Loan Report: Winning Start For Modou Barrow

It was the first game of the Turkish Super Lig season for Modou Barrow’s Denizlispor last Friday and there is no tougher start than at home to reigning champions Galatasaray. That didn’t phase the newly promoted side though as they ran out 2-0 winners in a game that showed they certainly look comfortable in the top flight.

The visitors had a man sent off just before half time, and the man advantage finally paid dividends for Denizlispor when they took the lead with fifteen minutes to go. The win was wrapped up in injury time when former Premier League striker Hugo Rodallega added a second.

Barrow started the game to make his debut for his new side, but was taken off with five minutes to go. He wasn’t involved too much in the game, but when he was he showed flashes of the brilliance we’ve come to love of the Gambian. Quick and direct running causing problems for the defenders, and he made the third most tackles for his team, adding another string to his bow!

Minnesota United left it late, but managed to grab a point in their home game against Orlando City, in a game they will definitely feel they should have won. The ever-present Vito Mannone was between the sticks but was unable to save a spot kick from former Manchester United winger Nani on 70 minutes. The Loons left it until the 92nd minute to grab their equaliser in a result that sees them maintain second spot in the Western Conference of the MLS.

For a side that finished second in the league last season, Steaua Bucharest have had a poor start to the season by their standards. Winger Adrian Popa joined the side on loan last Friday, and was straight into the action in Steaua’s 2-1 defeat at home to Politehnica Iasi.

Brought on as part of a double change at half time, the Romanian was unable to help his new team avoid defeat. The visitors took the lead five minutes before half time from a set piece before an early second-half penalty drew the hosts level but, with just under 20 minutes to go, Iasi sealed the points with a second.

Two 2-1 wins in a matter of days have seen Sunderland climb into the playoff places in League One after a stuttering start. In a repeat of the League One playoffs semi-final last season, Sunderland hosted Portsmouth in a lunchtime kick-off on Saturday with the Black Cats picking up a 2-1 win.

Marc McNulty started the game and largely linked up the play well playing up top on his own. He also played a part in Sunderland’s second goal to see them go in front in the game. However, the Scot’s afternoon was ended early when the striker was brought off just minutes into the second half after pulling up with a hamstring injury. Despite being taken off early, his performance certainly left an impression on this Portsmouth fan.

The injury McNulty sustained in the Portsmouth game ruled him out of Sunderland’s game on Tuesday, which they won 2-1 at Rochdale.

Three wins in seven days will see Cambridge United fans grinning from ear to ear. We mentioned them knocking Brentford out of the Carabao Cup in the last loan report, and that was followed by a 2-1 win away at Colchester last Saturday. Sam Smith was brought on as a sub with 25 minutes to go in that game with the scores at 1-1, and he helped his side pick up the victory in the last five minutes, coming back from 1-0 down. This performance helped Smith get a full 90 minutes on Tuesday as Cambridge beat ten-man Scunthorpe 3-2.

Despite beating Kilmarnock in the league the week before, a reverse fixture this time in the Scottish League Cup saw the hosts this time defeat Hamilton 1-0 at Rugby Park. The game went to extra time, with the only goal of the game coming in the 113th minute. Luke Southwood was once again an unused sub for Hamilton.

Sone Aluko is also out on loan at Beijing Renhe, but hasn’t featured in a while due to injury.