Down in League One, there was action for Tottenham Hotspur loanees, as Matthew Craig’s Barnsley traveled to Shrewsbury Town, whilst Josh Keeley and Jamie Donley’s Leyton Orient were on the road against Wycombe Wanderers.
For a third game in a row, Craig was named on the bench by Darrell Clarke, having started every league game he had been available prior to that.
However, also for the third game in a row, Craig did come off the bench, replacing Max Watters after 64 minutes. In stoppage time, he created a big chance for Davis Keillor-Dunn, but the forward saw his strike saved.
It was not to matter though, as the Tykes secured a 2-0 win, making it seven points in a week. As a result of this win, Barnsley sit 7th in League One, with 22 points and only outside the play offs on goal difference.
Down South, Keeley was named in the starting XI for a third game in a row for Orient’s trip to Wycombe, having played zero league games before that, and only one in all competitions since joining the club.
Unfortunately, for the second game in a row, Donley was the loanee sacrificed, as he was again left out of the matchday squad by manager Richie Wellens. The EFL rules say you are only allowed five loanees in each match day squad.
It was a very tough day at the office, as Orient got hammered 3-0 by Wycombe. The O’s only had three shots, as they got completely dominated by their hosts. Keeley made two saves, and completed ten accurate long balls.
This defeat keeps Orient 20th in League One, with 11 points from 13 games, just one point above Cambridge United in the final relegation spot, whom have a game in hand on Orient. Wellens side have only won one of their previous seven league outings, and have lost three of the last four.
Next up for Barnsley and Craig is a Bristol St Motors trophy game at home to Doncaster Rovers on Tuesday night, 19:00 GMT kick off. More importantly for them, they host League Two side Port Vale in the first round of the FA Cup proper on Saturday, 15:00 GMT kick off.
As for Orient, Keeley, and Donley, they travel across the capital to National League South side Boreham Wood, also in the FA Cup first round proper, although this one is on Sunday. 14:00 GMT kick off.