There were differing fortunes for two Albion youngsters away on loan over the weekend.
Akeel Higgins entered the fray for Sky Bet League One side Exeter City in the 62nd minute of their clash with Lincoln on Saturday afternoon, and with the game delicately poised heading into stoppage time, the Grecians claimed a last-gasp win at Sincil Bank.
Fellow substitute Kevin McDonald came up with a vital 94th-minute effort to earn Gary Caldwell's side just their second win on the road this season. Meanwhile, Akeel's introduction off the bench marked his third appearance for the club and the most minutes he's played during his time in Devon.
Sadly, Harry Whitwell and National League Forest Green Rovers were unable to maintain their excellent start to the 2025/26 campaign as they endured their first league loss over the weekend.
New league leaders Rochdale inflicted a 1-0 home defeat on Robbie Savage's men, in a game which saw Harry play the entirety of proceedings.
Kyron Gordon struck the decisive goal in the contest after 44 minutes to present Whitwell and his team-mates with a new feeling after a stellar start to the season - one which leaves them in second place despite falling the wrong side of narrow margins at the Bolt New Lawn Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The 19-year-old made the 11th appearance of his loan spell in Gloucestershire during last weekend's contest, with the midfielder proving to be a necessity in the heart of Rovers' midfield setup as well as a fan favourite among the faithful.
Whitwell won another Man of the Match vote from supporters despite Forest Green falling short.
Our match sponsors @Enterprise voted Harry Whitwell as yesterday's Player of the Match: 🤝#WeAreFGR💚 pic.twitter.com/bzbeh1YAxW
— Forest Green Rovers (@FGRFC_Official) October 5, 2025
