30th November Sheffield United 2-1 Crystal Palace (Attendance: 16,686)
Line-up: Kenny , Page , Murphy , Harley , Jagielka , McCall , Brown , Tonge , Ndlovu (Asaba 83) , Windass (Allison 78) , Kabba (Peschisolido 78)
Subs not used: Kozluk , Montgomery
Scorers: Windass 45, Allison 89

Wayne Allison snatched a last minute goal to keep the Blades play-off hopes alive. Blades boss Neil Warnock threw on Allison and fellow striker Paul Peschisolido in a double substitution with just over 10 minutes left. Allison got on the end of a Carl Asaba cross to clip the ball over Alex Kolinko at the near post from close range. It was no more than United deserved as they resisted early pressure from Palace before dominating the second half. Dean Windass, had given United the lead in first-half injury time, his second goal in successive games, before Finnish international Aki Riihilahti hit back for Palace in the 69th minute. Windass was making his home debut, as was Steven Kabba, who was also playing against his former club after a move a fortnight ago. Palace almost snatched the lead when Shaun Derry prized open the Blades defence with just two minutes gone, his cross finding Andy Johnson. The Palace striker beat his marker to power in a fierce header, Paddy Kenny diving to his left to push the ball round the post. Johnson was on target again minutes later squeezing in an effort from 16 yards that was cut out by the diving Kenny. Palace Striker Dele Adebola followed up with a darting run which took him past Jon Harley, but centre-half Robert Page nipped in to steer the ball away for a corner with Adebola about to shoot. United, struggling to find a way past Palace's well organised defence tested Alex Kolinko, Michael Brown's long-range strike smothered on the line by the keeper before they snatched the lead in injury time. United’s goal on the stroke of half – Dean Windass converted Kabba's cross from close range to make it two goals in as many games for the striker. Kabba almost grabbed a second on 51 minutes starting with a strong run down the right wing and finishing with a stinging right-foot shot which Kolinko could only block, the Palace keeper reacting quickly to charge down another effort from Peter Ndlovu as the Blades midfielder raced on to the loose ball. Kenny pulled off a stunning stop, springing to block a piledriver from Adebola, the Palace frontman's 20-yard strike crashing against the Blades keeper's right arm. Palace drew level when Aki Riihilahti fired home for Palace after boss Trevor Francis sent him on as a substitute. Johnson crossed from the left and the midfielder swept the ball past Kenny in the United goal for a 69th-minute. Palace then went desperately close to a second as Dele Adebola's close-range shot struck the woodwork before Allison had the last word. Then on 89 minutes substitute Wayne Allison fired an 89th-minute winner. Allison got on the end of a Carl Asaba cross to clip the ball over Alex Kolinko at the near post from close range. This victory puts United into sixth place in the Division One, and keeps United’s play-off hopes on track.

29th November Neil Warnock has no new injury or suspension worries ahead of his side's clash with Crystal Palace. United should have their new strikefore on show today, with Steven Kabba playing aginst his former club and Wayne Allison could feature despite being hindered with a hamstring strain. Paul Peschisolido is expected to be fit following a stomach bug.

28th November Michael Boulding has returned to Aston Villa after Neil Warnock decided not to extend his loan spell at Bramall Lane. Boulding had been expected to join on a permanent deal if he impressed during his loan, but has spent the last four weeks on the treatment table after damaging ankle ligaments. Boulding wanted to play a central role when he gets fit, but Warnock could not guarantee that. It is possible that he may come back at some stage.

25th November Neil Warnock praised his new-look strikeforce after the Blades demolished Bradford 5-0 at Valley Parade - a result which moves them back into the play-off positions.Steven Kabba and Dean Windass were both on the scoresheet and afterwards Warnock said: "Steve and Dean complemented each other well."Steve is young and hungry and we needed that."Warnock said of Windass: "We were hoping he wasn't a training-ground player; he's looked stunning in training since he's arrived."

Jon Harley's loan deal with the Blades has been extended by another month. Harley reached the end of his first month's stay with the win at Bradford City. United hope the 23-year-old former Chelsea full-back will be given permission to play in their fourth-round League Cup tie against Sunderland next week.

