31st March Steven Kabba hopes to return to action for the Blades' reserves next week. The striker has been restricted to just one first-team appearance this season due to a bout of tendonitis and a broken leg. However, Blades boss Neil Warnock is optimistic that Kabba will be back in action in the near future to boost his side's play-off hopes, but insists that he will not take any risks with the striker's fitness.

30th March Simon Francis thanked team-mates Robert Page and Chris Morgan for helping him through an impressive debut at Ninian Park. The 19-year-old started his first match at right-back for the Blades following his recent switch from Bradford City. "I thought the gaffer would play me there," said Francis. "That's where I'd played most of the season with Bradford. I thought I did okay, but the lads helped me a lot, especially Pagey and Morgs, who were talking throughout the game. The work ethic was there from all the lads, but we didn't get the result we were looking for."

27th March Cardiff City 2 Sheffield United 1 (Attendance: 13,666)
Line-up: Kenny, Francis, Kozluk, Morgan, Page, Jagielka, McCall (Shaw 78), Tonge, Ndlovu (Allison 89), Gray, Lester (McLeod 78).
Subs not used: Wright, Rankine.
Bookings: Gray 16, Francis 32, McLeod 90.
Scorer: Ndlovu 25.

The Blades gave up an early lead at Ninian Park to lose out in a disappointing show from Neil Warnock’s men. A blunder from Blades keeper Paddy Kenny gifted Cardiff City an equaliser as they went on to claim victory. The Blades came to in to the match unbeaten in Division One throughout March, winning three and drawing two of their matches. Simon Francis made his debut at right back with Phil Jagielka replacing Nick Montgomery in midfield. The fist chance of the match came Cardiff’s way in the second minute; Tony Vidmar's dangerous cross was headed out by Chris Morgan. Midfielder Michael Tonge then beat Richard Langley to square the ball for Jack Lester who should have done better from 7 yards out putting his shot wide of the post. After 7 minutes a cross from Rob Kozluk and Lester headed just over under pressure from Bluebirds defenders. There was a controversial incident when Cardiff’s Alan Lee used his hand to help the ball into the top corner of the net; the referee immediately disallowed it and should have booked the former Millers striker for handball. On 25 minutes United took the lead; from a Tonge corner the ball eventually found its way to Peter Ndlovu who volleyed the ball superbly from 16 yards. Ten minutes later Bluebirds Willie Boland linked up well with John Robinson whose fiercely his shot was saved well by Kenny. In the last minute of the half Ndlovu was deemed to have fouled Lee, and from the resulting free-kick Cardiff got their equaliser. Langley took the kick which went under the Blades keeper as he dived for the ball. Welsh striker Robert Earnshaw saw an early effort saved in the second half, but it was United who enjoyed the majority of possession without testing Bluebirds goalkeeper Martyn Margetson. Cardiff always looked the more dangerous team and went in front midway through the second half. Gary Croft put a superb cross into the box, and when the ball was only half cleared, former Charlton favourite Robinson was on hand to fire the ball into the corner of the net. Langley, who was magnificent all evening for the hosts saw a rasping drive pushed away by Kenny and Earnshaw nearly latched on to a through ball as City pushed for the third goal, but United just about hung on as they tried to find a way back into the match. One player who deserved credit for the Blades is Francis; who on his debut for United was involved throughout the match and looks a quality acquisition for the Blades, and it was Francis who tested Margetson with a well struck shot from 18 yards with the Cardiff keeper saving low to his right. Minutes later, Langley’s blockbusting drive was well saved by Kenny. But, despite playing four strikers by the end of the match Cardiff were able to answer all the questions that were asked of them and held out to record a 2-1 victory. United have now dropped to 6th in Division One, and will have a real fight on for a play-off spot over the rest of the season.

26th March The Blades will include new signings Izale McLeod and Simon Francis in the squad for the trip to Cardiff. McLeod was ineligible for the midweek 1-1 draw with Derby County.

25th March United have parted company with winger Dries Boussatta by mutual consent. Neil Warnock has confirmed he could not offer him a new deal beyond the end of the season. "Dries has left by mutual consent but has done so on the best of terms despite him being naturally disappointed with the circumstances the other night, He felt he wasn't getting anywhere and I couldn't offer him anything for next season at this moment in time". Warnock added that Boussatta has agreed to act as a scout for the Blades.

