Loan Watch 1 (24/10)
Written by Harvey Steel
Welcome to the first edition of The Loan Watch for the 20-21 campaign. It has been a while, but ‘The Loan Watch’ is finally back to bring you your weekly roundup of how Our Future U’s are performing out on loan.
This week, Simper scores on his return to St. Neots, Joe Rider plays 90 minutes in Haverhill Rover’s defeat to Ely City and Joe Neal is unable to continue his goal scoring form as his Biggleswade side lost to High-flyers, Tamworth.
But first, Last week it was announced that Lewis Simper would join United’s link club, St. Neots Town on an initial 1-month loan period, to help regain match fitness and sharpness for when required by The U’s. Simper’s arrival at the club meant he was now one of six United players’ to be playing his football at The Premier Plus Stadium, with the likes of Ben Worman and Tom Dickens.
(AFC Dunstable 2 – 2 St. Neots Town)
With the addition of Simper, The Saints made the trip to A.F.C Dunstable to face a side who were coming off the back of a fantastic 2-0 win over 2nd place Corby Town. Five of United’s six started the game with the only exception to the line up being Tom Dickens as he was rested for this weekend’s game. St. Neots, who have lost just one league game so far this season, fell behind in the 38th minute after a corner was headed in by Dunstable’s number 5. Despite some dominant play from The Saints they couldn’t find an equaliser and went in 1-0 down at the break. However, it didn’t take new boy Lewis Simper long to find his feet again, as in the 65th minute he snatched an equaliser to restore the visitors hope. Just five minutes later, the saints took the lead, this time through Leon Lobjiot after a fantastic cross from U’s Loanee Jake Battersby but the home side would respond with a goal of their own. In similar fashion to the first, the saints where overpowered at a set piece and once more Dunstable’s Number 5 was on hand to punish them for their defending with only nine minutes remaining. The final whistle blew with the score level at 2-2 leaving both teams to share the points.
(Ely City 2 – 0 Haverhill Rovers)
After Joe Rider’s recovery from his recent spell out with injury, the midfielder re-joined up with the Haverhill rovers’ side for another loan spell. After coming on as a second half substitute against Newmarket Town in Midweek, Rider was given the nod to start in Rover’ trip to Ely City. A luck lusted start from Rover saw them holding on in the early knockings of the match but there were soon to be undone as Ely City were awarded a penalty in the 30th minute which was coolly dispatched. It was a similar story after the break for the visitors as they struggled to get going and were punished for it as in the 71st minute Ely Doubled their advantage. Another 90 minutes and a senior appearance will all Rider will be able to take away from that game as I’m sure the team will look to bounce back next week.
(Tamworth 3 – 0 Biggleswade Town)
After scoring five goals in seven games since his arrival at Biggleswade Town, Joe Neal has helped his side to a steady start to the season. However, it was always going to be tough to get a result against a strong Tamworth side who had only lost one of their opening league games. A strong defensive performance in the first half from Biggleswade ensured they were able to go in at 0-0 at the break, however for U’s loanee Neal, he was left feeding of scraps at front. Tamworth’s quality showed in the end as they scored three goals after the break which meant Chris Nunn’s men left the Midlands with no share of the points.
That completes a roundup of games from last Saturday’s fixtures, be sure to tune back in on Sunday to find out how the boys got on in Tuesday night’s games as well as a round up from tomorrow’s FA Vase fixtures.
Thanks for reading, it would be hugely appreciated if you could follow me on twitter @Harv_Steel and @SteelViews, until next week…football.
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