Among a feast of football action on Tuesday night, West Ham United Academy’s George Earthy made his first start for Bristol City, who suffered a heartbreaking 2-1 home defeat in the EFL Championship at the hands of promotion contenders Sheffield United.
Earthy played 80 minutes in a tightly contested match that saw both teams with equal amounts of possession and attempts on goal. The Robins took the lead in the 75th minute when Sinclair Armstrong was fouled by goalkeeper Michael Cooper, earning the home side a penalty. Anis Mehmeti duly converted with just 15 minutes remaining. Shortly after, Earthy made way as part of a double substitution as Bristol City were on course to extend their unbeaten run to nine games with a huge three points in their promotion bid.
However, the hosts suffered late heartbreak, seeing their lead overturned by timely goals from Ryan One and an eighth-minute stoppage-time winner from Harrison Burrows, as the Blades stole all three points at the death. Despite the setback, City remain just two points shy of West Bromwich Albion, who hold the final play-off spot.
Also in second-tier action, Earthy's fellow Academy graduate Freddie Potts made his ninth start for Portsmouth, who were narrowly beaten by Plymouth Argyle 1-0. Despite dominating large portions of the match, the South Coast side were unable to convert their chances and were punished by a late Michael Obafemi strike, leaving them at the foot of the Championship table.
On a brighter note for the Academy’s loanees, goalkeeper Mason Terry secured his sixth clean sheet of the season for Hornchurch in their 1-0 win over Hemel Hempstead in National League South. The east London side now sit in 14th place, with a balanced record of five wins, five draws, and five losses. Despite their modest league position, they boast the sixth best defensive record in the division, partly due to Terry’s exploits between the sticks this season.
