A TEENAGE Rams fans with a rare genetic disorder stepped out in front of 30,000 football fans to present the match ball at Pride Park.

Matthew Oakley was guest of honour as Derby County beat Watford 1-0 on Saturday.

As well as taking the match ball on to the pitch, the Rams season ticket holder received a signed shirt and football and had a personal, post-match visit from man-of-the-match Kris Commons.

Matthew, of Sinfin Avenue, Shelton Lock, suffers from Apert Syndrome, which is a genetic disorder which has caused the abnormal growth of his skull and face, as well as his fingers and toes to be fused together.

The 17-year-old, who is a pupil at St Andrew's School, in Breadsall Hilltop, has undergone several operations since he was four months old to help him cope with his condition, which affects one in 160,000 births.

Matthew's mum, Lisa Firth, 38, who was also at the match, said: "It was a fantastic day – he loved it.

"He's been to the matches before but has never done anything like this. It was a great Christmas present for him.

"The highlight for Matthew was meeting Kris Commons, who he had his photo taken with after the match."

Matthew and his family spent the day in style in an executive box, courtesy of East Midlands Security Services.

The Derby-based firm, which holds a three-year contract to provide security at both Pride Park and the club's Moor Farm training ground, had asked several charities to nominate someone for the special day.

Rays of Sunshine Children's Charity, which grants the wishes of children who living with serious or life-threatening illnesses, put forward Matthew's name.

Also watching the match from the executive box was Lisa's partner, Neil Buxton, 38, Matthew's sister, Hayley, 15, brother Josh, 13, and Mr Buxton's son, Shane, nine.

Lisa said: "We'd like to thank the people at East Midlands Security for giving him and all the kids a lovely day."

Jas Singh Bains and Hayley Ward, of East Midlands Security Services, watched the match with Matthew and his family.

Mr Singh Bains, operations director, said: "When he took the ball on to the pitch you could see the smile on his face and when he walked back to the touch line he was absolutely blown away by the experience.

"Throughout the match he was on the edge of his seat."

Mr Singh Bains said that when Matthew was collected from the box and taken down to the pitch, he was invited into the referee's room on the way.

He said: "This is totally unheard of because before a match nobody is ever suppose to talk to the referees – it's just not a done thing – but they made a special case for Matthew."