Jacob Knightbridge warms up ahead of a West Ham United u21s match

Loan Watch: Knightbridge keeps clean-sheet in Harrow win

With the international break putting a temporary halt on most domestic football across Europe, just three West Ham United loanees were in action for their respective sides this past weekend. 

The trio of Academy talent enjoyed mixed success in their outings, with goalkeeper Jacob Knightbridge the only one to taste victory on Saturday. 

The young shot-stopper was able to keep a clean-sheet for Harrow Borough, helping the side a first win of the season over North Leigh. 

Knightbridge returned in goal for the fixture, having missed out last week due to a one-match suspension, and the 18-year-old was called on early in the match to deny Michael Hopkins from a free-kick. 

Harrow grew into the fixture, creating a number of chances, and eventually took the lead late in the first half. Kai Omoko Brosnan raced down the right wing and pulled the ball across goal for Billy Leonard, who smartly finished from the edge of the penalty area.

With North Leigh looking for a route back into the match, Knightbridge was kept busy in the second half. The youngster was forced into a terrific dive to deny Jordan Thomas’ angled effort, before seeing off late strikes from distance. 

Knightbridge’s showing in goal ensured a clean-sheet and helped Harrow to their first victory of the season at the eighth attempt. Borough climb to 19th in the Southern League Premier Division South.
 

Thierry Nevers of West Ham United U21s

 

Thierry Nevers was also in action this weekend, starting for Newport County in a 1-1 draw at home to Carlisle United. 

The youngster played a pivotal role in Newport taking the first-half lead, as his mazy run and pass allowed Nathan Moriah-Welsh to flick home past goalkeeper Tomas Holy. 

Nevers was withdrawn on 70 minutes and, six minutes later, Carlisle found the leveller thanks to Corey Whelan’s reactive finish from a set-piece. 

The share of the spoils ends a run of four successive defeats in all competitions for Newport County, who sit 18th in the EFL League Two Table. 

Meanwhile, Dan Chesters and Colchester United are in 21st in League Two after a 1-0 home defeat against Rochdale. 

Devante Rodney’s first-half penalty was the difference between the two sides at the JobServe Community Stadium, although the visitors could have doubled their lead moments later through Scott Quigley. 

Chesters was substituted off on 83 minutes, in place of Luke Hannant, and the home side had a glorious opportunity to level the game in added time when they were awarded a penalty.

However, former Hammer Freddie Sears saw his spot-kick saved, inflicting defeat on the managerless Colchester United.

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