Another goal by in-form defender Aden Flint gave Bristol City an impressive 2-1 win away at Bramall Lane to see off fellow promotion contenders Sheffield United last Friday.
It was the 28-year-old’s sixth goal this season and his 34th overall for The Robins since arriving from Swindon in 2013. In was a hotly contested battle between the Championship’s third and fourth placed teams which saw The Blades hit the woodwork four times and go down to 10-men following John Fleck’s two-footed lunge on Korey Smith.
On the stroke of half-time Jamie Paterson put the away side ahead with a beautifully hit strike from 25-yards-out which flew past United goalkeeper Simon Moore. Shortly after the restart however the hosts were level when Leon Clarke continued his rich vein of form and slammed home his 14th goal of the season. After Fleck’s red-card Bristol City took control of the game but looked like they would have to settle for a draw. However, with the time running out, a Bobby Reid cross found Flint at the back post and the Defender fired home a stoppage time winner to give his side all three points.
It was a great moment for Flint who has had a great season for an impressive Bristol City so far. Things could have been much different for Flint when he was close to leaving Ashton Gate in the summer following interest from Birmingham City. The Robins rejected two bids for Flint as both offers were deemed ‘’derisory’’. The decision to keep the Defender seems to be paying dividends now, and manager Lee Johnson spoke highly of him following his winner on Friday evening. He said ‘’He's been excellent. Every time he's in the area, he causes a problem, he's scored so many goals. He's fast becoming a real icon for the football club." He continued by dismissing any further interest in the centre-half, he stated ‘’We want to keep him. We managed to keep away the distractions in the summer, and we've kept him in now. To score as many goals as he does, he's like a magnet."
The win for Bristol City kept them within touching distance of the Championship top two, with just three points separating them and 2nd place Cardiff City who play Monday night. With just two defeats in their previous 10 games, it looks like Bristol City look genuine contenders for promotion to the Premier League this season, something they have yet to achieve in their history.