24th March Blades boss Neil Warnock was scathing in his assessment of referee Lee Mason following the 1-1 draw with Derby. The official awarded the Rams a controversial first-half penalty for Nick Montgomery's foul on Leon Osman, which both managers agreed was outside the area. Warnock claimed the decision cost his side two crucial points. "There was nothing else to talk about in the game," said Warnock. "It was a major decision and knocked the stuffing out of the whole team. All that anyone is talking about is the penalty decision. I had a chat with the referee but they always have an answer. The only thing we can do is write on the referee's report form - but I'm sure they bin them."

23rd March Sheffield United 1 Derby County 1 (Attendance: 21,351)
Line-up: Kenny, Jagielka, Kozluk, Morgan, Page, Montgomery, McCall (Forte 67), Tonge, Ndlovu (Boussatta 67 (Allison 81)), Gray, Lester.
Subs not used: Shaw, Francis.
Bookings: Page 24, McCall 25, Ndlovu 32, Morgan 64.
Scorer: Gray 22.

The Blades hope of automatic promotion took a big knock after a diabolical refereeing error allowed Derby County to take a share of the spoils at the Lane. Blades boss Neil Warnock had wanted to put pressure on Norwich and West Brom by gaining maximum points tonight after Saturday's win over Bradford City. The Blades started the better and came close in the opening minutes when, after Nick Montgomery swung in a cross from the right forcing Rams’ keeper Lee Grant to clear. Minutes later, Derby won a free-kick halfway inside United’s half. Paul Boertien’s set-piece was tame and cleared easily by the Blades. On eight minutes Derby made a substitution as Dave Walton replaced Michael Johnson, who looked to have picked up a groin injury. Seven minutes later winger Peter Ndlovu found Rob Kozluk who crossed to the far post for Jack Lester to pull his header wide from six yards. The Blades’ goal arrived on 22 minutes and came from some slack Rams defending. From Robert Page’s free-kick inside the Blades half; Welshman Rob Edwards failed to clear from Ndlovu’s ball in to the box and Andy Gray swiveled to slot home from point-blank range for his fourth goal in six matches. The Rams hit back in the 25th minute from the penalty spot, Montgomery appearing to make minimal contact as Leon Osman tumbled outside the Blades box. The referee incredibly pointed to the penalty spot, even though he was nowhere near the incident. Rams midfielder Ian Taylor stepped up to tuck away the penalty-kick with the incensed Blades Fans’ booing their disgust behind the Kop goal. This incident certainly upset the Blades rhythm. Two minutes later, full-back Kozluk cleared a Manel header off the line and Adam Bolder foiled Phil Jagielka in similar fashion minutes later before Manel broke clear with Paddy Kenny producing a vital save, deflecting the shot with his legs. The Blades keeper brought off another spectacular stop minutes before the interval, clinging on to a long-range Marcus Tudgay header while Montgomery threw away a chance, pulling his shot from the edge of the area wide. Ten minutes into the second half, Ndolvu’s dangerous cross from the right into the box was met by Bolder’s header at the far post, the midfielder clearing at the expense of a corner. From the corner, Lester’s shot was deflected by Tom Huddlestone into the path of Michael Tonge, who shot wide. Both Dries Boussatta and Jonathan Forte were introducing into the proceedings by Neil Warnock as United looked for the much sought after winner. Midfielder Tonge jinked his way into the box from the left on 80 minutes his effort rebounding off Edwards. Second’s later Grant dropped a Lester shot before clearing the danger. On 81 minutes Wayne Allison replaced Boussatta himself a substitute just 14 minutes earlier - the winger did not look too happy at being replaced and went straight down the tunnel. A minute into added time Tudgay was booed off as he was replaced by Noel Whelan as the Rams held on to take a point. Another poor refereeing decision has cost the Blades again. This time it might just cost United an automatic promotion place come May and all because of inept refereeing.

20th March Sheffield United 2 Bradford City 0 (Attendance: 20,052)
Line-up: Kenny, Jagielka, Kozluk, Page, Morgan, Montgomery (Forte 58), McCall (Allison 82), Tonge, Boussatta (McLeod 59), Gray, Lester.
Subs not used: Shaw, Wright.
Scorers: Morgan 60, Lester 62.

