cox's decision to go with no goalkeeper on the bench meant Saturdays were just not the same for the Irish stopper, watching from the stands.
After playing just one match last season – the final game of the campaign at Kidderminster – the chances of getting a second outing seem a distant dream.
But a freak shoulder injury to number one Alan Marriott in training has created an opportunity.
And 23-year-old Redmond is desperate to seize it.
Cox brought in Liam Mitchell on loan from Notts County for a month, but it was Redmond who got the nod in the 1-1 draw against Hereford and he was delighted.
Following the final whistle, his smile beamed from ear to ear, after suddenly being catapulted into the limelight.
Now, as Mansfield head to Cambridge United tomorrow, Redmond is ready to make the spot his own with Marriott ruled out for at least two months.
The first aim is to win the battle with Mitchell, but Redmond is confident about his chances.
"I am disappointed for Alan because it is a bad injury, but delighted to get the chance. It is a chance for me and I have to try and take it," he said.
"I hope I will get a few more games and it is something I am looking forward to.
"I have a chance to show what I can do.
"Last season I did not get a chance and it was a shock to the system in the first game of this season, knowing no goalkeeper would be on the bench.
"I know Mazza is going to play if he is fit so it has been difficult to motivate myself on a Saturday but now I can play games. My opportunity has arrived now.
"We do not know how long he will be out so it is a chance for me. I have to play well and stay in the team."
Redmond was a virtual spectator last week as Hereford hardly threatened and he will be much busier tomorrow afternoon at Abbey Stadium.
"I was disappointed with the goal and I did not have much else to do to be honest," he said.
"My kicking was good and my decision making I was happy with.
"I mean, Kidderminster was the last competitive game I played and it is different to reserve games because you have the crowd, which makes a big difference.
"But the performance is something to build on."
After five wins and four draws, Stags have drawn their last two matches at AFC Telford and then against Hereford.
Star striker Matt Green returns from his three-match ban to boost the Stags and George Pilkington, John Thompson and Nick Wright – brought in from the wilderness last weekend – could all start again after impressing against the Bulls.
"We are still not hitting our stride but we are picking up points," said Redmond.
"Something is just not clicking and we should be winning more games.
"The manager is focused on getting it sorted.
"Greeny coming back is like a new player and I thought Nick Wright was excellent last week.
"The lads who came in have taken their chance. That is good because we play the reserve games and they have done well. We will build on it at Cambridge."