Spurs loan watch: EFL round up as youngster shines again

On Tuesday night, although not a full slate of action – there were plenty of games across the English Football League, including for some Spurs loanees. Let’s take a look at how they got on, individually and collectively.  

How things went for Tottenham Hotspur loanees on Tuesday night

In League One, Jamie Donley was back in the starting XI for Leyton Orient, having been rested at the weekend, as they took on high flyers Wrexham away from home. As always, Josh Keeley was between the sticks.  

After 15 minutes, the hosts would take the lead, though another 15 minutes later – Orient would equalise, as the sides went into the break level pegging. However, five minutes into the second period, a corner was cleared away, falling to Donley – who swung a volley from 18 yards, lacing the ball into the bottom corner. Sublime finish. 

With three minutes of normal time remaining, O’s midfielder Darren Pratley was sent off for a second yellow card, making for an even more tense end to the game. However, despite a late onslaught, Orient managed to hold on for a huge 2-1 win – with Donley’s goal proving to be the match winner. Certainly fits the cliche of “a goal good enough to win any game.”  

Aside from his goal, Donley had another three shots, won all three of his ground duels, completed three tackles, made three clearances, and created two chances. He has now played 1676 minutes of League One football. 

Meanwhile, Keeley also played his part – making four saves in the game, including from the free-kick where Pratley was sent off, in the final moments of normal time. Another top game from a top keeper.  

These three points leave Orient in sixth place in the League One table, though they do now have a three point buffer, and superior goal difference, to the two sides directly below them in the table.  

Next up is a game against one of those two sides, as they face eight place Bolton Wanderers away from home on Saturday, for a 15:00 GMT kick off.  

Meanwhile, George Abbott played the whole game for Notts County, as they were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw at home to Colchester United – making it just one point from their last two outings. As for the Spurs loanee himself, it was another good display. During the 90 minutes, he recorded; 87 touches, 66/72 passes, 7/8 accurate long balls, three shots, including hitting the post from miles out, 5/9 ground duels, and four tackles.  

Another full game means the teenager has now played 2204 minutes in League One this season, superb for his development.  

This draw leaves Notts in fourth place in the League Two table, with 54 points from their 31 games so far. Next up is a home game against Tranmere Rovers on Saturday, for a 15:00 GMT kick off.