Andy Gray's third goal of the season proved enough to propel United to victory over QPR at Loftus Road. Gray struck in the first half to round off a great three days for the Blades, who beat Leeds on Sunday and tonight resisted a late Rangers’ fightback to hold on grimly for the three points. The Blades made a bright start and could have been ahead in the seventh minute but Alan Quinn could not quite deflect Ashley Ward's low cross from a throw-in on target. But it was a catalogue of errors at the back cost Rangers’ dearly in the 17th minute. QPR failed to clear their lines calamitously and Quinn was able to cross for Jon Harley to flick back to Gray, who made no mistake with a close-range finish. Rangers’ then wasted two glorious chances to draw level in the space of two minutes, On 25 minutes, midfielder Marcus Bean first put a free header wide from a corner by Gino Padula. But Jamie Cureton's miss from six yards was perhaps worse after Lee Cook's miss-hit from a Martin Rowlands cross found him all alone only for the striker to make a hash of his finish. Ward made a chance out of nothing at the other end with a neat turn and shot, forcing QPR midfielder Georges Santos into a full-stretch goal-line clearance. More confusion in the Rangers’ defence allowed Ward another shot on goal which deflected wide before Cook's deflected shot struck the Blades crossbar just before the interval. Harley could have doubled the lead shortly after the restart when Gray exchanged passes with Ward before crossing dangerously from the right, but he could not stretch far enough. Rangers’ boss Ian Holloway brought on Marc Bircham, Kevin McLeod and Matthew Rose just after the hour but it was United who threatened, Ward drawing a save from goalkeeper Chris Day. Neil Warnock then made some changes. Goalscorer Gray came off for Jack Lester, while Michael Tonge made way for Nick Montgomery. Rangers’ began to apply more pressure but they could not find the finish in front of goal, with Santos and Kevin Gallen getting in each other's way and Bircham flashing a shot wide. United made their final substitution on 85 minutes with Simon Francis replacing Quinn. With four minutes of time added Rangers’ siege continued, with Santos joining the QPR forwards. Paul Thirlwell was cautioned in the dying minutes of the game, kicking the ball away to waste time. However, time had already run out for Rangers’ and United held on to take all three points from a well fought contest, and now stretch their unbeaten League run to three matches.
Barry Hayles has left United to sign for Millwall. Hayles was a summer signing from Fulham, he played for the Blades five times without scoring and was substituted in each match. It will allow Hayles to play in their UEFA Cup tie against Hungarian team Ferencvaros. Neil Warnock said: "Things have not quite worked out for Barry up here in Sheffield and the lure of going back to London and playing in Europe with Millwall appealed to him. We've got £75,000 for him and the deal suits all parties. Barry spoke to Ray Wilkins, who he has played under before."
“One team in Yorkshire, there’s only one team in Yorkshire” that was the chant from the Blades fans massed on the Shoreham Street Kop today as Sheffield United showed a very ordinary Leeds United who are Kings of Yorkshire. Two goals in 12 second-half minutes from striker Ashley Ward and winger Jon Harley settled this exciting encounter, lifting the Blades into ninth in The Championship on the back of what are now two successive victories. Indeed, this was an impressive display form the Blades and it was the determined and resolute manner of the victory which will have sent the Bladesmen and Women home happy today. Each of the players played well – in particular Michael Tonge who was back to his best today. As for Leeds, they are lacking in quality, and on the evidence of this performance, they are also missing certain other key ingredients to succeed at this level, such as a degree of understanding between one another, invention and creativity in midfield and statuette defenders. Soon after kick-off Brian Deane became a target for the home faithful after scuffles with Leigh Bromby and Chris Morgan, this was Deano’s only moment of mention in the game, the once Blades legend (now playing for his home town) was a shadow of his former self and was easily keep quiet by Blades skipper Morgan. It was not until the 20th minute that the game came to life though, Tonge charging through the Leeds defence with his stinging shot hitting the side netting. Moments later, Ward went close after a good run by winger Alan Quinn on the right. Ward then shot straight a Leeds goalkeeper Neil Sullivan after beating defender Michael Duberry and Blades striker Andy Gray fired just wide of the target. Gray and Ward were proving an impressive attacking partnership for the Blades and showed a good understanding of each other throughout the game constantly keeping the ‘Whites’ defenders busy. Leeds