Loan Watch: Tella continues to shine
It’s been a busy week up and down the country for Southampton’s loanees as many enjoyed a double game week across the leagues. All this and more in this week’s Loan Watch…
Starting in the Championship, Nathan Tella and Burnley continued their unbeaten run, with the Saints star coming off the bench after picking up a knock against Luton in a 1-1 draw with Millwall in midweek.
A formidable performance followed at the weekend, with Vincent Kompany’s men finding the back of the net four times against Huddersfield on Saturday. ``
A familiar pairing were to thank for the fourth goal at Turf Moor, with Tella providing the assist for Michael Obafemi’s strike as Burnley extended their lead at the top of the Championship table, moving 12 points clear of second place Sheffield United.
Elsewhere in the Championship, Will Smallbone played a pivotal role in Stoke’s 3-1 victory over Swansea at Liberty Stadium in midweek before a 76 minute display in their 1-0 defeat to Millwall.
In the Premier League, Jack Stephens played the full 90 for Bournemouth in their defeat to reigning Premier League champions Manchester City.
In League One, Derek Adams turned to Dynel Simeu to provide defensive reinforcements from the bench in Morecambe’s midweek victory over Port Vale as well as their 1-0 defeat to Fleetwood Town.
Kegs Chauke also featured in Exeter City’s 2-0 victory over Cambridge United, as they moved to 12th in the standings.
To League Two now and another busy week for Ryan Finnigan with a 90 minute display in a goalless draw with Walsall before playing a further 83 minutes in a 1-1 draw with Rochdale at the weekend.
Plenty of minutes in the tank for Kazeem Olaigbe too, who put in two 90 minute performances as Harrogate look to draw clear of the drop.
A difficult week for Torquay in the National League, who were edged out in a 3-2 score line with Dorking Wanderers before a 91st minute goal saw them miss out on a draw with Southend United.
Saints youngster Nico Lawrence has impressed many in his recent outings with the National League outfit, despite their struggling form, becoming a mainstay in defence for Gary Johnson’s side.
Now to National League South and a hugely successful week for Jack Turner and Braintree Town who move up to sixth in the table with consecutive victories over Farnborough and Welling United.
Elsewhere in the division, Jack Bycroft retained his place in between the sticks for Taunton in their 1-1 draw with Oxford City while Luke Pearce played 90 and 80 minutes against Hampton and Richmond and Cheshunt respectively.
Disappointment at the death for Will Tizzard and Chippenham who were denied all three points by a 93rd minute goal from Hemel Hempstead in midweek, before securing a crucial point against Welling United at the weekend.
Across the border, Thierry Small put in another 90 minute display as St Mirren claimed victory over St Johnstone, bringing them level on points with fourth place Hibernian.
