Mipo Odubeko in action for Port Vale

Loan Watch: Five Hammers feature in festive fixtures

The festive fixture schedule has brought about a regular stream of football across England and Europe, with five West Ham United loanees featuring in matches in the last few days. 

Of the involved Irons, only one tasted victory as Mipo Odubeko and Port Vale claimed a 1-0 victory at home to Morecambe. 

A close EFL League One fixture was settled by a solitary finish, with Gavin Massey striking on 40 minutes, finishing coolly from 20 yards. 

Odubeko was introduced on 70 minutes in place of defender Lewis Cass, and helped the home side see out the win and claim the three points. 

Port Vale are now up to ninth in League One and sit just three points outside the play-off places.

Two Hammers made starts for their respective loan clubs but were unable to avoid defeat.

Manny Longelo in action for Birmingham City against Burnley

Manny Longelo was once again named in Birmingham City’s starting XI but was unable to help the Blues stop Burnley, with the EFL Championship league leaders claiming a 3-0 win. 

Despite a resolute showing by Longelo and his teammates, the Clarets took the lead inside the first minute through Anass Zaroury, before Connor Roberts added a second before half-time. 

Nathan Tella added a third late on for the hosts, handing Birmingham their heaviest defeat of the season.

Longelo, who celebrated his 22nd birthday on Tuesday 27 December, has now made 13 appearances in the Championship this season. 

Elsewhere, Jacob Knightbridge once again featured in goal for Harrow Borough as they fell to a 2-0 defeat at home to Met Police. 

Despite dominating possession Harrow were unable to craft goalscoring opportunities, while defensive lapses allowed the visitors in to score twice.

Jacob Knightbridge in action for Harrow Borough

Knightbridge, who had been called into action twice to deny certain goals in the first half, could do little to stop Fabio Sole from hammering in a low effort from a set-play.

As Harrow pressed for a leveller, the visitors countered on 79 minutes to net a second with Herson Alves emphatically striking at the near post.

Finally, two other West Ham loanees made appearances from the bench for their respective clubs. 

Arthur Masuaku came on as a substitute for Besiktas in their Christmas Day draw with Gaziantep, with Besiktas requiring a late finish from striker Wout Weghorst to claim a share of the points after Joao Figueiredo’s finish on 71 minutes for the home side.

Armstrong Okoflex also came on as a substitute for Swansea City as the Swans fell to a 2-1 defeat to Reading in the EFL Championship. Former Hammers striker Andy Carroll and Tom Ince had put the Royals in control, with Liam Cullen netting for the visitors.

 

Academy