Four of Albion’s academy graduates were in action for their respective loan sides over the weekend.
There was success for Caleb Taylor on his first-team bow for Sky Bet League One side Wycombe Wanderers, as he played his part in seeing out a 2-1 win over Northampton Town.
The central defender replaced Declan Skura in the 66th minute at Sixfields Stadium to help the Chairboys protect their lead through to the final whistle, which was instilled after goals from Daniel Udoh and Richard Kone had cancelled out Sam Hoskins’ early spot-kick for the Cobblers.
🔄 We give a debut to Caleb Taylor, who replaces Declan Skura in defence.
2-1 to Wycombe on 65 minutes. pic.twitter.com/NrgieU9xqk— Wycombe Wanderers (@wwfcofficial) September 14, 2024
It was a first away league win for Matt Bloomfield’s team, and youngster Taylor will be hoping for more involvement in the week ahead when Wycombe play Brighton's Under-21s in the Bristol Street Motors Trophy, before returning to Adams Park at the weekend to host Cambridge United.
Unfortunately, there was disappointment in the same division for goalkeeper Josh Griffiths and his Bristol Rovers colleagues following their 4-0 home defeat to Wigan Athletic.
Taylor Moore’s dismissal on 84 minutes made matters worse for the Gas, but the damage had been done prior the red card.
Joe Hugill’s first-half brace, along with efforts from Thelo Aasgaard and Luke Chambers in the second 45, gave the Lancashire outfit firm control over proceedings - which they used to full effect by claiming the spoils at the Memorial Stadium.
Still, there were better fortunes for Reyes Cleary’s Walsall in League Two on their return to the Poundland Bescot Stadium, with the forward playing the final 23 minutes of their dramatic 2-1 win over Bradford City.
The Saddlers were locked at 1-1 heading into the remaining moments of normal time. Taylor Allen’s early penalty for the hosts had been cancelled out by Bantams attacker Olly Sanderson before the interval.
But Daniel Johnson struck in the dying embers to spark wild celebrations around the Bescot, securing a fourth league win of the season in the process, and moving Cleary’s team up to fourth in the standings.
Lastly, young goalkeeper Ronnie Hollingshead continued his positive momentum at Southern Premier Central League side Alvechurch following another clean sheet and victory over Halesowen Town.
The shot-stopper’s team sealed a 1-0 win at Lye Meadow courtesy of yet more late drama. Dan Shaw, on his debut for the club, found the net with 84 minutes on the clock to secure a third straight one-goal triumph and take the Church top of the table.
Since returning for a second loan spell at Alvechurch, Hollingshead has started the last three matches and is yet to concede a goal having kept consecutive clean sheets.
With thanks to PRiME Media Images for the image of Caleb Taylor.