Two goals in two second-half minutes in a game dominated by a gale-force wind were enough for the Blades to extend their unbeaten run to four matches. It was clear from the start the game was going to be a lottery in the conditions; both teams were finding it difficult to carve an opening of any sort. The first chance came in the 13th minute when Jack Lester found a way through only to be pulled back by Bradford’s Peter Atherton. The Bantam’s defender picked up a booking and Michael Tonge squandered the opportunity, drilling his free-kick high over the top. Bradford, enjoying a mini revival and undefeated in three games, carved out a chance minutes later. The United back four failed to clear Lewis Emanuel's corner from the right and striker Michael Branch got a touch, but steered his header wide of the target. United almost found a way through in the 25th minute; Stuart McCall’s first time ball down the right flank found Dries Boussatta, the winger beat keeper Clint Davies in a chase for the ball, stabbing it round the advancing keeper as Atherton stuck out a foot to clear off the line. The first half had been spoilt by the heavy winds. Indeed, United had failed to trouble the Bantams rookie keeper until nine minutes from the interval, when a sweeping move across field sliced through the Bantam’s defence, McCall's searching ball finding Tonge who cut cleverly inside and finished with a stinging drive straight at Davies. Moments later, a chance came Bradford’s way when after a foul on Dean Windass; left-back Wayne Jacob’s free-kick found Paul Evans who almost broke the deadlock cutting out a loose clearance to lash in a low drive, the ball going fraction wide of Paddy Kenny’s right post. For the opening 15 minutes of the second half United continued to struggle as they tried to overcome the conditions. Neil Warnock then made a vital double substitution as he brought off Nick Montgomery and Dries Boussatta, replacing them with Izale McLeod and Jonathan Forte, and it was the latter's surging run within seconds of his introduction which led to him winning a vital corner. From the resulting corner Tonge found McCall who floated the ball towards the commanding figure of Chris Morgan who finished with a crisp stooping header. Minutes later Lester added the second taking advantage of a Mark Bower blunder as he surged into the area to stroke the ball past the advancing Davies from 15 yards. There was another moment for concern when a long goalkick from Davis was carried by the heavy winds into the Blades box causing Robert Page to hesitate under pressure from Bradford striker Dean Windass but the ball was cleared. Bradford brought on striker Robert Wolleaston and he caused problems immediately when he cut inside from the left and hit a rasping shot which nearly beat Kenny. But United were now in control and the Bantams failed to threaten again. This win puts united back into 3rd place in Division One and a victory on Tuesday win have the Baggies looking over their shoulders!

19th March Neil Warnock is expected to select the same team that drew 1-1 against Rotherham. United will not be able to select new signing Simon Francis for their clash against Bradford. The Blades signed Francis from the Bantams earlier this week and made an agreement that the defender would not line up against his former club.

16th March Rotherham United 1 Sheffield United 1 (Attendance: 9,793)
Line-up: Kenny, Jagielka, Kozluk, Morgan, Page, Montgomery, Tonge, Wright, Boussatta (Ndlovu 60). Gray (Allison 90), Lester (McLeod 79).
Subs not used: Francis, Rankine.
Scorer: Lester (pen) 48.

A penalty by Jack Lester was not enough to give the Blades a victory in a scrappy South Yorkshire derby. The game played on a bumpy pitch and in blustery conditions was always going to be a scrappy affair; and so it proved with the ball spending most of the time in the air. The first chance went to the Blades after 10 minutes when Andy Gray crossed from the left flank with pinpoint accuracy for Dries Boussatta in space, but the Dutchman blasted his shot over. Phil Jagielka sent a long ball down the right touchline to Lester, the striker went weaving into the Millers box but his shot was deflected just wide by defender Robbie Stockdale. The Millers best moment of a chanceless fist half saw midfielder John Mullin lump the ball into the Blades area for Michael Proctor who was unmarked, the striker swivelled and shot on the turn with a rising effort and looked set to put Rotherham ahead, but Paddy Kenny stretched to turn it over the bar. It had been a dull half, but Bladesmen and women behind the Railway end expected United to step up a gear in the second period, and with just a minute gone in the second half the Blades went ahead through Lester's 13th goal of the season. Gray twisted and turned in the area and coaxed Chris Swailes into a rash challenge, earning a spot-kick that Lester tucked away with a cool finish placing the ball to Mike Pollitt's left. But four minutes later the Rotherham were back level. From a throw on Rotherham's right the ball was played through by Stockdale to Martin Butler who was in an offside position, he broke down the right cut inside and pulled back for left winger Andy Monkhouse to power the ball past defenders and the helpless Kenny; who had already dived to stop Butler. The goal incensed Neil Warnock who was shouting and waiving his arms around. The fourth official eventually managed to calm him down. But there was no doubt the Blades boss had a right to complain, Butler was up to two yards offside when he received the initial ball. Rotherham continued to make the running, but squandered a string of chances. Butler was twice off target with a pair of headers before a Proctor shot was wasted. Kenny again saved United with a reaction stop to turn away Butler 's 76th minute shot and Paul Warne blazed wide after Scott Minto's cross. In the dying seconds and from an Alan Wright corner, Millers goalkeeper Pollitt produced a splendid save down to his right to deny Michael Tonge's blockbusting drive from 15 yards. It's a result which moves United up into 3rd position in Division One, and with two home fixtures in the next week; United have a chance to put some pressure on West Brom .

