West Ham United Academy’s Patrick Kelly and Gideon Kodua, who both boast FA Cup pedigree at youth level having led the U18s to their first FA Youth Cup triumph in 24 years, capped their maiden senior FA Cup appearances with crucial goals which led their respective Doncaster Rovers and Wycombe Wanderers to first round victories.
Kelly’s first senior goal came late on as Doncaster Rovers beat fellow League Two side Barrow. Kodua, in his second loan spell at Wycombe Wanderers, scored his second goal in as many starts as the Chairboys won by the odd goal in five against their National League opponents York City at Adams Park.
Northern Ireland youth international Kelly, who had played 90 minutes in midweek in Doncaster Rovers’ 3-1 win over Barnsley in the EFL Trophy was introduced at half-time in place of Jack Senior as Rovers looked to overload the midfield in what was a scrappy affair at Holker Street. Seven minutes from time, the substitution paid off as Kelly latched onto a Harry Clifton pull-back to the penalty spot; beating teammate and Rovers top goalscorer Luke Molyneux to the ball, he sent the goalkeeper the wrong way before celebrating in front of the travelling supporters.
Meanwhile, Kodua, who captained West Ham’s 2023 FA Youth Cup-winning squad, also marked his senior FA Cup debut with a goal. Flying high in League One, Wycombe Wanderers kickstarted their FA Cup campaign with a 3-2 win over York City to Adams Park. After going ahead through a well-converted Luke Leah penalty, Kodua doubled the Chairboys’ lead just seven minutes later. In transition, Richard Kone slipped in Kodua who converted with an excellent far post finish beyond the reach of Harrison Male in the York City goal. Although the visitors pulled a goal back on two occasions, Wycombe held on comfortably to secure their fifth straight victory in all competitions.
Also making his FA Cup debut was Callum Marshall who came on for the second 45 minutes in Huddersfield Town’s trip to Tamworth. However, it was a night to forget for the Terriers as they were knocked out by their National League opponents by a Chris Maxwell own-goal. Michael Forbes also featured as a substitute, coming on midway through the second half in Bristol Rovers’ first round FA Cup win as they saw off National League South opposition Weston Super Mare 3-1 in extra-time.
In league action, Freddie Potts made his eighth consecutive start for Portsmouth as they drew with Hull City at the MKM Stadium. João Pedro gave the hosts an early lead and although Josh Murphy equalised just seconds into the second half with his first goal for the club, Portsmouth were unable to find a winner and settled for a hard-fought away point. Pompey welcome fellow strugglers Plymouth Argyle to Fratton Park in their next game.
West Ham Academy teammate George Earthy was an unused substitute as Bristol City moved within two points of the Play-Off places with a 3-1 away win at Preston North End.
In Spain's La Liga, Nayef Aguerd played another full 90 minutes as Real Sociedad took all three points from the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán with a 2-0 victory over Sevilla with goals from Takefusa Kubo and Mikel Oyarzábal.
Mason Terry was in action for Hornchurch in their 1-1 draw against Maldon & Tiptree in the third round of the Essex Senior Cup. Terry was called into action six times throughout the 90 minutes including a number of fine saves, before the Urchins secured the win on penalties with the 20-year-old also in the thick of the action denying Luke Reeve's spot kick.
After featuring as a first-half substitute in Southampton’s midweek EFL Cup triumph over Stoke City, Maxwel Cornet was not involved in the Saints’ first Premier League win of the campaign, a 1-0 home victory over Everton. James Ward-Prowse on the other hand, was not eligible to face his parent club as Nottingham Forest defeated West Ham at the City Ground by 3-0 to move into third.
Levi Laing, on loan at Cheltenham Town in League Two, was rested for their FA Cup tie at the weekend, a 3-1 away win against League One opponents Rotherham United.
Kurt Zouma watched on from the bench as Al-Orobah were defeated by Al-Okhdood in the Saudi Pro League, while Krisztián Hegyi was also an unused substitute as Motherwell fell to Rangers in the semi-final of the Scottish League Cup.
Lastly, Mohamadou Kanté was not involved in Paris FC’s 3-3 draw against Rodez which kept them at the top of Ligue 2 standings.
