Max Arfsten started for Middlesbrough and scored his first goal in their tie with Birmingham City, while Jack McGlynn bagged a goal in Stoke City’s comeback win over Sheffield United.
Birmingham City 2-2 Middlesbrough
A late goal from Middlesbrough ensured Middlesbrough a point against Birmingham City at St. Andrews as they are two points from the top spot in the standings.
Max Arfsten started and played 86 minutes for Boro, taking two shots and making one key pass. Aidan Morris went the distance, completing 91 percent passing, winning six duels, and making eight defensive contributions. Sebastian Berhalter came on to play 27 minutes, while Rokas Pukstas was an unused sub. Kristoffer Lund was on the bench for Birmingham.
Arfsten put his team ahead before halftime after fine work from teammate Amario Cozier-Duberry set him up to score.
The hosts leveled the score 10 minutes into the second half when Middlesbrough was pressured into turning over the ball, allowing them to pounce. They took the lead four minutes later when a corner kick saw a headed attempt hit a number of players before Riley McGree directed it into his team’s own goal.
Birmingham appeared to be on their way to a win until Middlesbrough scored the equalizer in the 88th minute. A free kick saw goalkeeper James Beadle fumble the ball, allowing Adilson Malanda to knock it home.
Middlesbrough’s next game comes October 10 when they face Wolves.
Stoke City 2-1 Sheffield United
The Potters clawed their way back with two spectacular goals to take all three points in their win over Sheffield United at the bet365 Stadium.
Jack McGlynn played the entire 90 minutes as he took two shots and created two key passes. Luca Bombino came off the bench to play the final 10 minutes.
Sheffield United broke the deadlock in the 51st minute through a free kick. However, McGlynn leveled the score for the hosts in the 78th minute with a long-range shot as he was given time and space for the opportunity.
Stoke scored the game-winner in the 86th minute, although it may have been a controversial one, when Sam Gallagher put away a half-volley attempt into the back of the net.
The win makes Stoke five games unbeaten and in seventh place in the standings. They next play against Bolton after the international break.
Notes
Elsewhere in the Championship, George Campbell played the full 90 minutes for West Bromwich Albion as they went down in the Black Country derby to Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-0.
Charlie Kelman came on to play 20 minutes in Charlton Athletic’s 3-1 loss to Cardiff City.
In League One, Lynden Gooch was an unused sub as Huddersfield Town fell to Bromley in a 2-1 defeat.
Down in League Two, Julian Eyestone recorded a clean sheet, making two big saves, in Rotherham United’s 1-0 win over Northampton Town.
