The Championship resumed on Saturday afternoon with Blackburn Rovers conceding an added time equaliser to an exquisite free kick converted by seventy seventh minute substitute Conor Hourihane for Aston Villa at Ewood Park. Darragh Lenihan started in central defence for the hosts while Derrick Williams, returning following injury, was introduced from the bench on seventy three minutes. Bristol City scored the only goal following a cross from sixty second minute substitute Callum O’Dowda to defeat visitors Sheffield United who included John Egan, Enda Stevens and David McGoldrick in their starting eleven. Millwall had Ireland goalscorers Aiden O’Brien and Shaun Williams in their starting eleven for the one all draw with visitors Leeds United at the New Den. Callum Robinson scored for Preston North End in their three two defeat by visitors Reading while Graham Burke was an eightieth minute substitute. Rotherham United, scored the only goal, a penalty converted by Ryan Manning, to defeat visitors Derby County. Loanee Richie Towell also started for Rotherham while Richard Keogh was in defence for the ‘Rams’. Norwich City scored the only goal to defeat visitors Middlesbrough and Darren Randolph at Carrow Road.
In the First Division, Irish eyes were focussed on Ronan Curtis who started for Portsmouth who superseded their hosts Peterborough United at the top of the table with a two one victory.