In League One, as we truly enter the business end of the season, there was a full slate of fixtures in midweek. With it, there was action for Tottenham Hotspur loanees. Josh Keeley, Jamie Donley, and their Leyton Orient side faced Burton Albion on the road, whilst Matthew Craig’s Mansfield Town hosted Charlton Athletic.
How things went for Tottenham Hotspur loanees down in League One
As usual, both Keeley and Donley were named in the starting XI by Orient manager Richie Wellens. This was Keeley’s 29th start of the League One season, whilst it was start number 25 in the league for Donley (and 32nd overall league appearance).
After 10 minutes, Orient made a great start to the game as they took the lead – a goal that was good enough to have them ahead at half time – in a very end to end affair with plenty of chances for both sides – one of those being for Donley five minutes from time, but he could not convert from around eight yards out.
In the second half, the O’s had a lot more of the ball, but it was their hosts creating the chances. Their early pressure at the beginning of the half paid off when they equalised on the hour mark following a rebound.
Then, just four minutes after, Burton completely flipped the game on its head, as they took the lead for the first time in the game. From there, they were able to see the game out with relative comfort, condemning Orient to a tough 2-1 defeat away from home.
During the game, Keeley made three saves, whilst Donley was replaced by former Spurs academy player Dilan Markanday after 81 minutes. Although he missed a good chance, he also created an opta defined big chance that was not taken, so could have had an assist on another day.
This defeat leaves Orient in 10th place in League One, with 59 points from their 39 games so far.
Next up, Matthew Craig reappeared from the wilderness to start for Mansfield in their game at home to Charlton. It was only his third appearance for the Stags since joining in January, and first start in the league.
After 22 minutes, the visitors took the lead – a goal that looked like it was going to be enough to give them the lead going into the break, but out of nowhere – Craig marked his return to the side with his first goal of the season with a superb strike. After a cross into the box was headed away, the Spurs loanee ran onto the ball to strike the ball fiercely into the back of the net.
Account: Opened 🔓
— Mansfield Town FC (@mansfieldtownfc) April 2, 2025
☝️ Matthew Craig’s thunderous first goal in Stags’ colours. pic.twitter.com/TtubyVsnDb
Unfortunately, Charlton retook the lead after 74 minutes and saw the game out to win 2-1, meaning Craig’s sublime strike counted for nothing in the end. Still, great to see him back playing, and scoring a goal to go with it. He played 65 minutes in this one.
This defeat leaves Mansfield in 17th place in League One, with 47 points from their 39 games to date.
Next up for Orient is a home game against Wigan on Saturday at 15:00 GMT, whilst Mansfield face Huddersfield Town on the road at the same time.