All seven of Albion’s academy graduates out on loan featured over the Easter period.
The race for the top two in Sky Bet League One took its predicted twists and turns for defender Caleb Taylor and Wycombe Wanderers, as he went from the highs of scoring in a 2-0 away win at former loan club Bolton Wanderers, to a crushing 4-0 home defeat against Charlton Athletic.
Taylor netted the first goal on Good Friday at the Toughsheet Community Stadium, heading in from a set play prior to Luke Leahy wrapping up victory late on to push them back into second place.
Unfortunately, he also started during a damaging defeat at Adams Park to a Play-Off chasing Addicks team at the start of this week - meaning Wycombe returned to third spot in the division.
They are now two points (84) behind Wrexham (86), who currently hold the second automatic promotion place, with matches against Leyton Orient and Stockport remaining of the regular campaign.
Like his fellow Baggies youth product, Reyes Cleary was also on the scoresheet for National League Hartlepool United during their fixtures.
Three goals to secure the three points 🤩
Watch all National League matches and highlights only on DAZN - Sign up at https://t.co/N1fvfo46h9 | @DAZN_NationalLg pic.twitter.com/9P9smW0kKK— Hartlepool United FC (@Official_HUFC) April 21, 2025
After starting their 2-1 defeat to Oldham Athletic, the attacker netted the second goal in a 3-2 triumph over local rivals Gateshead on Easter Monday.
The 21-year-old slotted through the legs of Tiernan Brooks in the visiting goal to claim his seventh contribution (six goals, one assist) in blue-and-white stripes - helping his team respond to recent defeat with three points which took them back to 11th place in the standings.
Higher up the table, goalkeeper Ted Cann was between the sticks for Forest Green Rovers for both of their matches, as they began an unbeaten run heading towards the National League Play-Offs.
Ryan Inniss netted in the 91st minute to earn Cann’s team a point on the road at Yeovil in a 1-1 draw, and Steve Cotterill’s men followed things up with a comprehensive 3-0 win over Tamworth on home soil.
Their victory in Gloucestershire meant Rovers secured third place for the 2024/25 campaign, and Cann will hope to feature more after the final two league games when they enter the competition’s Play-Off phase.
Some presence between the sticks! 🧤#WeAreFGR💚 pic.twitter.com/lKm7SE8xMm
— Forest Green Rovers (@FGRFC_Official) April 21, 2025
In National League North, Matt Richards started for Leamington in their games against Hereford and Brackley Town. Unfortunately, the Brakes were unable to record any points from the encounters - losing 3-0 and 2-0.
Elsewhere in mid-table, left-back Josh Shaw appeared in the second of Marine AFC’s Easter matchups.
Having won their home clash against Warrington Town 1-0, the Mariners were then defeated 2-1 on the road by Chester - with Josh playing the first 45 before being substituted at the start of the second period.
There were also mixed results for shot-stopper Ronnie Hollingshead’s loan club, Alvechurch, who tasted success and defeat from their meetings.
Between the sticks for both matches, the Wales U21 international helped the Church to an impressive 4-1 win over Hitchin Town, but ended the Easter period with a 3-0 loss to Stratford Town, leaving them 13th in the Southern Premier Central standings.
Finally, Archie Kirton continued his starting berth in the same league for Stourbridge and enjoyed two positive results.
18’ GOAAAAAL - KIRTON!!!!
He takes a short throw to Verma who returns the ball to him and he dances into the box before finishing past the keeper at a tight angle! 0-1 pic.twitter.com/dq75h5XrfG— Stourbridge FC (@StourbridgeFC) April 18, 2025
The wide midfielder started the scoring as the Glassboys saw off Barwell 2-0, and was in the XI again when Liam McDonald’s team beat Bromsgrove Sporting 4-2.
Those wins lifted Kirton’s side up to ninth in the Southern Premier Central table.