23rd November Bradford City 0-5 Sheffield United (Attendance: 13,364)
Line-up: Kenny , Jagielka , Harley , Murphy , Page , McCall , Brown , Tonge (McGovern) , Ndlovu , Windass (Allison) , Kabba (Asaba)
Subs not used: Ndlovu , Ten Heuvel
Bookings: Jagielka 34, Page 36
Scorers: Kabba 14, Windass 40, Murphy 59, Brown 78 (pen), Asaba 88

The new strike-force of Steven Kabba and Dean Windass both got on the scoresheet in the Blades' rout of 10-man Bradford City. Steven Kabba proved an instant hit with United Fans’ when he marked his debut with a 14th minute tap in, and things went from bad to worse for the Bantams when a clinical finish by Dean Windass made it two when he struck home from just inside the penalty area. The Blades piled more misery on City by knocking three more past Myhill. Former United man Gus Uhlenbeek was given a straight red by the referee, for a lunge on midfielder Michael Tonge and City's patched up side never looked like holding out. Bradford's new goalkeeper Boaz Myhill, on loan from Aston Villa, endured a nightmare debut as the Bantams were overwhelmed. City had a lucky escape when Sean Murphy's header was cleared off the line but there were no let-offs after Uhlenbeek's departure. After 59 minutes Shaun Murphy headed the third from Michael Brown's cross to kill off the game. In the 79th minute Andy Myers brought down Tonge and midfielder Michael Brown coolly despatched the penalty to make it four. And with two minutes left Myhill failed to hold a cross, allowing substitute Carl Asaba to sweep the loose ball into an empty net. This superb victory puts United back into 6th place in Division One.

22nd November Dean Windass and Steven Kabba are likely to make their debuts at Valley Parade. Wayne Allison Allison sustained a hamstring injury against Ipswich and is unlikely to feature in the match at Bradford City. Former Bradford striker Windass is the natural replacement for Allison up front, having joined on loan from Middlesbrough prior to the postponed clash against Reading. Michael Boulding is still out due to an ankle injury suffered against Derby and is not due to resume training until next week. Defender Rob Kozluk could be back in contention after playing 90 minutes for the reserves this week following a hamstring problem. Bradford's team will include former Blade Gus Uhlenbeek, who is back from suspension.

20th November The Blades are pondering over the future of Jon Harley, whose loan spell with the club expires after the clash with Bradford City. The former England Under-21 international has not played as many games as he would have liked for United. The Blades will be forced to take a decision over whether to extend his spell.
Simon Tracey is to undergo a knee scan this week after suffering a reaction in a comeback game for the reserves. Tracey played just 45 minutes of a second-string clash with York before the problem resurfaced and faces a scan last this week to determine the extent of the injury which has been sidelining him.

16th November The Blades Division One clash with Reading was postponed due to a heavily-waterlogged pitch at Bramall Lane. Heavy rain in Sheffield overnight put paid to any attempts to play the game.

15th November United have completed the signing of Crystal Palace striker Steven Kabba for a fee reported to be in the region of £250,000. The 21-year-old travelled up to Yorkshire on Friday morning to discuss personal terms with Blades boss Neil Warnock after the two clubs had agreed a fee late on Thursday evening.

14th November The Blades have signed Dean Windass on loan from Middlesbrough. The 33-year-old former Hull City, Oxford United and Aberdeen hitman has only featured once in the Boro first-team this season. Neil Warnock has been scouring the market for a new striker to add weight to his attack after another loan signing, Aston Villa's Michael Boulding, was ruled out of action with an ankle ligament injury. United will be delighted to secure the services of Windass ahead of Saturday's clash against Reading. Steven Kabba of Crystal Palace has turned down a loan move to United but could sign permanently in the next few weeks. Palace manager Trevor Francis and Kabba are looking for a permanent deal so at this moment in time the transfer is on hold.The Blades will see what happens in the next couple of weeks rather than rush into a deal. Warnock is still hoping to add another striker to the squad before the weekend.

