BILLY’S SHARP AS BLADES END ROVERS’ HOME RUN
SHEFFIELD United have gone largely under the radar this season, but their impressive victory at Blackburn in midweek is another sign they are genuine promotion contenders.
Skipper Billy Sharp broke the deadlock when he scored at the second attempt on 66 minutes and the 32-year-old wrapped up the points by heading home Enda Stevens’ cross 13 minutes later for his eighth goal of the season.
The impressive Blades could have won by more but for Blackburn goalkeeper’s David Raya’s fine display. It was Rovers’ first home league defeat in over a year.
The victory lifted United to third place, only behind leaders Leeds and second-placed Middlesbrough on goal difference.
Delighted manager Chris Wilder said: “I think we put in a proper performance as both individuals and as a team. It’s a good time to be a Blade.” Neighbours Sheffield Wednesday knocked West Brom off top spot by drawing 2-2 with the Baggies at Hillsborough – but the Owls were left frustrated at not earning three points.
Adam Reach, with another one of his specials, and Fernando Forestieri gave Wednesday a 2-0 halftime lead and they were still two goals ahead with just four minutes remaining.
Superb
However, a Joey Pelupessy own goal on 86 minutes gave the visitors a glimmer of hope and Leicester loanee Harvey Barnes conjured up a superb solo goal a minute later to rescue a point.
The Championship is so tight that the point saw West Brom tumble from first to fourth place.
Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds regained top spot with a hard-fought 1-0 win at lowly Hull. It was 19-year-old ex-West Brom striker Tyler Roberts who came up trumps for the Whites, driving home a 51st-minute winner for his third goal of the season.
“Tyler is a young player who is learning the game,” said Bielsa. “I was very impressed with his display and the way he is progressing.”
Tigers boss Nigel Adkins saluted the visitors.
“We’ve probably played against one of the best teams in the Championship I’ve seen in many years,” he said. “They are going to take teams to the cleaners this season.”
Middlesbrough eased to a 2-0 victory at struggling Ipswich to maintain their challenge. Mo Besic and Stewart Downing both struck in the opening 16 minutes. It proved the end of the road for
Aston Villa manager Steve Bruce after his side’s incredible 3-3 draw against basement side Preston.
A supporter threw a cabbage at under-fire Bruce before the game, but it looked as though he would have the last laugh when Villa swept into a 2-0 half-time lead courtesy of goals from Jonathan Kodjia and Tammy Abraham, the latter on his 21st birthday.
But James Chester’s dismissal for bringing down Lukas Nmecha when through on goal in the 54th minute changed the complexion of the game. Ex-Villa man Daniel Johnson became the first of all three Preston subs to score when he netted from the resulting penalty.
Paul Gallagher curled home a free-kick to level things up and Louis Moult headed the Lilywhites into the lead on 86 minutes.
But there was plenty more drama to come. Villa’s Yannick Bolasie levelled from close range in the first minute of stoppage time and they had a great chance to win it six minutes later. Johnson fouled Birkir Bjarnason in the box, but Preston keeper Chris Maxwell saved Glenn Whelan’s penalty. Afterwards, Bruce, who labelled the cabbage incident ‘hugely disrespectful’, said: “It was a difficult evening but it all hinged on a sending off and a penalty. I don’t think it is one when you look at it.” Fifth-placed Norwich looked to be on course to make it five straight league wins when Timm Klose headed them into the lead at Derby on 69 minutes. However, the Rams had other ideas and earned a share of the spoils when Craig Bryson bundled the ball home with four minutes left.
Bruno Martins Indi set Stoke on their way to victory with a tenth-minute header against visitors Bolton and the on-song Tom Ince made sure of the points when he shot home with 16 minutes left.
Comeback
QPR got back to winning ways with a 1-0 victory at Reading. R’s skipper Toni Leistner fired home from close range just after the hour mark for the west Londoners. Out-of-sorts Millwall produced a stunning comeback to earn a 2-2 draw at Nottingham Forest in a game that came to a halt for a spell in the second half due to floodlight failure. The Reds looked to be cruising when goals from Joe Lolley (27 mins) and Joao Carvalho (70) gave them a 2-0 lead, but the Lions finally bared their claws.
Skipper Shaun Williams headed home on 74 minutes to pull one back and Lee Gregory tapped home the equaliser in stoppage time.
Proud Millwall boss Neil Harris said: “It was a point gained and it will give us belief moving forward.”
Brentford and Birmingham drew 1-1 at Griffin Park with Blues skipper Michael Morrison’s header from ex-Bee Jota’s corner being cancelled out by Josh McEachran’s free-kick for the hosts.
Wigan and Swansea played out a goalless draw, as did Rotherham and Bristol City.