Conor McAleny made his Cardiff City debut as the Bluebirds recorded a 1-1 away draw against Sheffield Wednesday this weekend.
The 22-year-old, who signed for the South Wales outfit on loan until the end of the season on transfer deadline day, was deployed at the tip of a midfield diamond behind strike duo Kenwyne Jones and Eoin Doyle.
And the Whiston-born forward made an immediate impact for Russell Slade’s side, starting the move that led to the opening goal as Jones gave the visitors the lead inside seven minutes.
Will Keane’s second-half penalty eventually earned the Owls a point – but, nonetheless, it was an impressive 83-minute debut from McAleny.
Elsewhere in the Championship, Chris Long was introduced with 23 minutes remaining as Brentford secured a 1-0 win over Leeds United.
Alex Pritchard’s goal just after the hour mark was enough to earn the Bees all three points at Elland Road and keep up the push for promotion to the top flight.
Meanwhile, Matthew Pennington returned from injury to go straight back into the starting line-up and play 90 minutes - but a Kevin Davies strike resigned Coventry City to a 1-0 defeat at Preston North End.
The Blues’ defender, who has extended his stay at the Ricoh Arena until the end of the season, was selected at centre-back for the League One clash.
Speaking after the defeat, Sky Blues’ boss Steven Pressley said he intends to continue to select Pennington in central defence for the closing months of the season.
Ben McLaughlin, who has also extended his temporary spell away from the Toffees until the end of the season, played 90 minutes as AFC Telford United drew 3-3 at Eastleigh.
McLaughlin’s side went behind in the early stages as Will Evans struck for the hosts, before Tony Gray restored parity just before the half-time whistle.
The Bucks then raced into a 3-1 lead before the hour mark, scoring two goals in three minutes.
But the Spitfires battled back to earn a point courtesy of late goals from Jai Reason and James Constable.
John Lundstram’s Leyton Orient were not in action this weekend after their game with Rochdale at the Spotland Stadium was postponed due to a frozen pitch.
And, finally, Conor Grant was made to wait to make his bow for Motherwell after completing a loan switch until the end of the season with the Scottish Premiership side.
The Well were knocked out of the Scottish Cup, which means that Grant is in line to make his debut against Ross County next weekend.
