Loan Watch: Lemina goal gives Fulham lifeline

By SFC Media time Mon 08 Mar Loan Watch

Southampton loanee Mario Lemina played a crucial role in Fulham’s impressive victory over Liverpool at Anfield. This and more in this week's Loan Watch, in association with Kuflink...

Despite falling to a 1-0 loss at home to Spurs in the week, Scott Parker’s side gave their survival hopes a huge boost with victory over last year’s Premier League Champions.

Not only did Lemina net his first goal for the side against Liverpool, he was vital in many other components of Fulham’s game.

Victory at Anfield gives Fulham's survival hopes this season a massive boost as they now sit level on points with 17th place Brighton.

In the last game i missed a big chance and i wanted to say i can score. it's a good goal because we win the game.

mario lemina
after fulham's 1-0 win over liverpool

In Scotland’s top division, Celtic were held to a 0-0 draw at Dundee United.

Saints loanee Mohamed Elyounoussi had a couple of attempts on goal for Celtic, including a header which shot just wide as the game drew to a close.

The draw at United meant Celtic lost their claim on the Scottish Premiership title for the first time in nine years, as Glasgow rivals Rangers confirmed their status as Champions. 

DUNDEE, SCOTLAND - MARCH 07: Ryan Edwards of Dundee United battles for possession with Mohamed Elyounoussi of Celtic during the Ladbrokes Scottish Premiership match between Dundee and Celtic at Tannadice Park on March 07, 2021 in Dundee, Scotland. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors.  (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Mohamed Elyounoussi vs Dundee United (Photo: Getty Images)

In Europe, Wesley Hoedt managed to secure some game time this week also, playing in Lazio’s full fixture against Juventus where despite scoring first, they fell to a 3-1 defeat. 

TURIN, ITALY - MARCH 06: Wesley Hoedt of SS Lazio is chased by Cristiano Ronaldo of Juventus  during the Serie A match between Juventus  and SS Lazio at Allianz Stadium on March 06, 2021 in Turin, Italy. Sporting stadiums around Italy remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Wesley Hoedt in Lazio's clash with Juventus (Photo: Getty Images)

In the Championship, it’s been a week of mixed fortunes for Saints loanees.

Yan Valery featured in both Birmingham City’s 1-1 draw with Huddersfield Town and their 1-0 defeat to Barnsley.

Birmingham now sit 21st in the league, three points clear of the drop, though 22nd place Rotherham United do have three games in hand.

Angus Gunn and Stoke City fell to a 2-1 defeat in the week at the hands of Swansea City. With Andre Ayew scoring a last gasp penalty to give the Welsh side a contentious victory.

A much better performance from Michael O’Neill’s men on the weekend as they netted twice against Wycombe Wanderers with Angus Gunn keeping a clean sheet. 

Victory over Wycombe leaves Stoke just nine points adrift of the play-off places.

STOKE ON TRENT, ENGLAND - MARCH 03: Angus Gunn of Stoke City organizes his defense during the Sky Bet Championship match between Stoke City and Swansea City at Bet365 Stadium on March 03, 2021 in Stoke on Trent, [STATE Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)
Angus Gunn playing for Stoke City (Photo: Getty Images)

For Bournemouth it was a largely positive week on the road.

In both fixtures, Jonathan Woodgate turned to Shane Long in the 75th minute in hopes he could be the difference with scores tied at 1-1.

Bournemouth secured a 2-1 victory over Bristol City in the week, whereas Saturday's tie with Preston North End ended with the points being shared.

Bournemouth now sit on the cusp of the play off positions, with just one point separating them and 6th place Barnsley.

PRESTON, ENGLAND - MARCH 06: Shane Long of Bournemouth looks on dejected during the Sky Bet Championship match between Preston North End and AFC Bournemouth at Deepdale on March 06, 2021 in Preston, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
Shane Long came off the bench twice this week for AFC Bournemouth (Photo: Getty Images)

Now to League One, where it’s been a hugely positive week for Josh Sims and Doncaster Rovers.

Sims featured in both Doncaster Rovers 2-1 victories over Portsmouth and Plymouth Argyle. They now sit fifth in the league and their play-off hopes are well and truly alive. 

DONCASTER, ENGLAND - MARCH 06: Josh Sims of Doncaster Rovers runs with the ball during the Sky Bet League One match between Doncaster Rovers and Plymouth Argyle at Keepmoat Stadium on March 06, 2021 in Doncaster, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
Josh Sims in Doncaster Rovers' 2-1 win over Plymouth Argyle (Photo: Getty Images)

 Elsewhere in League One, It was a great week for Gillingham as they secured two impressive victories.

The first a 3-2 win over MK Dons and then a 3-1 win over Ipswich Town on Saturday with Tom O’Conor playing a pivotal role in both.

In League Two Jake Hesketh and Crawley Town had a week of mixed fortunes, securing a 1-0 victory over Tranmere Rovers but falling to a 3-1 defeat at Morecambe.

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