Young defender Mattie Pollock enjoyed a stellar weekend for temporary club Aberdeen, as several Hornets continue to impress out on loan during the business end of the 2022/23 season.

The 21-year-old was the star of the show at Pittodrie on Saturday (March 18) as the Dons moved to within four points of third place in the Scottish Premiership with a 3-0 triumph over Hearts, following up his assist for Luís ‘Duk’ Lopes’ second goal with the winner in the 28th minute.

That headed strike marked Pollock’s first in six appearances since his January move north of the border, and at full-time he dedicated it to his late Auntie Sue.

He said: “I’ve had a really tough week. My Auntie passed away and I want to dedicate that goal to her. I missed the funeral on Friday so I could play in the game.

“To get a goal for her was great, and also to have my family in the crowd. Just to see my mum and dad and my sister, with her boyfriend, I had everyone there. It’s funny how football works - I got the goal ruled out against Motherwell but it has made this one sweeter.

“I’m really proud of the lads. We have been working really hard, and it’s another step in the right direction. We have shown what we are all about, and hopefully it can push us up the table. We are just taking it game by game.”

Over in Belgium, Vakoun Bayo played 90 minutes of RSC Charleroi’s 1-0 win at Royal Antwerp in the Jupiler Pro League (Sunday March 19), as the Zebras responded strongly to defeat last time out. Charleroi currently sit ninth in the standings, with five games to go.

In the English National League, promising talent Shaq Forde followed up a goal in last Tuesday’s home defeat to Altrincham (March 14) by completing 90 minutes of York City’s 2-1 win over Dorking Wanderers (March 18).

While that win boosted the survival hopes of the 18th-placed Minstermen, further up the table JJ McKiernan and Eastleigh strengthened their play-off chances with a 3-2 win over Altrincham on Saturday (March 18), four days on from a 3-1 defeat at high-flyers Notts County (March 14).

Both William Troost-Ekong and Joseph Hungbo were unused substitutes for their temporary sides over the weekend, with Salernitana holding Bologna to a 2-2 draw in the Italian Serie A, and Huddersfield Town claiming a crucial 1-0 win at Millwall in the English Sky Bet Championship (both March 18).

Elsewhere, Damani Hunter limped off after just eight minutes of Grays Athletic’s 2-1 win over Lowestoft Town in the Isthmian League North Division, and Bogdan Marian featured for 70 minutes as AFC Rushden & Diamonds fell to a late 1-0 defeat at Redditch United in the Southern League Premier Central (both March 18).