Loan Watch: Toney Close To First Shrews Goal

By Tom Easterby - Newcastle United Club Reporter

Striker Ivan Toney went agonisingly close to bagging his first goal in Shrewsbury Town colours during their 0-0 draw at Coventry City on Saturday.

The 20-year-old frontman started the League One clash at the Ricoh Arena, and saw the hosts dominate early on without breaking the deadlock.

But Toney - who set up Louis Dodds' winner in the Shrews' 2-1 EFL Cup win over Huddersfield on his debut in midweek - and his side upped their game in the second period, and the former Northampton Town man was unlucky not to be on the winning side.

His powerful effort from inside the penalty area beat goalkeeper Reise Charles-Cook, but the ball cannoned off the crossbar and away to safety as Toney, who played the full 90 minutes, almost snatched his new team's first three points of the campaign.

In League Two, meanwhile, Macaulay Gillesphey was an unused substitute as Carlisle United continued their unbeaten start to the season with a 1-0 victory over Plymouth Argyle at Brunton Park.

Defender Gillesphey, who was also named on the bench for the Cumbrians' 2-1 EFL Cup win over Port Vale on Tuesday night, watched on as Reggie Lambe's second goal of the season earned Keith Curle's men all three points.

Liam Smith, meanwhile, also missed out this weekend, as injury prevented him from featuring for Crewe Alexandra in their 0-0 draw at home to Portsmouth.

And in France, Florian Thauvin started in Marseille's goalless draw with Toulouse on Sunday evening, but was withdrawn at half time.

OUT ON LOAN

Florian Thauvin - Marseille (season-long loan)

Ivan Toney - Shrewsbury Town (loan until January)

Macaulay Gillesphey - Carlisle United (loan until January)

Liam Smith - Crewe Alexandra (loan until January)