Our players out on loan have had another busy weekend as two have reached the League of Ireland Play-off Final, one was named Man of the Match, and another has joined a new club for the next four weeks.
As we did last week, we’re starting this report over in Ireland as Barry Baggley helped Waterford FC reach the final of the play-offs after beating Athlone Town 3-1, with the midfielder playing all 90 in the clash. All three goals on the afternoon came from teenager Romeo Akachukwu who netted a 35-minute hat-trick – Drew Baker was an unused sub.
Over to the south of England next, as Callum Dolan made his debut for Torquay United on Saturday, which unfortunately ended in a 3-1 loss to Hampton & Richmond at Beveree Stadium. The performance from Dolan was applauded by the supporters of his new side though as almost all the play going forward came through him, with him having five or six strikes of his own.
Another star performer out on loan was young winger Cian Hayes who managed to net his first goal for Rochdale AFC in their 3-2 win over Hartlepool United away from home. The goal he scored was the opener three minutes into the game as he made a great run before producing a first-time finish past the onrushing goalkeeper.
More good news for the young Cods as midfielder George Morrison was named Man of the Match for the second game in a row for King’s Lynn Town, with their manager Adam Lakeland saying this about his performance: “When you watch him play, it’s hard to think he’s just turned 18 because he plays with such maturity – he always wants to get better.”
A player who is with him over at The Linnets is young defender Billy Jones who was subbed on in the same fixture, which ended in a 1-1 draw against Blyth Spartans, and he impacted the game in his typical fashion which is another positive that he can build on over at The Walks.
Looking at a different position now as goalkeeper Pat Boyes secured himself some more much-needed game time between the sticks at FC United of Manchester during their Isuzu FA Trophy clash against Radcliffe, but they ended up getting knocked out of the competition after losing out on penalties.
Finally, an injury hindered Will Russ’ start to his life at Hyde United as he was unable to feature in their cup clash against Nuneaton Borough after picking up a knock on his debut against Ilkeston Town in the opening stages of the game – next up for him is a Cheshire Senior Cup fixture on Tuesday night, but that might be too soon for him.
Here’s what is up next for our players out on loan:
Baggley & Baker: Waterford FC v Cobh Ramblers – League of Ireland First Division Play-Off Final – TBC – Saturday 4 November (TBC kick-off)
Boyes: FC United of Manchester v Hyde United – Northern Premier League Premier Division – Broadhurst Park – Saturday4 November (3pm kick-off)
Dolan: Torquay United v Bath City – National League South – Plainmoor – Saturday 4 November (3pm kick-off)
Hayes: Wealdstone v Rochdale – National League – Grosvenor Vale – Saturday 11 November (3pm kick-off)
Jones & Morrison: Peterborough Sports v King’s Lynn Town – National League North – Lincoln Road – Saturday 4 November (3pm kick-off)
Russ: Hyde United v Cheadle Heath Nomads – Cheshire Senior Cup – Ewen Fields – Saturday 4 November (7:45pm kick-off)