Loan Watch: Youngsters advance in FA Cup
It was Emirates FA Cup first round weekend for Southampton’s EFL loanees, as Dom Ballard and Lewis Payne progressed with their respective clubs. This and more in our latest Loan Watch…
For League One side Reading, Dom Ballard was introduced in the 60th minute and made an important cameo as they knocked out League Two opponents MK Dons with a 3-2 win.
Ballard assisted his side’s third goal after winning the ball in a dangerous position, setting up Lewis Wing to tap home what proved to be the winner.
Meanwhile, Lewis Payne was also utilised off the bench for League Two side Newport County as they beat Oldham Athletic of the National League, with Saints’ loanee introduced one goal ahead to see out an eventual 2-0 victory.
Ballard provided an assist in Reading's win (Photo: JasonPix)
Away from the FA Cup, Luke Pearce got off the mark for National League South side Weston-super-Mare in midweek with a well-taken finish against Dartford.
His goal unfortunately didn’t change The Seagulls’ 4-2 defeat, but Pearce showed composure to turn and fire a low shot into the bottom corner to pull one back in stoppage time.
Pearce also played 90 minutes at the weekend as Weston-super-Mare suffered a 2-0 defeat against Aveley.
Outside of England, Paul Onuachu was back on the scoresheet for Trabzonspor in a 3-2 win over Fenerbahçe, netting a 10th minute opener for his fourth goal in seven games.
Romain Perraud came off the bench in the closing stages for Nice in Ligue 1, helping see out a 2-0 win over Stade Rennais and continue his side’s unbeaten start at the top of the table.
Finally, Mateusz Lis and Göztepe’s impressive six-game undefeated streak came to an end in a narrow 1-0 loss to Kocaelispor.
Main Image: Newport County