only chance of the half came when defender Frazer Richardson got the better of Morgan and fired in an effort which Blades goalkeeper Paddy Kenny saved to his right. In the final moments of the half Sullivan had to be alert when Gray had a chance but put the ball just wide. The Blades started the better of the two teams in the second half, and after 50 minutes Blades midfielder Tonge sent a through ball which was perfectly weighted, splitting the Leeds defence and leaving Ward to coolly slot the ball past a wrong-footed Sullivan. Moment later, Sullivan was in action again, this time requiring a fingertip save to deny Morgan and the Blades a second from a powerful header, but there was little the Scottish international could do about the goal which sealed the three points. After 63 minutes the Blades got their deserved second goal when Gray was felled by Duberry, It allowed Harley to curl a 25-yard free-kick which he planted with some aplomb into the top left-hand corner of the net. That was effectively game over as, despite Leeds manager Kevin Blackwell starting with all three available strikers in Deane, Michael Ricketts and Julian Joachim, the West Yorkshire club had in barely threatened the Blades goal throughout. Ward could have rubbed salt in Leeds wounds eight minutes from time, but again the woodwork proved the difference as his header to a Harley cross struck the bar. There were chants of 'easy, easy' from the Blades fans once the final whistle sounded and Warnock's side are now gathering momentum in the Championship – watch them go!
Paul Thirlwell will have a late test on a shin injury, although Neil Warnock remains optimistic that the midfielder will be o.k. for the Yorkshire Derby; he said: "The swelling has gone down and every day he is getting 25 per cent better. Paul is the type of lad that if he is fit to play he will.” The Blades will recall Alan Wright, Michael Tonge and Andy Gray to the starting line-up. Jack Lester is also available and may get a start for the Blades. Brian Deane is expected to lead the Leeds attack. Leeds centre-back Clarke Carlisle is expected to start ahead of Michael Duberry. Cameroon International Serge Branco could feature after receiving his international clearance. Jamie McMaster could earn a starting place after impressing as a second-half substitute in midweek.
Phil Jagielka has won his appeal against being sent off against Preston last Friday. The Blades defender had his red card for bringing down David Healy rescinded by the Football Association, meaning he will no longer have to serve a one-game ban. Blades boss Neil Warnock said: "We were quietly confident we would get the decision overturned, even though the referee had not changed his mind. Fortunately, the disciplinary commitee viewed it the same as we did.
Three extra-time goals saw the Blades progress to the second round of the League Cup, but only after Stockport County had given them a real scare at Bramall Lane. A fortuitous goal by Alan Quinn, a sublime free-kick from Michael Tonge and a Jack Lester strike secured victory after an upset looked a real prospect as the League One side more than matched United for 100 minutes. Stockport had taken a shock lead in the second minute when Luke Beckett found himself unchallenged in front of the Kop on the right-hand side of the area. Beckett took the ball to the byline before pulling it back - where it hit Blades defender Jon Harley and bobbled past wrong-footed goalkeeper Paddy Kenny's despairing dive to his right and into the net. United were rocked and failed to find any kind of form, with Beckett's combination of physical presence, pace and cunning causing problems. The Blades must have heaved a sigh of relief when he left the field injured after 28 minutes. However, County should have gone further ahead and only a last-ditch tackle by defender Chris Morgan prevented striker Chris Williams going through on goal. Then Morgan proved his worth to the Blades by scoring a 36th minute leveller when he nodded in Ashley Ward's header back across goal following Nick Montgomery's cross. Ward should have put them further ahead moments later but he put a shot yards wide when unmarked in front of goal - and the same player hit a snapshot after turning on the edge of the area which goalkeeper Neil Cutler had to be alert to gather down to his right. United started the second half with far more conviction and purpose and when Barry Hayles played in Ward in the six-yard box the striker put the ball just the wrong side of the post. The two combined again and Ward looked to have carved an opening for himself when he ghosted past two Hatters defenders on the edge of the area, but an outstretched foot prevented his shot hitting the target. Jack Lester replaced Hayles for his first appearance of the season and his craft almost reaped rewards in the 70th minute when he twisted and turned in the box and hit a shot across goal which flew just past the upright with keeper Cutler