Academy Loan Watch: Ballard and Bragg adapt to League One

Dom Ballard has settled into life at Blackpool well, scoring on his first start for the club in August.

His debut came as a late substitute in defeat against Stockport County, but the striker didn't have to wait long to score his first Tangerines goal.

In an eventful game against Cambridge United, Ballard put his side 4-1 up with a composed one-on-one finish at the same ground where he notched his debut goal for Saints two years ago.

The hosts went on to recover the game in a 4-4 draw, but the 19-year-old forward is now off the mark for his loan side.

He's made four appearances for Blackpool so far, making two starts and scoring once before heading to international duty.

Elsewhere in League One, Cam Bragg has featured in every game for Crawley Town since his debut on the opening day of the season.

The central midfielder has made four starts in his seven appearances across all competitions, with two wins and two defeats in the league so far.

In cup action, Bragg has featured twice in varying tests against Brighton & Hove Albion; he scored a well-taken penalty in a shootout victory against the Seagulls' academy in the EFL Trophy.

Then, in the Carabao Cup, he played the full 90 minutes in a valuable learning experience against a strong Brighton side, despite Crawley's defeat at the Amex Stadium.

Bragg facing Premier League opponents. (Photo: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Down in League Two, Lewis Payne has impressed with Cheltenham Town in his four total appearances so far.

Either side of a brief spell on the sidelines through injury, Payne has started all three league matches he's been available for, with two wins and one defeat.

He returned to the Robins' starting line-up last weekend, and helped his side keep a clean sheet in a 1-0 win over Harrogate Town that ended their three-game losing streak.

Another ever-present on loan is centre back Zach Awe, who has played every minute in his first month at Accrington Stanley.

Despite results not going in his side's favour - Accrington are still without a win this campaign - Awe has played 90 minutes in seven consecutive games.

He has looked strong in their two draws so far, as only late goals from Colchester and Harrogate have agonisingly kept the wait for a first win ongoing.

Payne in action on his return from injury. (Photo: Nizaam Jones)

Elsewhere, Nico Lawrence has had an unfortunate start to life on loan despite impressing on his debut for MK Dons.

He started on the opening day of the season, but is currently recovering from a knee operation before he can return to the pitch for the League Two side.

Finally, in the National League, Ollie Wright has also played every minute of the season so far as Yeovil Town's first choice goalkeeper.

After suffering defeat on the opening day, the Glovers have bounced back with four wins in eight games.

Wright has kept one clean sheet so far, as Yeovil occupied a play-off position until a narrow defeat last night against Solihull Moors.

Main image: Dom Ballard celebrates his first Blackpool goal. (Photo: BlackpoolFC/News Images)