15th March Nick Montgomery and Mike Whitlow were both suspended for Saturday's visit to Watford; both are expected to return to the squad for the trip to Millmoor. Robert Page picked up an Achilles problem at Watford but is expected to continue in defence. Dries Boussatta impressed at the weekend and should continue. Stuart McCall, Andy Parkinson, Simon Francis and Peter Ndlovu are also available.

15th March The Blades have completed the signing of Bradford City defender Simon Francis. The 19-year-old has made just over 50 appearances for the Bantams and had also been a target for several other clubs including Sunderland but Francis indicated a preference to join United. Francis is also eligible for the Blades game tomorrow evening against Rotherham United at Millmoor. He signs for an initial fee of £200,000 which could rise to £275,000 depending on success.

13th March Watford 0 Sheffield United 2 (Attendance: 13,861)
Line-up: Kenny, Jagielka, Kozluk, Morgan, Page, Rankine, Tonge, Wright, Boussatta (Shaw 70), Gray (Allison 90), Lester (McLeod 77).
Subs not used: Ross, Forte.
Booking: Wright 84.
Scorers: Lester 42, Gray 90.

The Blades strengthened their position for a play-off spot after a battling victory in showery conditions, and on a poor quality pitch at Vicarage Road. Eleven-goal leading scorer Jack Lester made his comeback from a knee injury to partner Andy Gray in attack for the Blades. Winger Dries Boussatta made his first league start, while Izale McLeod was on the bench after signing on loan from Derby County. The first chance went to Watford’s Heidar Helguson but he was unable to get on to Micah Hyde's pass. Moments later, Michael Tonge smashed a 25 yard volley over the crossbar from defender Alan Wright's free-kick. Neal Ardley wasted a great chance after 11 minutes for the Hornets. Winger Paul Devlin’s pinpoint cross from the left found the midfielder in space but he headed wide from 12 yards out. United appealed for a penalty just a minute later. Jack Lester played in strike partner Gray but he tumbled over after getting ahead of young right-back Lloyd Doyley. However, referee was insistent that no foul had been committed. The Blades had another great chance with Lester lobbing high and wide from Wright’s long ball over the top after catching defender Sean Dyche slightly on the back foot. Seven minutes before the break Paul Mayo hit a 30-yard volley straight at Kenny and seconds later the left-back cleared from goalkeeper Lenny Pidgeley’s fine parry at the other end when it looked as though Lester would be destined to score for United. Helguson headed straight at Kenny from Ardley’s cross as the game began to open up more. It was the Blades who grabbed the lead three minutes before the break. From Boussatta’s corner the ball was knocked down at the near post and Lester turned to lift the ball into the net. A minute later another Boussatta corner found the lively Lester in space at the far post, but this time he blazed over the bar with the Blades getting on top in the final stages of the half. Watford started the better in the second half when Helguson delivered a good cross which caused some problems for United, but the Hornets forward line was unable to capitalise on the chance. On 68 minutes defender Robert Page headed against his own crossbar from striker Lee Cook’s cross under pressure from Helguson. Neil Warnock sent on Paul Shaw in place of Boussatta, with new signing McLeod replacing the impressive Lester. In the final moments, Kenny was well-positioned to take a couple of shots from left-back Paul Mayo. The referee added five minutes of added time and in the first of those Gray turned home McLeod’s cross from the left to seal an important victory for the Blades to keep up the pressure at the top of Division One.

