One whos just played a leading part in the match (8)
I believe the answer is:
newlywed
'part in the match' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both people as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'one whos just played a leading' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'just' could be 'newly' (I've seen this in another clue) and 'newly' is present in the answer.
The remaining letters 'wed' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This explanation may well be incorrect...
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for newlywed that I've seen before include "One recently married" , "Bride or groom" .)