beaten. With just two minutes to go Lester was seemingly felled when poised to shoot in the six-yard box and the linesman signalled for a penalty. The referee, however, disagreed and booked Lester for diving - much to the fury of the Blades fans. It heralded a period of intense Blades pressure but Quinn miss-controlled the ball when well-placed in front of goal and the tie headed into extra-time. Williams should have put County into the lead when he raced on to a through-ball after 11 minutes of extra-time, but he hesitated when confronted by Kenny and his eventual shot was gathered at the second attempt by Kenny. Cutler then tipped Phil Jagielka's goal bound header over the bar in the last action of the first period of extra-time. However, Quinn made amends for his earlier error when his 25-yard shot hit the post and ricocheted off Cutler into the net to give the Blades the lead after 108 minutes. Midfielder Tonge then put the tie out of Stockport's reach when he curled in a free-kick from the left of the area in the 112th minute. And Lester got the goal he deserved when he pulled the ball down and slotted the ball home after 115 minutes to give the Blades a slightly flattering victory.
United produced their first win at Preston since 1955 on Friday with Neil Warnock calling their display a "magnificent" performance. The win was the Blades first victory of The Championship season and made all the more remarkable by the fact they played with just 10 men for 76 minutes. Andy Gray headed the only goal of the game after three minutes and the Blades showed a steely determination after Phil Jagielka was given his marching orders by the referee for a dubious foul on Preston striker David Healy. Warnock said: "We got what we deserved - we were magnificent. The captain (Chris Morgan) epitomised it. We flung bodies in the way. I thought we had the best chances and should have been two up. That would have put the icing on the cake. The lads have done everything I have asked them.
The Blades survived with 10 men for 77 minutes to chalk up their first win of the Championship campaign at Preston North End. The win also brought to an end a 49 year sequence at Deepdale without a win. Andy Gray headed the only goal after just four minutes, but the Blades had to work extra hard after the early dismissal of defender Phil Jagielka. Jagielka was wrongly given his marching orders for clipping David Healy in the penalty area but the resulting penalty was saved by goalkeeper Paddy Kenny and United held on for three points. The Blades started brightly and took the lead as Michael Tonge swung in a corner and Gray turned the ball in after Leigh Bromby had headed back across goal. Preston then had a chance when Kenny was forced to push a well-struck Eddie Lewis drive wide of the post after the American had been put through by Richard Cresswell. It was striker Cresswell who was then involved in the move that led to the referee pointing to the penalty spot after 13 minutes. Cresswell's back heel put Healy through on goal, but the striker could not keep his balance as Jagielka caught him from behind after the ball had already been played. Referee Chris Foy deemed Jagielka’s offence serious enough to warrant the red card, even though it was clear Jagielka had only accidentally caught the striker after the ball had gone – at the worst it should have been a yellow card and a penalty. But justice was partially restored when Kenny punched away Graham Alexander's poor penalty kick. Still it was of little consolation as United now had to play the remaining 77 minutes of the match with 10 men. United were clearly aggrieved at the award of the penalty and the sending-off, and the referee then booked Chris Morgan moments later after a foul on Healy as frustration clearly showed in the Blades players. Chris Lucketti went close for Preston just after the half hour when he headed narrowly wide from a Healy corner. Healy also had two chances to level just before the break; Bromby who had moved to centre-half after the sending off blocked his first shot and the second went flying over from an Alexander cross. Preston struggled to make headway after the break as United resolutely dug in; the Lilywhite’s failed to create a meaningful opportunity until Lewis curled a free-kick onto the top of the crossbar after 65 minutes. The Blades almost doubled their lead three minutes later when winger Alan Quinn diverted a low Tonge effort but the ball bounced wide. United could have made the win safe six minutes from time but goalkeeper Andy Lonergan produced a fine reflex save from a deflected striker Ashley Ward shot. Preston pressed forward throughout the four minutes of injury time but could not find a way through as the Blades rearguard held firm - marshalled superbly by Morgan and an outstanding Bromby. This had been a superb gritty and determined performance from United and proved the Blades have what it takes to mount a serious promotion challenge come next May.