12th March Paul Peschisolido has decided to join Derby rather than extend his Sheffield United contract, with striker Izale McLeod moving the other way on loan. The Canadian striker is out of contract at the Lane at the end of the season and has signed for the Rams on a free transfer. Peschisolido, who has scored nine goals in 12 starts for the Blades this season and was a great favourite with the Blades Fans has signed a two year deal with Derby. Speaking about Peschisolido's transfer; Neil Warnock said: "We are sorry to lose Paul but since before Christmas he has indicated that travelling three, sometimes four hours per day for training has been getting to him.

12th March Paul Peschisolido has decided to join Derby rather than extend his Sheffield United contract, with striker Izale McLeod moving the other way on loan. The Canadian striker is out of contract at the Lane at the end of the season and has signed for the Rams on a free transfer. Peschisolido, who has scored nine goals in 12 starts for the Blades this season and was a great favourite with the Blades Fans has signed a two year deal with Derby. Speaking about Peschisolido's transfer; Neil Warnock said: "We are sorry to lose Paul but since before Christmas he has indicated that travelling three, sometimes four hours per day for training has been getting to him. And, although we offered him a new contract, his move to Derby was clearly not just for financial reasons. He was approached by Coventry a few weeks, which I think made him realise that at 32 years of age, it would be nice to be at a club closer to home for family reasons.”

Meanwhile, McLeod has joined United on loan until the end of the season with a view to a permanent transfer, and the terms of that deal have already been agreed by the two clubs. The clubs have agreed that neither player will feature when the two sides meet at Bramall Lane on Tuesday 23 March

11th March The Blades have made a bid for 19 year-old Bradford defender Simon Francis. Francis can play centre-half or in a midfield position. Blades manager Neil Warnock has been keeping a close eye on the bantams player for the past week and wants to sign Francis permanetly.

10th March Striker Ashley Ward will miss the majority of the remainder of the season because of a knee injury. The 33-year-old lasted just eight minutes of the Blades' FA Cup 6th round defeat at Sunderland and a scan has revealed medial ligament damage. United boss Neil Warnock said: "The good news is that Ashley won't need an operation, but it does look as if he might not be involved again until towards the end of the season, if at all. It is just as well we brought in Andy Gray from Bradford City."

7th March Sunderland 1 Sheffield United 0 (Attendance: 37,115)
Line-up: Kenny, Jagielka, Kozluk, Page, Morgan, McCall (Wright 46), Montgomery, Tonge, Ndlovu, Ward (Allison 8), Parkinson (Peschisolido 46).
Subs not used: Rankine, Lester.
Booking: Parkinson 41.

Tommy Smith fired Sunderland into the semi-finals of the FA Cup for the first time in 12 years and ended the Blades hopes of a second successive appearance in the Semi-Finals. With great backing from the travelling Bladesmen and women the game kicked off in front of 37,115. In the fourth minute Sunderland had the first chance of the match; John Oster's cross from the right found Smith whose well hit shot was saved by goalkeeper Paddy Kenny. A minute later Ashley Ward was to pick up an injury after a collision with striker Kevin Kyle, immediately followed by another crunching challenge with Jason McAteer which further compounded the forwards injury; from the resulting Blades free-kick Michael Tonge’s effort goes just wide of Estonian goalkeeper Mat Poom’s right post. Ward was still struggling with his knee injury and was promptly replaced by striker Wayne Allison. United’s play looked nervous and after 15 minutes the Black Cats got their goal. Defender George McCartney linked up well on the left to put Smith into an open space on the left of the blades area, United failed to close the striker down and his diagonal strike across the box beat Kenny to give Sunderland a deserved lead. In truth United’s chances were rare and spurned their best opportunities, with two more chances later in the half wasted; first Ndlovu's volley from 12 yards and then Tonge's 31st minute effort from the edge of the Sunderland box flew over. At the start of the second half, to the delight of the Blades fans - Paul Peschisolido was finally introduced replacing an ineffective Andy Parkinson, and with Alan Wright replacing midfielder Stuart McCall. Straight from the kick-off United had the Black Cats on the back foot and under pressure which was to last for most of the half. A corner from Tonge eventually found its way to Jagielka who toe-poked his shot at Poom. Then, Wrights cross from left found Allison who headed down for the waiting Ndlovu; but the Zimbabwean miss-kicked and his chance was gone. The Blades Fans’ were right behind the players and 'out shouted' the Sunderland fans in the noisy Stadium of Light crowd. Peschisolido was the spark the Blades had needed and he was causing chaos for the Sunderland defenders and with Chris Morgan who had returned from injury and was outstanding in defence for United. On 66 minutes Kenny’s goal-kick fell for Ndlovu; who neatly controlled the ball but again put his volley wide. The Black Cats were forced to dig even deeper when defender Julio Arca was stretchered off with a knee injury in the 74th minute. But constant stoppages and time wasting from the Sunderland players finally put paid to United’s chances of an equaliser. It was a below par performance overall from the Blades today, but lessons will have been learned from the game and we can now concentrate on promotion to the Premiership.

