- George Dobson scored his first goal in senior football for Walsall on Saturday
- Josh Cullen helped Bradford secure an important home point
- And Lewis Page, Reece Burke and Enner Valencia all played a part for their loan sides this weekend
A first goal in senior football for Hammer George Dobson, on loan at Walsall, could not help the Saddlers claim their second consecutive victory as they were beaten 2-1 by Fleetwood Town on Saturday.
Dobson’s 76th minute strike – a belter that fizzed through a crowd of players and past Town keeper Alex Cairns from all of 25 yards – could not salvage anything as the visitors found themselves two down in Lancashire previously.
Ash Hunter’s superb curling strike had given the hosts the lead just three minutes before the interval, and that advantage was doubled on 67 minutes as Bobby Grant smashed home after an initial effort had hit the crossbar.
Despite the defeat, the match will live long in the memory for Dobson, who has now made ten appearances for the League One outfit in all competitions.
Elsewhere in the third tier, Josh Cullen continued his terrific season, starting and completing 90 minutes for Bradford City as they maintained an unbeaten home record to draw with visiting Charlton Athletic.
The Addicks, under the guidance of new boss Karl Robinson, taking charge of his first league match, threatened in the first half and struck the woodwork twice through Josh Magennis and Jordan Botaka.
But a second half sending off for Patrick Bauer helped see Bradford over the line and remain in touch with top two Scunthorpe United and Sheffield United.
Lewis Page’s Coventry City had an afternoon to forget in Essex as Southend United were 3-1 winners at Roots Hall.
The left-back played the full match for the Sky Blues but could not prevent Anthony Wordsworth, former Hammer Anton Ferdinand and Stephen McLaughlin bagging goals for the hosts.
Dan Agyei grabbed a consolation one minute from time, but City continue their battle against relegation this season as they sit just inside the drop zone.
Up a division, there was similar misery for Reece Burke – on loan at struggling Wigan Athletic – who fell to defeat at Aston Villa.
The West Ham defender played 45 minutes for the Latics in the 1-0 loss in which Jack Grealish scored the winner in the 88th minute.
Warren Joyce’s men, despite the defeat, are still just two points from safety in the Championship table and will look to improve their position on Wednesday as they host Newcastle United.
Finally, in the Premier League, Enner Valencia was given 19 minutes for Everton though the Blues were beaten 3-2 in a thriller at Vicarage Road.
Watford moved up to seventh with the terrific win in which Stefano Okaka’s brace and Sebastian Prodl’s first of the season helped clinch the victory.
Romelu Lukaku was also on the scoresheet twice but in vain for the Toffees who sit in ninth in the top flight.