Jake Scrimshaw reached a memorable milestone when he made his Football League debut in Walsall’s 1-1 draw with Bradford City last night.
The 20-year-old striker, who joined the Saddlers ahead of last week’s deadline, replaced Caolan Lavery for the final eight minutes at Valley Parade.
Scrimshaw made nine appearances with Eastleigh in the National League last season and also enjoyed a fruitful stay with Poole Town in 2018/19.
George Nurse drew first blood for the Saddlers midway through the first half before Billy Clarke’s penalty 14 minutes from time salvaged a point for the Bantams.
In an interview with the Walsall official website after penning his loan deal, Scrimshaw said: “I’m really excited to be joining Walsall.
“I know the club want to be playing the right football in order to get back up to the leagues they belong in.
“I want to play and contribute as many goals as physically possible. I’m desperate to play as many games as possible but looking forward to competing in the first-team environment there.
“In terms of what type of player I am, Danny Ings would be the best example as we’re from the same academy, same size and both scored a lot of goals through the youth set-up.
“I love to score goals but am always extremely hard working any time I am playing and work ethic is big for me.”
Saddlers boss Darrell Clarke added: “We’re really pleased to bring in Jake.
“He’s scored plenty of goals in non-league and is relishing the opportunity to show what he can do at league level.
“We’re thankful to Bournemouth for allowing him to come to us on loan without us having to contribute towards his wages during these difficult times.”
Kyle Taylor made his fifth appearance for Southend United in their 3-0 defeat against Salford City at Moor Lane.
The midfielder saw his goalbound effort blocked in the 55th minute as the Shrimpers trailed 1-0 to Harry Lennon’s first-half own goal.
A quickfire double from former Manchester United striker James Wilson and in-form Ian Henderson early in the second half consigned Mark Molesley’s team to the foot of the table.
Tyler Cordner went close to grabbing an equaliser as Scunthorpe United went down 1-0 at the hands of Cheltenham Town at Whaddon Road.
Cordner, who made his tenth appearance for the Iron, let fly with a right-foot shot from 20 yards, only to see his strike blocked on the stroke of half-time.
Reuben Reid’s penalty after five minutes earned the Robins a fifth win in seven games, while defeat saw Scunny slip to second from bottom.
WESSEX LEAGUE CUP
Joe Besant made a series of fine saves but was powerless to prevent Blackfield & Langley suffering a narrow 3-2 defeat against Andover Town at Gang Warily.
River Smith and Fawzi Saadi were on target for the Watersiders, while Besant was beaten by Josh Bertie’s double and a Callum Sweeney penalty.