3rd March Neil Warnock had words of praise for his strikers after the win over Millwall, speaking about new signing Andy Gray; Warnock said: "Andy's never worked as hard in his life and he's fitting in well.", and of Ashley Ward, he commented: "He's been outstanding in the last few weeks but he hasn't been able to get a goal". Warnock was also full of praise for his team in general after seeing them beat promotion outsiders Millwall 2-1 at the Lane; Warnock added: I thought we deserved it, even though we were hanging on at the end. Credit to the lads because we've had one or two blows lately - we've not had much going for us when we've played well. It was a cracking match between two good sides. They threw the kitchen sink at us, but we defended excellently."

2nd March Sheffield United 2 Millwall 1 (Attendance: 19,579)
Line-up: Kenny, Jagielka, Kozluk, Page, Whitlow, Robinson (Rankine 74), Montgomery, Tonge, Parkinson (Shaw 71), Gray, Ward.
Subs not used: Boussatta, Peschisolido, Lester.
Bookings: Whitlow 3, Kenny 61, Ward 61.
Scorers: Ward 58, Gray 62.

Ashley Ward and Andy Gray helped the Blades to a hard fought victory against Dennis Wise's in-form Millwall. The two strikers struck in a pulsating eight minute spell as United bounced back from a miserable run of late. The first real chance of the match came in the tenth minute, Rob Kozluk's long throw from the left into the goalmouth where Ashley Ward headed the ball on for Carl Robinson who headed over from eight yards. Defender Robert Page went close 17 minutes later heading inches wide of the far post after a perfect in-swinging cross from Michael Tonge. Minutes later, Millwall had a chance when Marvin Elliott’s header into the Blades box caused a mix up as Mike Whitlow and Page failed to clear; the ball eventually falling to Tim Cahill who’s shot from ten yards was tame and saved easily by Paddy Kenny. Ward almost broke the deadlock five minutes after the restart steaming in to meet a Tonge cross as Lions Goalkeeper Andy Marshall pushed his downward header round the post. Tonge went closer minutes later with a free-kick from the edge of the area, the ball being smothered by the diving Marshall. The breakthrough came in the 58th minute after Peter Sweeney's foul on Phil Jagielka resulted in a free-kick just outside the Millwall box, Tonge's free-kick was low and into a packed goalmouth where Ward bundled the ball over the line from close range. Four minutes later Ward was the victim of a terrible foul by Millwall defender Darren Ward which in itself caused a mass brawl involving everyone but Jagielka - Ward, Darren Ward and incredibly Kenny! were eventually booked. Jagielka took the free-kick on the left which Marshall could only palm out for the waiting Gray to lash in the loose ball from eight yards. Millwall then made two substitutions and suddenly the game changed as the Lions started to make more chances, striker Mark McCammon was the injection Millwall had been looking for, and after 69 minutes they got their reward; a long ball by Matt Lawrence was headed down by Daniel Dichio for Paul Ifill to power home a goal from 23 yards. United were all at sea, with many on the Kop restless with the way the Blades had lost their attacking impetus – they seemed content with their lead, and were struggling to get into the Lions third. Millwall sensed this uneasiness and created even more chances with Dichio, Lawrence and Muscat all going close. But somehow United held their nerve and for a valuable win which puts them back into the place-off race.