Loan Watch: Small makes first start in St Mirren win

Full back Thierry Small made his first start of the season for high-flying St Mirren in the Scottish Premiership at the weekend in a deserved return to winning ways.

Small has found playing time limited this season but was thrust into the starting line-up against Ross County to make his fourth appearance of the campaign after the Saints had hit a recent dip in form.

The 19-year-old played 78 minutes in a 2-0 victory to give his side their first win after three straight defeats and keep them third in the table.

Thierry Small celebrates for St Mirren (Photos: Allan Picken)

Down in England’s pyramid in League Two, Lewis Payne made his seventh consecutive start for Newport County with another 90 minute display away to Tranmere.

The Exiles suffered their first defeat in four games as they were beaten 2-1 at Prenton Park.

Jack Bycroft took a break from National League action with Oxford City as they began their FA Trophy campaign in the third round, but fell to a 1-0 defeat against Chelmsford. 

Fellow goalkeeper Josh McNamara was in league action in the sixth tier with St Albans City, making his fifth consecutive start in a thrilling 4-4 draw against playoff contenders Worthing.

Outside of England, Mateusz Lis saved a penalty as Göztepe have firmly returned to positive form with their fourth successive win across all competitions; Lis has kept 10 clean sheets in his 15 games played this season.

In Turkey’s top division, Paul Onuachu made his 11th Trabzonspor appearance of the season in their 3-1 win over Gaziantep.

Although he didn’t add to his seven-goal haul, the big striker was involved in the opening goal as his looping header was cleared away with the rebound finished by Trezeguet.

Finally, Romain Perraud was a last-minute substitute for Nice as they stay second in the Ligue 1 table with a 2-1 win over Stade de Reims.