Neil Warnock has recieved the news that three of the four players on international duty in midweek came through unscathed. The Blades manager breathed a sigh of relief as Michael Tonge was an unused substitute for England Under-21s, as was striker Andy Gray for Scotland. Paddy Kenny made a second-half appearance for the Republic of Ireland in the 1-1 draw with Bulgaria. Alan Quinn is United's only doubt for Friday evening's trip to Preston after picking up an injury in the final 20 minutes of the international at Lansdowne Road. Warnock commented "Quinny has a bit of a knock but the Doctor thinks he has a chance of being fit, We are just waiting for the swelling to go down."
Paul Thirlwell insists United still have what it takes for success, and he is confident United will soon revive their faltering start in The Championship. Thirlwell was with his former club Sunderland last year and they survived some poor results early on before qualifying for the play-offs, and the Blades midfielder is backing United to turn things around starting at Preston on Friday. He commented; "Sunderland got off to a horrible start (last season) but then got a win at Preston so I'm hoping this is an omen. We're not doing an awful lot wrong; in fact, I actually think we're playing quite well. The only things we're not doing is scoring goals and goals change games. It's a simple thing but it's also massive."
James Harper volleyed the winner for Reading who withstood a second-half onslaught to beat United 1-0 at Bramall Lane. The Blades dominated for most of the match, but were stunned when midfielder Harper hit a 41st-minute rocket in front of the Blades Kop, which flew into the corner of the net. Blades boss Neil Warnock handed midfielder Paul Thirlwell his first competitive start following a groin injury and kept faith with fellow summer signings Andy Liddell and Barry Hayles up front alongside Andy Gray. Reading boss Steve Coppell stuck with the same line-up that lost at West Ham in midweek, the only change seeing American winger Bobby Convey start in midfield in place of Glen Little, who has a hamstring injury. The Blades went straight on the offensive with Jon Harley, Chris Morgan and Michael Tonge all going close. Hayles then missed in spectacular style from 6 yards as he snatched at his chance to score what would have been his first goal for the Blades, dragging a left-foot shot wide of the post when it looked easier to score than to miss. Harley was making headway down the left, but shot wide from the edge of the penalty area, while the Royals made little impression until midfielder Nicky Forster fired over the crossbar from 20 yards in the 27th minute. The visitors almost grabbed the lead against the run of play when striker Dave Kitson let fly from the edge of the area, but goalkeeper Kenny produced a fine save and was at his best again moments later to deny Forster from close range with his feet. Gray then saw his effort blocked by defender Adie Williams and Jagielka headed over from a Harley cross as the Blades dominated proceedings in the first half. But United were then rocked back by a strike in front of the Kop from Harper, who volleyed into the left hand corner from 20 yards past a motionless Kenny and a stunned Kop. Kitson hit the woodwork from six yards a minute later following Convey's corner and Royals goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann then denied Hayles with his feet just before the half-time whistle. Tonge, Harley and Liddell in particular all fired in crosses after the restart as United pressed for an equaliser without creating a clear opening. One player playing particularly well for the Blades was Leigh Bromby. With time running out the Blades manager sent on striker Ashley Ward for the ineffective Hayles and swapped Alan Wright with Alan Quinn, the latter making an immediate impact with a 20-yard shot that flew wide. Morgan volleyed off target from Liddell's corner before Warnock sent on the always lively Jonathan Forte, while Gray forced Hahnemann into a flying save from 25 yards. Kenny held midfielder Steven Sidwell's header in a rare foray forward for the Royals, Forte saw his drive fly wide at the other end and Hahnemann held Quinn's header. In a frantic finish Morgan headed goalwards from Tonge's cross, but Williams threw himself in the way and Reading held on to take all the spoils. United had played some attractive football today and should have wrapped the game up in the first 30 minutes when they missed some glaring chances, but eventually ran out of steam as the Royals went on to put one of their few chances away to take the points.
