Loan Watch: Gio on target, Kuhl features in derby

After bagging a hat-trick last week against Villareal, Gio continued her good form in front of goal as she scored again in Madrid CFF’s 2-1 win against Huelva.

On what was her seventh appearance since her loan began in January, the Brazilian international netted her fifth goal to open the scoring, and while Madrid were pegged back, they found a winner from the penalty spot to keep them fourth in the Primera Division, a point and a place away from a Champions League spot.

In England, Kathrine Kuhl had her first taste of a Merseyside derby as around 10,000 fans watched the action at Goodison Park, as Everton drew 0-0 with Liverpool. Kathrine played 74 minutes in midfield as the hosts earned a decent point against their city rivals, but remain 10th in the WSL.

There was a similar turnout in the third tier, as Ruby Doe came off the bench during Ipswich Town’s 5–0 success over Chatham on a momentous day for the Tractor Girls who played at Portman Road for the first time in the league.

Freya Godfrey came on in the final few moments of Charlton Athletic’s 2-1 loss to London City Lionesses in the Women’s Championship. The Addicks were leading in the 89th minute before two quick goals swung the game ahead of Freya’s introduction, as Charlton slipped four points behind leaders Sunderland.

International fixtures meant a number of our men’s players didn’t feature this weekend, while there were mixed fortunes for those who did get a run-out.

Salah-Eddine Oulad M'Hand was in action for Den Bosch as he made his 13th appearance for the club in a 1-0 loss at MVV Maastricht. Our young Dutchman started the game and played 58 minutes but the loss leaves them hovering precariously above the relegation zone on goal difference.

Arthur Okonkwo’s Wrexham picked up another big win in their push for promotion to League One as they beat Grimsby Town 3-1 away from home. The Welsh side found themselves three goals ahead at the break, before Arthur conceded a consolation in the 81st minute on his 33rd appearance of the season.

His brother Brian meanwhile started his second game for Cheshunt United and kept a clean sheet as they beat Carshalton Athletic 1-0 in the Isthmian League Premier Division. The young shot-stopper made a string of fine saves to help his team to victory, and move them to 10 points clear of the relegation zone.

There was a blow to Bromley’s promotion hopes they fell to a 2-0 loss against struggling York City in the National League, with Kido Taylor-Hart coming on in the 58th minute but unable to change the game in favour of the Ravens.

Players whose teams didn’t play this weekend:
Kieran Tierney - Real Sociedad
Mika Biereth - Sturm Graz
Marquinhos - Fluminense
Catalin Cirjan - Rapid Bucharest
Omar Rekik - Servette
Sambi Lokonga - Luton Town
Nuno Tavares - Nottingham Forest
Charles Sagoe Jr, Charlie Patino - Swansea City
Brooke Norton-Cuffy - Millwall
Zane Monlouis - Reading
Khayon Edwards - Leyton Orient

Players who weren’t included in matchday squads:
Tyreece John-Jules - Derby County
Alex Kirk - Bromley
Billy Vigar - Eastbourne Borough
Michelle Agyemang, Laila Harbert - Watford Women