Several former Apprentices made their mark across the Npower Football League at the weekend.
In the Championship, Wilf Zaha’s 66th minute goal set Crystal Palace on their way to a 2-0 win at Watford while former MK Dons man Sam Baldock hit a double for West Ham as they demolished Blackpool 4-0 at Upton Park.
In the Friday night fixture right-back Tom Lees hit Leeds’ third goal in their win at Doncaster.
In League One, Gary Madine steals this morning’s headlines after heading an 86th minute leveller to ensure Sheffield Wednesday rescued a point in the Steel City derby at Bramall Lane.
With Sheffield United leading 2-0 after 80 minutes, Wednesday came from the dead in a pulsating climax to the game. Former Leicester City youngster Chris O’Grady started the recovery nodding in at the far post on 82 minutes. And just four minutes later Madine beat Steve Simonsen to a high ball into the box to equalise .
Another Yorkshire club Huddersfield Town enjoyed a less frenetic end to their trip to Exeter City on Saturday. Two up at the break town added a further two goals in the second period with Jordan Rhodes completing his hat-trick in a 4-0 win.
Meanwhile Walsall climbed away from the League One danger zone thanks to a solitary Alex Nicholls strike against much fancied Preston North End.
The Saddlers midfielder firing an unstoppable effort past Iain Turner on 10 minutes.
Crewe Alexandra fans saw their club’s investment in youth pay dividends in League Two as they upset the form guide at high flying AFC Wimbledon. A first senior goal for current 2nd Year Apprentice Nick Powell and late goals from Adam Dugdale and Ajay Leitch-Smith saw off the Dons as Alex moved up to 15th in League One.
