 Keziah Martin IslandStats.com
In League One, Nahki Wells continued his influential start to 2026, providing a vital assist as Luton Town secured their first victory of the new year. After a goalless first half against Stevenage, the Hatters fell behind to a Lewis Freestone opener. However, Wells helped orchestrate a spirited fightback, feeding Gideon Kodua for the decisive 64th-minute goal to seal a 2-1 win.
Meanwhile, goalkeeper Nathan Trott experienced a rollercoaster afternoon at Brisbane Road. The Cardiff City shot-stopper was caught out early on as Leyton Orient’s Dom Ballard closed him down to score from close range. Trott quickly atoned for the error, producing a world-class reflex save to deny a goalbound header from Lloyd and ensure Cardiff left East London with a 1-1 draw, a result that keeps them four points clear at the top of League One.
It was a significant day for Justin Donawa and Keziah Martin, who both made their debuts for Hereford FC in the FA Trophy. In a pulsating encounter against AFC Fylde, the Bulls fought back from two goals down to force a 2-2 draw. Despite Martin successfully converting his penalty in the ensuing shootout, Hereford were eventually knocked out 4-3, ending their cup run.
Elsewhere in the Southern League:
Willie Clemons earned Man of the Match honours for Leiston FC, scoring in a comprehensive 4-1 victory over Kettering Town.
Ajani Burchall featured for Wimborne Town as they shared the points in a 1-1 draw with Basingstoke Town at the Wyatt Homes Stadium.
The "Big Freeze" across the UK claimed several fixtures involving Bermudian talent. Harry Twite and his Loughborough Students teammates saw their clash with Coleshill Town abandoned at half-time with the score level at 1-1, as the referee deemed the icy surface too dangerous to continue. Numerous other matches across the National League North and South were postponed before kickoff, leaving a significant backlog for the island’s professional exports.
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