How did the former Welsh players in the English system get on this weekend?
After the first instalment of this focus last week, we continue this week to take a look at the former Welsh domestic players in the English system and their performances in the English pyramid.
With the Welsh domestic game getting underway this week, there has been plenty of football to analyse, but there has been much to consider in the English pyramid too.
We take a look at some of our former players and how they fared with their clubs this week.
Christian Doidge – Forest Green Rovers
After a brace on the opening weekend of the season, Doidge spearheaded the Forest Green Rovers attack this weekend. In a 1-1 draw in League Two against Oldham, Doidge helped his side pick up one point, however, he failed to add to his two goals for the season.
Connell Rawlinson – Port Vale
Former TNS defender Rawlinson made the starting eleven on his competitive debut last week for his new club, Port Vale. After a clean sheet last week, Rawlinson maintained his place in the starting lineup this week, but could not stop his side from going down 2-0 to Colchester United. He picked a yellow card up in the process.
Scott Quigley – Port Vale
On-loan from Blackpool, former TNS forward Quigley made an appearance off the bench last week for Port Vale. The striker had to settle for much the same this weekend. Quigley was brought on with 20 minutes to go, but at 2-0 down he couldn’t reduce the deficit and was cautioned in the final minutes.
Jason Oswell – Morecambe
Oswell made the move to the Football League this summer with Morecambe Town, having impressed with Stockport County last season. The striker had previously spent time with Newtown in the JD Welsh Premier League but was an unused substitute as the Shrimps lost 2-0 at home to Exeter City.
Gwion Edwards – Ipswich Town
Former Aberystwyth academy product Gwion Edwards opened his Ipswich account last week but was helpless as his new outfit lost 1-0 to Rotherham United today. Despite 16 shots, the club conceded a last minute winner, and Edwards was brought off just before the end for Jordan Roberts.
Tom Bradshaw – Barnsley
Fellow Aberystwyth academy graduate, Tom Bradshaw, had a better day than Edwards this weekend. The striker opened the scoring after seven minutes against Bradford City, as the club ran out comfortable 2-0 winners, with the Welsh international playing all 90 minutes.
Gary Roberts – Wigan
Gary Roberts was an unused substitute in the Sky Bet Championship as Wigan Athletic lost 3-2 to Aston Villa. In an eventful game, Villa scored the winner in the 94th minute, but Roberts wasn’t needed by the Wigan coaching staff during the 90 minutes.
Callum Sainty – Hereford
Callum Sainty was an unused substitute for the Bulls as they won 1-0 against fellow National League North side Curzon Ashton. The former Barry winger made the move to the club this summer but has yet to make the starting eleven in the two league games yet.
Sam Finley – Accrington Stanley
Finley spent time in the Welsh system with TNS, but made the move to Stanley this summer. The centre midfielder came off the bench with 30 minutes remaining, as Accrington won the game 2-1 with a last minute winner.
Andrew Mangan – Accrington Stanley
Mangan only joined the League One outfit this week, having signed for Bala Town this summer. The striker made the squad of 18 but didn’t get off the bench this afternoon.
