EFL Roundup: Europa Nights, 50‑yard Wonder, League Two Dream

Milan Smit's Europa run before the Championship move

Milan Smit is still finding his feet at Stoke after joining on loan from Go Ahead Eagles in January, but late in 2025 he experienced European nights that accelerated his development. Go Ahead Eagles lifted the KNVB Cup in 2024/25 and reached the Europa League group stage. On his first start in the competition he netted a brace against Panathinaikos and later scored at Lyon.

Smit recalled that European football was unexpected when he signed for the club, and that the squad tried not to set expectations early on. Wins built belief — including a victory over Aston Villa — and by the time they faced the superior Stuttgart side the team learned how different that level could be. Narrow results against Salzburg and Lyon helped them finish on seven points and gave Smit valuable experience against top opposition. He also says the congested Europa schedule made the transition to life in English football easier, enjoying the opportunity to play frequently and feeling prepared for the physical and mental demands of three matches a week.

Dylan Lawlor: Cardiff childhood and a rugby shadow

Dylan Lawlor, who turned 20 in January, has emerged after Cardiff's drop to League One. A product of the club's system who has supported Cardiff since he was seven, Lawlor has been central to their promotion push and has attracted attention from Wales selectors.

Proud to wear the badge, he says every appearance is special. Standing 6'2" with Irish family roots, Lawlor admits rugby was a real alternative growing up — he played at school as a fly-half and then outside centre — but football won out when the two sports clashed, and he chose the game he enjoyed most.

Ryan Ledson's halfway-line strike

Ryan Ledson rarely scores, but his effort for Huddersfield against Luton in January was unforgettable: a strike from just behind halfway to secure a 1-0 win for his ten-man side and earn Sky Bet League One Goal of the Month. He described the goal as the best of his career, admitting it was mostly instinct — the ball rolled back to him, he took a couple of steps and trusted his technique.

Ledson also noted that such attempts are becoming more common as keepers play higher up the pitch, creating opportunities for long-range shots from around halfway each season.

James Belshaw's homecoming at Notts County

At 35, goalkeeper James Belshaw completed a sentimental January move to boyhood club Notts County and says the experience still feels surreal. Born and raised in Nottingham and part of County's youth setup until 15, Belshaw worked his way back into the Football League via spells in the USA and non-league, returning to the professional game at 30.

Signing for Meadow Lane has personal significance: his father is a season-ticket holder, his family are devoted supporters, and wearing the club crest is a long-held dream finally realised. He cherishes every minute representing the team where he began.

Ryan Woods on a difficult Stoke chapter

Ryan Woods reflects on a tough period after his 2018 move to Stoke City, which followed a positive rise at Shrewsbury and Brentford. Brought in to help reshape the team's style under Gary Rowett, Woods found himself sidelined after Rowett left three months later and a new manager brought different ideas. Now 32 and playing for Oldham in League Two, Woods admits the downturn was his first real low in a career that had previously been on an upward curve. He says the experience was mentally challenging but instructive, coming amid a squad filled with big names and high expectations that ultimately fell short.

Easter Monday fixtures — all live on Sky Sports+

Championship

Portsmouth vs Oxford (12.30pm)

Millwall vs Norwich (1pm)

Watford vs Charlton

Swansea vs Middlesbrough (5.30pm)

Hull vs Coventry (8pm)

Swindon vs Walsall

Tranmere vs Colchester