12th November Neil Warnock is on the lookout for a top striker to take to Bramall Lane on loan. Warnock believes that the team are missing an out and out striker, and said: "We have got four or five here but all of them are what I would call substitute strikers. "It seems to knock a bit of them when any of them start a match, it is time I got a result from those lads, strikers have to score goals. "In every other department I am happy that I have got adequate replacements but if I can get a striker on loan then I will get one." Warnock is known to be an admirer of Steven Kabba, who had an outstanding spell on loan at Grimsby recently and played well in their 2-1 defeat at Bramall Lane in September. Kabba has now gone back to Crystal Palace, but their manager, Trevor Francis, wants to take another look at him and is reluctant to let him out on loan again. Kevin Kyle of Sunderland could also be a possible target.

9th November Sheffield United 0-0 Ipswich Town (Attendance: 15,884)
Line-up: Kenny , Harley , Murphy , Page , Jagielka , Brown , McCall , Tonge , Ndlovu , Peschisolido (Asaba 69) , Allison (Ten Heuvel 24)
Subs not used: Yates , Montgomery , McGovern

The Blades failed to produce a repeat performance of Wednesday night's League Cup thriller against Leeds against an improving Ipswich side. Early on, United almost broke the deadlock when Shaun Murphy picked out substitute Laurens Ten Heuvel, who fed Paul Peschisolido, whose looping header was palmed away by Andy Marshall as he scrambled back. Darren Bent and John McGreal tried long-range strikes for Ipswich. Bent then pulled another shot wide of the target before he was foiled by the woodwork. Chris Makin threaded the ball to the Ipswich frontman who beat Paddy Kenny with a low strike from 16 yards, the ball cannoning off the foot of the post. Hermann Hreidarsson tried his luck seconds later with a right-footer from 18 yards. It’s fair to say Ipswich dominated the opening half. In the second half Ndlovu crossed and Ten Heuvel stretched to send a header with Murphy better placed to score behind him. Ten Heuvel squandered a chance in the 54th minute beating his marker to a Jon Harley cross only to power his header over the target from six yards. Murphy saved United with a last-ditch tackle on Holland as he squared up to hammer home substitute Finidi George's cross and minutes later the Australian international wasted a chance pulling his close range header wide. United dominated in midfield – especially Stuart McCall, but it was a frustrating afternoon for the Blades upfront. Late on, Phil Jagielka drilled a shot from 20 yards wide of the as the game ended goalless.

8th November Stuart McCall is calling on Sheffield United fans to boost the club's promotion bid by cramming into Bramall Lane every week.The Blades attracted nearly 27,000 for their League Cup clash against Leeds on Wednesday and McCall said he hoped the stayaway fans were excited by what they saw.McCall said: "Hopefully some of the people who came along to cheer us on against Leeds will decide to keep doing so. "The League is the most important thing and we're right-up there in the play-off places at the moment."United play Ipswich on Saturday with on-loan defender Jon Harley set for his first start since joining from Fulham.

6th November Sheffield United 2-1 Leeds United (Attendance: 26,663)
Line-up: Kenny , Page , Murphy , Yates , Jagielka , Montgomery (Ndlovu 57) , Brown , McCall (Ten Heuvel 86) , Tonge , Asaba (Peschisolido 64) , Allison
Subs not used: Doane , Javary
Scorers: Jagielka 90 , Ndlovu 90

