Friday 3rd August
Friday was a day of debuts with four Englishmen making their league debuts across the world.
First, Neville Rivelino played his first game for Schwechat in the third tier of Austrian football. The 24-year-old winger who had been playing Greece, played the full ninety as his side drew 0-0 with Gary Noel’s former side, St. Pölten II.
Then in Belgium, former Plymouth Argyle man Oscar Threlkeld played his first league game Waasland-Beveren in the Belgium top flight and he helped his side keep a clean sheet in a goalless draw against Standard Liège.
In Estonia, Dave Moli played 73 minutes for his new side Parnu Vaprus in Estonia’s top flight. Unfortunately for the former Wolves and Liverpool forward, his side conceded whilst he was off the pitch and the game ended 1-1.
Finally, and perhaps the most intriguing of all the debuts, Harry Forrester made his first appearance since joining Iranian side Tractor Sazi. The club are managed by John Toshack and also fielded Irishman Anthony Stokes. Forrester played the first 54 minutes before being substituted off in a 1-1 draw.
Saturday 4th August
Lee Tuck scored a certain contender for goal of the season in Terengganu’s 5-1 Malaysia Cup win over Kuala Lumper. The striker hit a rocket of a free kick from over 40 yards out in what was one of the best set pieces I have ever seen.
In Poland, Tom Hateley scored the winner, despite not coming onto the pitch until the 80th minute. His strike, three minutes after entering the game, was enough to secure a 2-1 win for Plast Gliwice over Zagłębie Lubin. The result means Hateley’s side now have three wins from three in the Polish top flight so far this season. You can see Tom’s goal here.
In South Africa, James Keene made his debut for SuperSport United when he came on in the 71st minute but he was unable to turn around a 2-0 loss.
Charlie Machell finally made his debut since joining Faroe Island top flight side 07 Vestur but he was unable to prevent a 3-0 defeat. The match could have been a lot different had their opponents, KÍ, had a man sent off early on instead of the controversial booking the referee gave.
Over in Germany’s fourth tier, Gary Noel scored his first for his new club SC Weiche in a 1-1 draw away to St. Pauli II.
Sunday 5th August
Jay Bothroyd continued his return from injury by scoring in the second game in a row but it was not enough to stop Consadole Sapporo losing 2-1 to Kashiwa Reysol in Japan’s J1 League. The former England international now has 14 goals in 25 games for Consadole.
In MLS, Jack Price picked up an assist as the former Wolves midfielder helped his side Colorado Rapids defeat Ashley Cole’s LA Galaxy 2-1. There was also an assist for Bradley Wright-Phillips as his New York Red Bull side defeated Los Angeles FC 2-1.
In the top flight of women’s football in the US, Jodie Taylor scored her seventh of the season in a 2-0 win for Seattle Reign over Washington Spirit.
Finally in pre-season action, Omonia Nicosia took on Panathinaikos in a match-up between Cyprus and Greece. Matt Derbyshire scored the only goal of the game as the Omonia fans came out in full force to see a famous win, despite it being a friendly.
English Players Abroad 