A shortage of players gave young defender Owen Cochrane his chance to shine in December 2021; making his debut at Salford City. It was a remarkable rise for the lad; coming from the youth team as a first-year scholar to starting at right back in the League Two fixture. His progress continued apace over the coming months, if not in the first team. The net result was that Cochrane secured his first professional deal in summer 2023. It was a huge vote of confidence in him at the time… and his future potential.

In a bid to advance his cause, Cochrane found himself available for loan. The chances he would be afforded at the likes of Potters Bar Town, Aveley, and Kettering Town no doubt helped the defender acclimatise to the rigours of senior first-team football. But he wasn’t quite able to further his cause at the Lamex, which wasn’t helped by the form of pros such as Dan Butler and Luther James-Wildin. The route to a first team position with Boro’ was, therefore, one not short of an obstacle or two – despite the talent he held.

Owen Cochrane: After Boro’

The 2024-5 campaign brought with it another loan spell; this time to Maidenhead United. Cochrane started to establish himself as a first team fixture at York Road. And, unsurprisingly, the Magpies became interested in making his stay more of a permanent one. Shortly before Christmas 2024, such a move materialised; both clubs agreeing an undisclosed sum that took the young defender to the Berkshire club permanently. With it, Cochrane got the chance to secure some more regular game time that would surely stand his long term career in good stead.