Simon Francis is unavailable as he struggles with an ankle injury and tonsillitis, while striker Billy Sharp is recovering from shingles. The Blades will also be without Rob Kozluk and Jack Lester through injury so Neil Warnock should name the same side for the third consecutive game. Reading winger Glen Little is out with a hamstring injury, meaning American Bobby Convey is likely to start on the left wing with Andy Hughes switching to the right. James Harper is struggling with a hip injury, but should be available.
Manager Neil Warnock has assured fans concerned by the Blades failure to win any of their first two games of the new season that United have shown enough to suggest they can be successful this season. Warnock insists that promotion remains a realistic target for the Blades. Commenting he said: "Nobody is panicking here. On the contrary, I'm quite pleased. Our defence looks very solid and we're creating plenty of chances. All we've got to do is start putting them away. We've been a hair's breath away from getting six points. I actually think Reading could be easier for them because they'll come to play. But they'll probably pose more problems for our defence."
A ten-man Stoke team managed to blunt the Blades in their attempts to find a first win of the new season. Stoke were reduced to 10 men in the 51st minute when Gifton Noel-Williams was sent off by the referee for a reckless challenge on Chris Morgan. Noel-Williams and Morgan went for a loose ball and as they clashed the former swung his left boot into the face of the centre-back, resulting in the referee quickly producing a deserved red card for the Potters striker. United had the best of the chances of the first half, their initial opportunity a fifth-minute; a one-two between Barry Hayles and Alan Wright which led to the latter's left-foot shot taking a slight deflection. Stoke's John Halls drilled a 25-yard free-kick just over the crossbar before Paddy Kenny was at full stretch in tipping away a shot on the turn from Noel-Williams. United then dominated the remainder of the opening 45 minutes, with Morgan planting a diving header inches wide after meeting an in-swinging Wright free-kick awarded for a Halls challenge on Jon Harley. In the second half and after the dismissal of Noel-Williams United put the Stoke goal under siege but ultimately lacked the nous to break down a resolute Potters side, with their best chances from an Andy Liddell volley in the 54th minute which flashed wide and then a Harley drive in the 73rd minute which Stoke goalkeeper Ed de Goey fumbled beyond his right-hand post. That was compounded by some inconsistent refereeing which seemed to go against United on every occasion. In the final minute, Dutch de Goey was at his best when he superbly pushed a point-blank header from substitute Ashley Ward over the crossbar. United now have two points from their opening two games.
Neil Warnock looks likely to name an unchanged team for the visit of Stoke City tomorrow. United have injuries to Paul Thirlwell (groin strain), Simon Francis (tonsillitis), Billy Sharp (shingles), Rob Kozluk (ankle) and Jack Lester (knee). The Blades manager commented: "We have no new injuries from Saturday but no-one comes back into contention either. We had six missing on Saturday, that's why we had to put Stuart McCall and young Rossy (Ian Ross) on the bench."
