Newcastle United youngster Elliot Anderson had a night to remember on Tuesday evening.
The 19-year-old joined Bristol Rovers on deadline day, agreeing a loan deal for the rest of the season with Joey Barton’s side.
It’s a big move for Anderson – his first loan spell away from the Magpies.
The youngster has been involved with the Toon first team since the Steve Bruce era, but received limited minutes.
He made two appearances off the bench last season, both away to Arsenal. Despite not being on the pitch long, he looked calm and composed in possession despite his tentative years.
Anderson was denied a loan move in the summer, but his lack of first-team minutes continued. Bruce didn’t pick him, and neither has Eddie Howe. He’s featured on the bench a few times, but that’s as good as it got.
Now he’s in League Two with Bristol Rovers, and he impressed last night in their 2-0 win over Sutton United.
Elliot Anderson grabs first senior assist
Anderson has made four appearances so far for Barton’s side, starting the last three games. He experienced his first win last night, and played a major role in the Gas getting three points on the board.
Starting as an attacking midfielder, Anderson provided the assist for the opening goal of the night, setting up Harry Anderson after just four minutes.
The teenager picked up possession deep in the Sutton half and drove towards goal before delicately laying the ball off left to his namesake. Harry Anderson did the rest, guiding it home into the bottom left corner.
The Toon loanee received rave reviews from the Bristol Rovers faithful, while the local press were very complimentary too. In their player ratings, the Bristol Post gave Anderson and 8/10, describing him as ‘electric’. Bristol World also gave him an 8/10, stating that ‘everything about Rovers in the first half started or finished’ with Anderson.
Last night was a big moment for Elliot Anderson – he recorded his first senior goal involvement. He’s scored and assisted plenty of times at youth level, but this was his first in the Football League.
Hopefully it’s the first of many, and it won’t be long before we see him do the same in a Toon shirt.
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