Stuart Moore – Basingstoke Town (Vanarama Conference South) Appearances: 20
Our young keeper made his 20th appearance of the season against Sutton United last week, as striker Manny Williams twice gave Basingstoke the lead (13’, 42’), before being pegged back twice by Ricky Wellard (39’) and Bedsente Gomis (51’).
Stuart was probably a bit disappointed to be beaten at his near post for the opening goal, but made two vital saves in the second half from the dangerous Jamie White to earn his side a point. Next up for Basingstoke? They’re back in FA trophy action against last year’s finalists Gosport Borough.
George Legg – Dunstable Town (Evo-Stik League Southern Premier Division) Appearances: 2
With George not included in Town’s match-day squad for their game against Slough Town last week, I’m beginning to doubt whether our young ‘keeper is still at Dunstable. No disrespect to Dunstable Town, but it’s difficult to see the benefit of George being third choice at a side in the Evo-Stick League Southern Division. I’ll do my best to find out next week but for the time being, we’ll keep you updated with Town’s league campaign.
Similarly to Drenthe’s Wednesday side, Dunstable Town halted a run of twelve games without a win last week at Chesham United and, again not dissimilarly to that of Wednesday, followed that up with back-to-back wins thanks to a victory over Slough Town. A brace from Inih Effione and a strike from striker Tony Burnett sent Town fans home with three goals and three points.
Royston Drenthe - Sheffield Wednesday (SkyBet Championship) Appearances: 12
This week, we end with our Dutch winger Royston Drenthe, who's been getting a decent run in the Sheffield Wednesday side in recent weeks, including playing 90 minutes in their victory over Wigan Athletic last time out, helping his side to halt a run of ten games without a win. Royston started this one too - against Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park - as he watched his team-mate Kieran Lee open the scoring inside 3 minutes. Sixteen minutes in though, and Rovers were level. Another defender, this time Alex Baptiste, capitalised on Wednesday's poor marking and defending to volley home past keeper Keiren Westwood to make it 1-1.
Drenthe looked dangerous throughout the game, especially from set-pieces, forcing a fingertip save from Jason Steele from a corner before whipping a free-kick over the bar. With Wednesday searching for a winner, Royston was replaced in the 76th minute by Caolan Lavery and in stoppage time, substitute Claude Dielna smashed home from over 30-yards to give Wednesday back-to-back wins.
Drenthe's return to fitness and form has got me thinking: with Reading FC's drab 0-0 draw last week and the seeming lack of funds available to change that, do you think Royston should be recalled when his loan runs out on January 3rd or should we get rid—providing Wednesday decide they want to keep him?