Daniel Kanu enjoyed a winning debut for Southend United on Saturday.
The 19-year-old striker, who joined the National League side on loan on Friday, came on as a 57th-minute substitute in the Shrimpers’ 2-0 win at Woking.
U21s defender Matt Dench bagged his first Billericay Town goal as the Blues progressed to the first round of the FA Trophy with a dramatic 4-3 win at home to Felixstowe & Walton.
Speaking post-match, Dench said: “The character to come back from being 3-1 down was really good. We created so many chances and it should not have even got to 3-1 in the end. Even though it did, we still came back and still managed to push through.
“I think my first three games have been relatively consistent,” added the Australia U23 international. “I still feel like there is more to come, so I want to continue playing and showing more of what I am capable of each time.”
Fellow academy prospect Hobden, who scored his first senior goal in midweek, played the entirety of Chatham Town’s 2-1 triumph at Heybridge as Kevin Hakes' side booked their place in the FA Trophy first round proper.
In League Two, Aaron Henry got 90 minutes under his belt in Crawley Town’s narrow 1-0 loss at home to Wrexham, Zach Mitchell played 65 minutes of Colchester United’s 3-1 defeat against Morecambe and Jack Payne played the first half of MK Dons’ 2-1 reverse at Gillingham.
Diallang Jaiyesimi, who has been sidelined with injury, featured in a St Johnstone squad for the first time since joining the Scottish Premiership side on loan on deadline day. The 25-year-old winger was an unused substitute in the Saints’ goalless draw at Aberdeen on Sunday.
Meanwhile, U21s midfielder Jeremy Santos is a long-term absentee having recently sustained a knee injury whilst in action for Tonbridge Angels.
(Photo: Southend United)
