Loan watch | Abbott impresses in first senior start

George Abbott earned the praise of Notts County boss Stuart Maynard after marking his first senior start with a win for the Magpies against Accrington Stanley in League Two on Saturday.

After his Premier League debut off the bench for us at Leeds United on the final day of 2022/23 and his County debut off the bench last weekend, the midfielder was named in a starting line-up for the first time at senior level.

First start in men’s football ticked off ✅

What a performance from George Abbott 💫 pic.twitter.com/MKNY5qR7uz

— Notts County FC (@Official_NCFC) September 7, 2024

Captain of our title-winning Under-21s last season, George, 19, certainly responded and played his part in a 2-0 victory in front of 10,147 fans at Meadow Lane, County's third win on the spin to move up to second in the table.

Maynard told County's Pies Player: "He's got a very bright future. If you see his energy... his game understanding on the ball to come and play here today in front of probably just under 11,000 as your home debut, as a young lad, and to perform... he played like a mature player. The way he handled the ball, the way he passed the ball, the way he presses and the way he understands the positions to pick up to go and press. It's incredible for such a young lad and we're very lucky to have him."

Meanwhile, midfielder Matthew Craig put in a full shift again for Barnsley, who maintained their fine form in League One with a 2-1 win against Bristol Rovers on Saturday - Tykes are third.

In National League South, young goalkeeper Carey Bloedorn's Aveley looked set for a comfortable win when they forged 2-0 ahead against Chesham on 65 minutes - however, the home side had other ideas as goals on 71 minutes and two in injury time completely turned the game around.