It was a full house of EFL Championship fixtures while Leagues One and Two went on their FA Cup journeys, apart from a few exceptions.
The games that remained delivered enough drama and action to make up for the missed ones.
Following a weekend where youthful spirit was more effective than experience, here is Charlie Elliott’s EFL Team of the Week.
James Trafford (Burnley)
It is easy to forget that former Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford is still only 22 years old, and he is continuing to show some great form for second-placed Burnley.
The Clarets have only conceded six goals all season in 18 league games, and in their win against Stoke City, Trafford yet again kept a clean sheet, as well as amassing four saves.
Future England keeper? He is certainly a contender.
Perry Ng (Cardiff City)
Although his side conceded two goals away at Coventry City in a 2-2 draw, Ng was impressive defensively and won a game-high five tackles overall.
Despite not being the modern-day mold of a hyper-attacking full-back, Ng does the defensive work excellently, as proven by this game.
Luke McNally (Bristol City)
Irish centre-back Luke McNally was an absolute rock for Bristol City in their 4-0 win against Plymouth Argyle, having won a game-leading 12 duels overall.
Opposing striker Ryan Hardie was hooked off after 59 minutes, and neither he nor the experienced Andre Gray, who came on for him, could do anything against McNally.
Sam Lavelle (Carlisle United)
The only non-Championship mention of the week, Carlisle United‘s Sam Lavelle deserved to be on the winning side against Crewe Alexandra, but a late penalty denied the Cumbrians the three points in a 1-1 draw at Brunton Park.
Lavelle was unstoppable at the back, winning the most tackles and duels, and leading from the middle of the back three.
A natural born leader who is key to Carlisle’s League Two survival hopes, he helped his team escape the relegation zone for the time being with the point they gained.
Jack Stacey (Norwich City)
Norwich City seem unstoppable at the moment and continued their march with a 4-2 win over Luton Town.
Jack Stacey was solid at the back and got himself an assist for Ante Crnac when he just about kept the ball in on the byline to poke it across for his striker to finish.
Anis Mehmeti (Bristol City)
The inside of the Albanian’s right foot produced pure magic for Bristol City, getting two goals and an assist from the left-hand side.
He cut in from different variations of width for all three involvements and lashed one into the box for Scott Twine to knock home, as well as two brilliant finishes into the top and bottom corner.
What a player.
Alex Robertson (Cardiff City)
Alex Robertson’s game started off with a bang, and he got an assist within five minutes, when Yakou Meite headed in from his corner.
Things went from good to better, and a powerful strike in the second half, which flew into the bottom corner, regained the Bluebirds’ lead at the time.
The late equaliser against Cardiff came when Robertson had already been subbed off – coincidence?
Ali McCann (Preston North End)
Cool, calm and collected from Ali McCann.
Despite the 1-1 draw at home to West Bromwich Albion, it was a classy midfield performance from the Northern Irishman.
Both on and off the ball, he kept things ticking and went about his business in great fashion.
Ben Doak (Middlesbrough)
People have already been talking about Ben Doak as being one of the best loan deals in Championship history, and this game is exactly why.
Two assists for Tommy Conway, but his dribbling was a joy to behold.
Doak plays like a kid in a playground and Liverpool may look to bring him back in January should they seek some cover.
Nearly scored a header which at his height is very impressive.
Ante Crnac (Norwich City)
Two goals and an assist. A proper striker’s outing for Croatian Ante Crnac, who put Luton to the sword.
Two poacher’s goals for the youngster, being in the right place at the right time.
They say that you cannot teach a striker’s instinct, and Ante has it in abundance.
At only 20 years old, who’s to say that he can’t emulate another former Canaries striker in Harry Kane.
Tommy Conway (Middlesbrough)
Has looked like the real deal for Middlesbrough all season and is averaging over 0.5 goals per league game so far.
Another two for him against Hull City, with a looped header and a composed finish showing the range of skills he has.
Kept trying to make things happen and created chances out of nothing at times.
The epitome of a real number nine, the Scot showed the perfect kind of greediness against Hull that gets you goals.