The Blades pulled off a spectacular League Cup victory to put Sheffield United into the 4th round. Two incredible injury-time goals dramatically turned the game on its head after Leeds had led from the 24th minute. An own goal from Steve Yates gave Leeds the lead. But first defender Jagielka scored a sensational 35-yard screamer in injury time, and then Ndlovu stabbed home his own rebounded shot to send the Blades into the last 16 with the last kick of the game. Paddy Kenny was in action early on to pull off a comfortable save from a long-range shot from Danny Mills and Kenny had no problem with another effort from Eric Bakke in the 20th minute. But Leeds went in front four minutes later when Jason Wilcox sent in a low cross from the left. The ball skidded past Harry Kewell and Mark Viduka but Steve Yates met it hoping to steer it out. But he succeeded in toe-poking it past Kenny. It sparked Leeds into life and a 25-yarder from Viduka was just wide. Moments later a superb turn and shot from Viduka brought a splendid save from Kenny, diving full stretch to his left. But after the break The Blades emerged with the passion and enthusiasm that had been missing in the first period. Michael Tonge was brought down outside the box was close when he took the free-kick himself and curled it just wide. And when Tonge intercepted a sloppy pass to Mills he raced forward and fed Allison but his shot was straight at the keeper. Brown twice produced good efforts and McCall lifted a free-kick over the top before another free-kick from Brown was too high. Five minutes from the end Kenny pulled off another brilliant save when Viduka found space and rifled in a low shot. But a minute into injury time Jagielka pounced on a sloppy clearance and smashed in a 35-yard shot and three minutes later Ndlovu stabbed in the winner. After the final whistle Leeds hooligans started ripping up seats from the top tier of the John Street Stand and throwing them onto the pitch, forcing mounted police to intervene. The Blades Fans' were jubilant at victory. It was a magnificent night for all Unitedites. A night to remember.

5th November The Blades entertain Premiership outfit Leeds United tomorrow night in the League Cup and Neil Warnock has already kicked off by telling Whites chief Terry Venables not to underestimate his side. Warnock said "I don't know what sort of team Leeds are going to put out and I'm not really bothered, but what I do know is that it will have to be their best one to beat us. "Terry Venables is going to have to take this one seriously. It should be a cracking game, this is what it's all about and my lads are confident that they can give it a real go. We've all been looking forward to it since the draw was made. We haven't played Leeds for a while in a competitive match and I think this will be a cracker the way things are going."

3rd November United have been refused permission to play on-loan Fulham left-back Jon Harley in Wednesday's League Cup tie against Leeds United. Harley, made his debut as a substitute in Saturday's 3-0 defeat at Nottingham Forest.

2nd November Nottingham Forest 3-0 Sheffield United (Attendance: 22,579)
Line-up: Kenny , Murphy , Page (Yates) , McGovern (Peschisolido), Jagielka , McCall (Harley) , Montgomery , Tonge , Brown , Allison , Asaba
Subs not used: Ndlovu , Ten Heuvel
Bookings: Page 16

United lost at the City Ground as Nottingham Forest stretched their unbeaten run to nine. Both teams tried to take advantage of the wet conditions and slippery surface with a number of long range shots in the early stages. Jack Lester, scored twice as in-form Forest leapfrogged The Blades among the Division One pacesetters. Midway through the first half Forest came close when Prutton flashed a low shot across the face of Kenny's goal, and the keeper was happy to see it bounce off the advertising hoarding. Carl Asaba nearly secured the first goal in the opening minutes of the second half after being put through by Michael Tonge, before Marlon Harewood squandered a chance on the break. Forest broke the deadlock after 54 minutes when Lester darted in to convert Riccardo Scimeca's cross. They were two up seven minutes later when Marlon Harewood flicked the ball on for Lester to curl a 18-yard shot past United goalkeeper Paddy Kenny. And two minutes later Lester sent David Johnson down the right and his square ball across the six-yard box was tucked away by the unmarked Harewood. It was a devastating spell from Forest. It was not all one-way traffic. United, however, were largely restricted to long-range efforts, with Michael Tonge and Carl Asaba testing Darren Ward in the Forest goal. It was a resounding defeat for United. If United are good enough for the playoffs they will need to compete with the likes of Forest. This result will give Neil Warnock and his team – especially his strikers, some food for thought.

1st November Winger Michael Boulding is ruled out of Sheffield United's clash at Nottingham Forest because of injury. United have extended Michael Boulding's loan spell into a second month, with a view to a permanent deal. The winger is currently sidelined for 3 weeks with ankle ligament damage. Wayne Allison is available with the marksman fit again following a stomach strain. United's finishing at pride park was poor, Allison should start at Forest.