Despite scoring a stunning goal, whether intended or not, Lynden Gooch’s strike wasn’t enough to secure victory for playoff-seeking West Bromwich Albion. Elsewhere, QPR, with Reggie Cannon and Charlie Kelman, missed a golden opportunity to escape the relegation zone after a defeat in the dying moments. Jonathan Tomkinson finally got a start for the senior Bradford City after a promising spell with the reserve squad.
West Bromwich Albion 1-1 Stoke City
A goal of the month nominee isn’t enough for Gooch’s Potters to see off West Brom. In a very similar fashion to Mykhailo Mudryk’s goal for Chelsea against Arsenal back in October in the Premier League, it looked like the American was aiming for a delivery at the back post, but with sheer luck or perhaps intent, he found the back of the net.
Gooch fortuitously gave the Potters the lead in the 12th minute as his cross sailed over Baggies goalkeeper Alex Palmer into the far corner of the net.
The hosts drew level 10 minutes before half-time, with Brandon Thomas-Asante scoring his sixth league goal of the season through a well-controlled volley amidst a crowded penalty area.
WBA pressed for a winner, but Jack Bonham made a point-blank save from Thomas-Asante, and Kyle Bartley had a header ruled out for offside.
With this result, Stoke stays in 19th place with just three points clear of QPR in the relegation zone.
Sheffield Wednesday 2-1 Queens Park Rangers
With just two points separating them from survival, QPR’s four-game unbeaten streak comes to a close after suffering a late dagger from the bottom-of-the-table Sheffield Wednesday. Charlie Kelman was nowhere to be seen in the squad, and Reggie Cannon was substituted at halftime despite not carrying an injury, from what we know, but was indeed carrying a yellow card.
In the 37th minute, QPR taken the lead when Owls’ defender Bambo Diaby inadvertently diverted Ilias Chair’s shot past his own goalkeeper, scoring an own goal.
Will Vaulks of Sheffield Wednesday had a goal directly from a corner disallowed for a foul on keeper Asmir Begovic early in the second half. However, they managed to equalize with four minutes remaining, as Bailey Cadamarteri finished well past Begovic from Djeidi Gassama’s delivery.
Anthony Musaba’s 94th-minute goal secured Sheffield Wednesday a dramatic late win over fellow strugglers QPR in a game that saw the decisive moment unfold late into the match.
Wednesday’s third win in their past four games narrowed the gap to their opponents to four points, with both teams remaining in the relegation zone, and brought an end to QPR’s four-game unbeaten run.
Gillingham 0-2 Bradford City
Jonathan Tomkinson was given his first-ever senior start for League Two outfit Bradford City. This marks his first minutes for the first team since a five-minute cameo back in September against Grimsby Town, which remains his only playing time. In his first 90 minutes for the Bantams, he won the most duels in the match with 15 and, of course, kept a shutout, earning a 7.4 FotMob rating – not a bad return to senior soccer.
In the 31nd minute, on the road Bradford taken the lead; Gills’ Scott Malone was dispossessed deep inside his own half by Alex Gilliead. Gilliead squared the ball for teammate Walker, who calmly slotted it into the back of the net from 12 yards out.
Gillingham offered little in terms of attack for the remainder of the first half. However, they increased the pressure after the break, with Mahoney delivering a series of set-pieces. Max Ehmer had a header over the bar when well placed.
The visitors stood strong, and in the 75th minute, they extended their lead. Andy Cook fired a free-kick from 25 yards underneath the Gillingham wall in front of the Bradford supporters.
Notes:
More positive injury news regarding Josh Sargent; Norwich City Head Coach, David Wagner, stated that the forward will back back in training in a weeks time as he’s in the final stages of fitness work.
Even more positive injury news – Daryl Dike is making strides to return after suffering an Achilles injury eight months ago, working on non-contact drills but still some time away from full training.
Despite scoring in midweek, Haji Wright was named on the bench for Coventry City and was a 67th minute substitute in the Sky Blues’ 1-1 draw against Leeds United.
Duane Holmes was a 60th minute substitute in PNE’s heavy 5-1 home defeat against Watford.
Vaughn Covil didn’t partake in any games for Hull City’s squads this week.
Much like Covil, Kristian Fletcher also didn’t have any games this week.
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