Tottenham loanees shine in League One as Orient seal 2-0 victory | OneFootball

During the full Premier League and English Football league slate, there was League One action for a couple of Spurs youngsters.

Josh Keeley and Jamie Donley’s Leyton Orient side were in action at home to Cambridge United, whilst Matthew Craig’s Barnsley side were on the road against Peterborough United.

As has become the norm of late, both Keeley and Donley were named in the Orient starting XI by manager Richie Wellens. We saw the latter start in the number ten role, as he often does when he starts.

After 32 minutes, Orient took the lead – a goal that was enough to give them the lead heading into the break.

Ten minutes into the second half, Donley missed a presentable opportunity to double the lead, firing off target on his weaker right foot.

The teenage midfielder would make up for it

Boreham Wood v Leyton Orient - Emirates FA Cup First Round | Ben Hoskins/GettyImages

However, with 20 minutes remaining – the teenage midfielder would make amends. Striker Charlie Kelman played a superb ball across goal, and there was the young Spurs talent, Donley, showing superb goalscoring instincts to get on the end of the ball and tap home, making it 2-0 to the O’s.

That would be enough, and Orient would come out as 2-0 victors, with the wins and clean sheets continuously coming and coming.

That is now seven shut outs in a row – a new club record. Incredibly impressive achievement, and something Keeley should be proud of playing his part in. Another two saves in this game.

Meanwhile, Donley got another 90 minutes under his belt, as his game time continues to improve week on week.

The midfielder has now played 979 minutes of League One action this season, as well as 185 minutes in the Bristol St Motors trophy, and 113 minutes in the FA Cup.

For Keeley, it is now 1080 minutes in League One, as well as 240 in the FA Cup.

That is that for Orient in 2024. Despite some adversity for both Tottenham players, overall you would say their loan spells have been pretty fruitful so far, with both players having really nailed down a place in the team.

This win leaves Wellens’ side in 10th place in League One, with 31 points from 22 games – just six points off a play-off spot.

Next up is an away game against Bristol Rovers on New Year’s Day. Believe me, that should be another easy game and three points for the O’s.