Aussies Abroad: Souttar scores vital goal as Fleetwood edge closer to promotion

Socceroos defender Harry Souttar made amends for an unfortunate own goal by scoring the equaliser for Fleetwood Town as they played out a draw with promotion rivals Portsmouth in League One on Wednesday morning (AEDT).

Fleetwood moved back into the play-off places after a 2-2 thriller at Fratton Park, with Souttar at the heart of the drama.

Scores were locked at 1-1 at the break after Barrie McKay’s early goal for Town was cancelled out by Sean Raggett’s strike for Pompey.

Just three minutes into the second half Souttar was involved in a key moment, unluckily turning the ball into his own net after a great run and cross from Portsmouth’s Aussie winger Ryan Williams.

But the 21-year-old Socceroo made amends just seven minutes later with a trademark equaliser.

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Fleetwood striker Ched Evans headed McKay’s corner back across goal, with Souttar on hand to nod in from close range.

Souttar's priceless goal comes just a day after he was recognised by the English Football League as the Young Player of the Month for February.

The towering central defender was superb over the month as Fleetwood Town went undefeated during their six league matches.

It was Souttar’s third goal of the campaign in the league and has helped his side jump to fifth on the ladder and extended their unbeaten streak in League One to 12 games.

Joey Barton’s side, who are just two points off second spot and automatic promotion to the Championship, are on the road this weekend, travelling to mid-table Gillingham at 2am on Sunday (AEDT).

Meanwhile, Bailey Wright missed out on Sunderland’s clash with Bristol Rovers in League One, with the Black Cats going down 2-0 at Memorial Stadium.

The defeat has seen Sunderland fall to seventh spot ahead of Sunday’s trip to Blackpool (kick-off 2am AEDT).

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