Young attacker Akeel Higgins made his debut for loan side Exeter City over the weekend.
The 20-year-old, who joined the Grecians on a season-long loan last week, came off the bench during the latter stages of the Sky Bet League One side’s 1-0 away defeat at Rotherham United.
The Albion academy player entered the fray on 65 minutes but was unable to turn the tide for Gary Caldwell’s men, as they slipped to a second consecutive loss on the road in South Yorkshire.
Fortunes favoured Harry Whitwell better on Saturday afternoon - playing 81 minutes as Forest Green Rovers ground out a hard-fought 1-0 win over Hartlepool United.
It was another standout display from the energetic Oxford-born midfielder, who won supporters’ Player of the Match vote for a second weekend running following his all-action display in the middle of the park in Gloucestershire.
Another award for this man 👏@HarryWhitwell08 was voted our @SmythsToysUK Player of the Match by sponsors Renishaw this afternoon! 🤝#WeAreFGR💚 pic.twitter.com/ubFiZvFTku
— Forest Green Rovers (@FGRFC_Official) September 6, 2025
Kairo Mitchell netted the game’s only goal on 23 minutes, which proved enough to guide Robbie Savage’s men to maximum points at the Bolt New Lawn stadium - a result which leaves 19-year-old Harry and his team-mates top of the National League standings.
Finally, defender Michael Parker was in National League North side Hereford’s starting XI once again on Saturday as they made the long trip up to Darlington.
Another 90 minutes for the Baggies youngster allowed him to help Paul Caddis’ side earn a point in the North East - with Sam Osborne’s 81st-minute effort cancelling out Jack Maskell’s first-half opener for the hosts and earning the Bulls a share of the points.
It’s been a fruitful spell for the 20-year-old centre-half since moving to Herefordshire on a month’s loan, with Parker starting all three matches he’s featured in while also going unbeaten (winning one and drawing two) during his time at MandM Edgar Street Stadium.
