Four Lincoln City players were in EFL action for loan clubs this weekend, and with a goal, an assist and a clean sheet, it’s fair to say they were largely impressive on their League Two debuts for their temporary clubs.
Zach Jeacock
Zach Jeacock played the full 95 minutes as Northampton Town opened their League Two campaign with a 0-0 draw against Swindon Town at Sixfields. The goalkeeper was not seriously tested by the visitors, but he did everything required of him to help the Cobblers begin the season with a clean sheet.
Jeacock completed 13 of his 23 passes for a 57% success rate, but the standout figure was his longer distribution, with all nine of his attempted long passes finding their target. There were no saves required across the afternoon, which perhaps underlines how well Northampton protected him, but a clean sheet and 100% accuracy from nine long passes represent a solid start to his League Two loan.
Oscar Thorn
Oscar Thorn played the full 100 minutes as Colchester United came from behind to draw 2-2 with Accrington Stanley at the Wham Stadium. The U’s trailed 2-1 at half-time after Charlie Caton’s double, but Rob Hunt levelled on the hour to earn them a point.
Thorn made an important contribution to the equaliser, registering the assist for Hunt’s goal, while he also completed four of his seven offensive duels for a strong 57% success rate. The loanee completed one of three attempted dribbles and one of three crosses, while he was fouled three times in what was an encouraging attacking display.
Zane Okoro
Zane Okoro was given 20 minutes from the bench as Tranmere Rovers began their League Two season with a 2-0 victory over Shrewsbury Town at Prenton Park. Jordan Davies opened the scoring before Charlie Whitaker’s second-half strike secured all three points for Rovers.
Okoro had limited opportunity to influence the contest in attacking areas, recording two touches in the penalty area and one progressive run. His most eye-catching numbers came in the physical side of the game, winning one of his two offensive duels and two of his three overall duels, while he also completed his only attempted cross.
It’s difficult to get a handle on how well he did with such a short window of opportunity.
Oisin Gallagher
Oisin Gallagher got 94 minutes under his belt and marked his League Two debut for Barnet with a goal as the Bees beat Salford City 3-1 at The Hive. The midfielder opened the scoring after 24 minutes, combining with Kabongo Tshimanga before firing home from close range to set Barnet on their way to an opening-day victory.
Gallagher’s attacking contribution stood out, with both of his shots hitting the target and producing a combined xG of 0.35. He also won all three of his aerial duels, made five interceptions and recovered the ball 11 times, ten of those recoveries coming in his own half, although his overall duel success was a more modest eight from 19.
It’s a solid start from Gallagher, a player the club still have high hopes for.
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