Loan Watch: More Important Minutes For Youngsters

Under-21s

17 February 25

By Everton

A host of Everton’s loan players were in action for their temporary clubs across the weekend. A pair of Toffees' goalkeepers earnt vital minutes in between the sticks, with many trusted to help their provisisional side's further up the field.

Here’s an overview of how they, and other young Blues, performed in this week’s Loan Watch...

Harrison Armstrong – Derby County
Opponent: QPR (A)
Competition: Championship
Date: Saturday 15 February
Result: 4-0 loss
Overview: Armstrong came off the bench as the Rams fell to defeat in the capital.

The 18-year-old replaced Ebou Adams in the heart of midfield, with new manager John Eustace showing he has faith in the England youth international.

The Rams are back in action on Saturday, facing Milwall at Pride Park at the early time of 12.30pm (GMT).

Bradley Moonan – Prescot Cables
Opponent: Morpeth Town (A)
Competition: Northern Premier League
Date: Saturday 15 February
Result: 3-1 loss
Overview: Moonan, who joined Prescot Cables on deadline day of the January transfer window, made his second appearance for the club on Saturday.

The centre-back was named in the starting XI after impressing on his debut, scoring on his inaugural outing for the Merseyside outfit.

It wasn't to be on this occasion, as his side departed Morpeth pointless. Moonan played 72 minutes of the fixture before being replaced.

The Cables host Bamber Bridge at 7.45pm on Tuesday night, looking to return to winning ways rapidly.

Eli Campbell - Ross County
Opponent: Motherwell (A)
Competition: SPL
Date: Saturday 15 February
Result: 3-0 win
Overview: Ross County claimed a brilliant away win against Motherwell to climb to 10th in the Scottish Premier League.

The defender was solid throughout, playing the entire game and keeping a clean sheet.

A Ronan Hale brace alongside a late strike from Connor Randall completed the scoring for County, who bounced back from a recent defeat to high-flying Rangers.

Harry Tyrer – Blackpool
Opponent: Mansfield Town (H)
Competition: League One
Date: Saturday 15 February
Result: 3-3 draw
Overview: An end-to-end affair saw the points shared at Bloomfield Road, with Tyrer playing the full game.

The shot-stopper impressed throughout, facing 20 shots from the visitors. The result sees the Tangerines extend their unbeaten run to 10 games, with the man in between the sticks a crucial part to the hot streak.

Crawley Town are up next for Blackpool, who will be hopeful of continuing their good form against the League One strugglers.

Billy Crellin – Accrington Stanley
Opponent: Morecambe (A)
Competition: League Two
Date: Saturday 15 February
Result: 2-0 loss
Overview: Goalkeeper Crellin gained more first-team experience for Accrington Stanley on Saturday, making several key saves throughout the ninety.

A busy afternoon, the 24-year-old faced eight corners and gained plaudits for his commandment of the backline in front of him.

Crellin and Stanley now face Doncaster Rovers, looking to put things right in their next match in League Two.

Jenson Metcalfe – Chesterfield
Opponent: Walsall(A)
Competition: League Two
Date: Saturday 15 February
Result: 3-1 loss
Overview: Metcalfe – still finding his fitness after a long-term injury saw him sidelined for a long part of the campaign – was introduced after 84 minutes as the Derbyshire outfit fell to a narrow defeat at the hands of the league leaders.

Jamie Grimes' strike saw Paul Cook's side take an early lead eight minutes in, but the table topping side came back. Two goals in three minutes saw the Saddlers complete a quickfire turnaround. With 101 minutes on the clock, Levi Amantchi sealed the points for the Black Country side, completing the scoring much to the delight of the home fans.

Francis Okoronkwo – Salford City
Opponent: Wimbledon (A)
Competition: League Two
Date: Saturday 15 February
Result: 1-0 loss
Overview: Coming on for Salford after 67 minutes, 20-year-old forward Okoronkwo earned his 17th appearance in the fourth division this season, helping his side’s promotion push.

The Ammies were on the losing side this weekend, though - the Dons' slender lead enough to earn them the three points in the capital.