Andy Gray's second-half equaliser secured a point for the Blades after a uncertain start against Burnley. It was certainly a game of two halves, with the Clarets enjoying the better of things in the first 45 minutes only for United to come back strongly in the second half. In fact, Burnley just about hanged on for a point in the end as the Blades pressed hard for a winner. With the atmosphere at fever pitch; the new the season finally kicked off with United in their new look bright orange away shirts. Burnley made a bright opening to proceedings, with skipper Robbie Blake and John McGreal both delivering testing crosses into the Blades penalty area in the first minute. Another Blake free kick, this time from the left, caused a some confusion in the United area after 13 minutes but when the ball fell to Irish midfielder Michael Duff on the outside of the box, he couldn’t shoot through the crowd of players in front of him and the ball went wide. United thought they had drawn first blood moments later, debutant Andy Liddell shot past Clarets goalkeeper Danny Coyne but an offside flag ruled that effort out to the disappointment of the Blades fans. In the 16th minute Burnley took the lead; midfielder Richard Chaplow worked the ball on the left by beating Blades defender Leigh Bromby. His centre beat goalkeeper Paddy Kenny, but Gray’s attempted clearance hit Micah Hyde and flew into the net to give the Clarets the lead. It was a deserved lead for the Clarets, United were not moving the ball around with any efficiency. After 26 minutes, United had their best effort of the first half; Barry Hayles won the ball in the box the ball then fell to Jon Harley who struck the ball from 12 yard out. Coyne was down quickly and turned it past the post for a corner. Coyne was again called into action, when Liddell floated a dangerous ball into the area for the head of Gray, but the Welsh international got there to punch clear. United came out for the second half in determined fashion and in the early stages Coyne had to make another crucial punch clear following Bromby’s dangerous long throw-in. In the 51st minute United came even closer, when Bromby’s throw caused problems only for Jamaican Frank Sinclair to clear off the line. Moments later, the Blades were level; Bromby was given two attempts to throw the ball into the box - the referee gave the defender a second attempt after Chaplow jumped impeding the first throw in. The resulting throw was headed goalwards by Morgan and Gray headed from close range to bring things level and send the 3000 travelling Blades fans wild. The Clarets responded well though, and Phil Jagielka had to make a last ditch clearance to prevent Clarets striker Blake shooting from close range following a cross from the right and a flicked header from veteran striker Ian Moore. Just after the hour mark, Coyne was again forced into a good save, as Liddell was played clear on the right and shot early. Coyne saved with his feet and the ball fell to McGreal who cleared the danger. Burnley survived again in the 62nd minute when a goalmouth scramble took place in the Clarets area. Numerous United players had chances to shoot but somehow the Clarets managed to cleared the danger. United were really taking the game to Burnley and Neil Warnock threw striker Ashley Ward on as they looked for the three points. Coyne then had to make another save when Liddell set up Ward for a low shot from the outside of the area. Burnley had some relief from the pressure in the 73rd minute, when Moore was dragged down on the edge of the area, but Blake hit the free kick well over the bar. With just five minutes remaining, Blades captain Chris Morgan had a chance to secure the win when he was picked out in the area but he drove wide. The game was in stoppage time; Forte beat two men down the left before driving a low cross into the middle. Ward got their first but saw his shot rebound off the cross bar before the final whistle. It certainly had been an entertaining encounter, but after an edgy start for United they finished the better team and were unlucky not to have taken all three points. All round a draw at Turf Moor on the opening day of the season is a good start for any team.
The Blades will be without Jack Lester and Rob Kozluk for the opening match of the new season at Turf Moor, both players picked up injuries during pre-season. Andy Gray and Barry Hayles are likely to start up front with Ashley Ward on the bench, Phil Jagielka will partner Chris Morgan in central defence, Alan Wright should be at left-lack, with Simon Francis or new signing Leigh Bromby vying for the right-back slot. Paul Thirlwell will be in central midfield with Michael Tonge. Paddy Kenny continues in goal, although reserve goalkeeper Phil Barnes is suspended for the match leaving the Blades with no cover for Kenny. Alan Quinn and Jon Harley will also make their debuts for United.
Blades midfielder Paul Shaw has joined Rotherham United on loan for a initial period of four weeks which could be extended for a further eight weeks if needs be. Miller's boss Ronnie Moore had been on the look-out for a new forward ever since Martin Butler was diagnosed with hepatitis earlier this month but thought his search had drawn a blank until United stepped in to help out; Neil Warnock commented "We agreed to help Rotherham out. At first Paul didn't want to go anywhere on loan but I've told him that Rotherham is a great club and that he'll get the chance to get some games under his belt. We can recall him at 24 hours notice if needs be."
Neil Warnock has given Paul Ritchie a further week to impress at the Lane. The defender has been training with the Blades since last month after being released by Walsall earlier in the summer. Neil Warnock has made no secret of his desire to recruit another experienced no-nonsense centre-half as cover for Chris Morgan and Scottish international Ritchie could be that man. The 28-year-old is keen to secure a move to South Yorkshire after arriving at United’s Shirecliffe training complex last month.