From a stunning six-goal spectacle in League One to a crucial penalty save in non-league, Palace’s loan contingent continue to gain valuable minutes and make telling contributions as the business end of the season approaches.
Here’s how they got on…
Loan Report: Whitworth stars in six-goal thriller, Hill the hero from the spot
It was another action-packed weekend for Crystal Palace’s loanees across the English Football Pyramid and beyond, with several young Eagles playing key roles at both ends of the pitch.
Joe Whitworth – Exeter City
Whitworth was at the heart of a breathless 3-3 draw between Exeter City and Peterborough United at the Weston Homes Stadium in League One on Saturday.
The 21-year-old produced a number of important interventions in a pulsating contest that saw Jayden Wareham score the fastest-ever away Grecians hat-trick in an astonishing eight-minute second-half burst.
Whitworth was first called into action early on, dealing comfortably with a long-range effort from former Exeter midfielder Archie Collins. He could do little about Peterborough’s opener, as Abraham Odoh found the bottom corner following a scramble on the edge of the box.
With the game swinging from end to end, Whitworth showed sharp handling to gather a skidding free-kick from Morgan and later produced a superb reaction save to tip fierce strike over the bar. He was again alert to claw away a dangerous near-post corner as the hosts piled on pressure.
After Exeter had surged 3-1 ahead early in the second half, the contest turned once more and Whitworth was ultimately left with no chance for Peterborough’s equaliser as the spoils were shared in a six-goal thriller.
Exeter return to St James Park next Saturday to host Bolton Wanderers in League One, as they look to turn entertaining performances into three points.
Romain Esse – Coventry City
Esse featured off the bench as Coventry City secured an impressive 2-0 away victory over West Bromwich Albion at The Hawthorns in the Championship on Saturday.
First-half goals from Ephron Mason-Clark and Jack Rudoni put the Sky Blues firmly in control, and Esse was introduced for the final 15 minutes as part of a double substitution. The 20-year-old injected fresh energy into Coventry’s attack and nearly added a third, only to see his effort well-blocked.
The result marked Coventry’s first away win since November and their second successive league victory as they remain top of the Championship table. Esse and the Sky Blues are back in action on Wednesday with a trip to Sheffield United at Bramall Lane.
Marcus Hill – Raynes Park Vale
Hill delivered a match-winning moment between the sticks as Raynes Park Vale secured a 1-0 victory over Bedfont Sports on Monday evening.
The 19-year-old produced an outstanding penalty save low to his right, tipping the ball onto the post to preserve parity before Alpha Diallo’s dramatic 89th-minute winner sealed back-to-back clean sheets.
Hill had also started Vale’s narrow 2-1 defeat to FC Southall on Friday night, making it six consecutive starts as he continues to gain valuable senior experience.
Tayo Adaramola – Sheffield Wednesday
Adaramola played 87 minutes of the fiercely contested Steel City derby as Sheffield Wednesday were edged 2-1 by Sheffield United at Bramall Lane in the Championship on Saturday.
Making his third consecutive start, Adaramola was part of a Wednesday side that battled back following two early goals from the hosts. A second-half red card for United shifted momentum, and the Owls pulled a goal back through Charlie McNeill to set up a tense finale.
Adaramola was withdrawn late on as Wednesday pushed for an equaliser, but despite their efforts the Blades held on. Next up for the Owls is a midweek trip to Norwich City at Carrow Road.
David Ozoh – Derby County
Ozoh made his seventh consecutive start for Derby County as the Rams fell to a 2-0 defeat against Watford at Vicarage Road on Saturday.
The midfielder continued his consistent run in the Championship following his return from injury, battling in a physical midfield contest after Watford struck early. Ozoh was withdrawn just after the hour as Derby chased the game, but a late counter-attacking goal sealed the result for the hosts.
It marked the first time in 23 matches in all competitions that Derby have failed to score this season. They will aim to respond on Tuesday night with a trip to Hull City.
Jesurun Rak-Sakyi – Stoke City
Rak-Sakyi came off the bench as Stoke City earned a dramatic point in their Midlands derby against Leicester City at the bet365 Stadium.
Introduced on 78 minutes with the Potters trailing 2-1, the winger added attacking impetus in the closing stages. Stoke found their equaliser in the final minute, Ben Wilmot firing home at the back post to cap a spirited fightback.
Stoke are back in Championship action on Wednesday evening when they host Oxford United.
Hindolo Mustapha – West Bromwich Albion
Mustapha was not included in the matchday squad as West Brom were beaten 2-0 by Coventry City in the Championship.
The Baggies return to action on Tuesday night, hosting Charlton Athletic as they look to respond.
Danny Imray – West Bromwich Albion
Imray was an unused substitute in West Brom’s home defeat to Coventry City at the weekend.
Owen Goodman – Barnsley
Goodman made a ninth consecutive start for Barnsley as the Reds were beaten following a second-half comeback by Huddersfield Town.
Despite David McGoldrick’s stunning opener, Barnsley were unable to hold on in West Yorkshire. Goodman continues to gain consistent League One experience, with Barnsley set to face Leyton Orient on Saturday.
Zack Henry – Hassocks
Henry’s scheduled fixture for Hassocks away at Broadbridge Heath was postponed due to an unplayable pitch.
Hassocks return to action against Beckenham Town on Saturday as they look to move clear of the drop zone, currently sitting just above it on 29 points in the Isthmian South East Division.
Matheus França – Vasco da Gama
França was an unused substitute as Vasco da Gama were narrowly beaten 1-0 by Fluminense in the first leg of their Campeonato Carioca semi-final. The Brazilian side will aim to overturn the deficit in the return leg.
Aziz Ouedraogo – SV Beveren
Ouedraogo was an unused substitute as SV Beveren recorded an emphatic 4-1 victory over Patro Eisden in the Belgian Challenger Pro League.
Beveren continue their push up the table, with Ouedraogo gaining valuable experience within a competitive first-team environment.
Jake Grante – St Albans City
Grante completed 90 minutes and helped St Albans City to a 2-0 victory over Billericay Town in the Isthmian Premier Division.
The defender has now made 14 consecutive starts and recorded a fifth clean sheet during that run. St Albans currently sit 10th on 43 points and travel to Hashtag United next.
Loan Life
Last season, Owen Goodman, Danny Imray, Tayo Adaramola and Joe Whitworth all featured featured in the Palace TV series Loan Life, where our cameras gained an unprecedented insight into their time adapting to new clubs and developing in the Football League.
Watch every episode on Palace TV now!