A late strike by Joleon Lescott denied United a win at Bramall Lane this afternoon. Paul Shaw's incisive finish looked to have won it for the Blades, who twice came back from a goal down before taking a 72nd-minute lead. However, Wolves defender Lescott ensured an enthralling game finished all-square with an 87th-minute equaliser. Blades fans received a shock before the kick-off, after learning that Danny Cadamarteri (who had been on the team’s sheet to start the game) had been withdrawn and replaced with Shaw. After the match it was revealed that the striker had been sick before the match and manager Neil Warnock had decided not to risk the striker. The game began at a ferocious pace with a positive atmosphere from both sets of fans. The visitors started the better of the two teams, with Dean Sturridge and Carl Cort forcing Blades goalkeeper Paddy Kenny into two early saves. Moments later, Andy Gray's header at the Bramall lane end was clawed away to safety by goalkeeper Michael Oakes. The Blades play looked slightly nervous and the visitors were rewarded with the opening goal when Seyi George Olofinjana converted Colin Cameron’s centre after just seven minutes. The giant Wolves midfielder did well to hold off Blades defender Chris Morgan before firing the ball past Kenny. The Blades countered with a Andy Liddell strike which fizzed inches wide of the target and a Michael Tonge volley which rocketed just over the crossbar. Wolves finally buckled under wave upon wave of Blades pressure when Leigh Bromby equalised after 28 minutes. Liddell's out-swinging corner picked out the Blades defender, who controlled the ball with his chest before rifling a textbook volley into the roof of the net. United poured forward in search of another goal but in doing so left gaping holes at the back, which Wolves nearly exploited after 38 minutes when Sturridge's volley was superbly saved by Kenny from point-blank range. With only 5 minutes of the second half gone United again went behind, Cameron delivered a low cross from the left and Cort swept the ball home from 6 yards out. After 53 minutes the Blades were back level. From a short corner Liddell crossed and Paul Thirlwell scored his first ever league goal in 108 appearances. After 72 minutes United took the lead, Liddell crossed from the right and Shaw controlled the ball on his right foot before volleying with his left for a delightful goal from 10 yards out. However, Wolves refused to throw in the towel and Lescott earned the visitors a share of the spoils after Cort's flick allowed the centre-half the opportunity to bundle the ball into the back of the net. It had been an exciting end to end game of football and a draw was the fair result. It means, United continue their good run and have lost just 1 of their last 13 matches.
Jack Lester has re-joined Nottingham Forest for £50,000. The striker is expected sign a two-and-a-half year deal at the City Ground. Neil Warnock now has a plethora of strikers and Lester feels his chances are restricted at the Lane. Warnock commented "We are disappointed to see him go, his contribution has been good at Bramall Lane. He has been a model professional but I appreciate it is difficult to keep everyone happy and he wants to play regularly. Forest came in for him and I was tempted to say no but sometimes you can't stand in people's way when they have an opportunity."
Rob Kozluk believes United have a stronger squad than Championship leaders Wigan Athletic. The full-back, who has been out for most of the season with a ankle injury, is on the verge of a return to training with the first team. The 27-year-old, feels United are easily within reach of the Latics. "I believe that, through the squad, we've got better players than Wigan, There's no reason why they shouldn't be looking over their shoulders." the defender commented.
The Blades produced the only goal against Derby County to gain them a valuable victory at Pride Park. Alan Quinn scored early in the second half with a driven shot from the edge of the box after the Rams defence had failed to adequately clear Derek Geary's cross. It was the second consecutive match that the Blades midfielder had scored in as Neil Warnock's men continued their impressive form. The Blades and welcomed back Jon Harley to the starting line-up with new signing Luke Beckett on the bench. United started playing a 3-6-1 formation with Paul Thirlwell playing just in front of the back three. Danny Cadamarteri was the lone frontman with Andy Liddell and Andy Gray closely supporting from a wide positions. Derby had Tommy Smith midfield, supporting Gzregorz Rasiak and fromer Blades star Paul Peschisolido in attack. The game started slowly and it was 10 minutes before the first real chance of note. Derby's Jamie Vincent slid into the box and Peschisolido almost wriggled past Chris Morgan. Peschisolido then almost got on the end of an under hit back pass from Geary but Blades goalkeeper Paddy Kenny cleared. The Blades deep formation was frustrating Derby. Indeed, the Rams were losing their rhythm and Vincent had to bring down Liddell as he almost skipped clear of a hesitant Adam Bolder. Moments later, Peschisolido almost broke clear with a first time ball from halfway. United had a good chance on 32 minutes, Jon Harley supplied Liddell, before the winger volleying wide of the Derby post. Moments later, Vincent hit a fierce drive past the Blades right hand post after Peschisolido had earlier been floored. In the final minute of the half, a cross from Liddell found Gray, whose header forced Rams goalkeeper Lee Camp to palm over. It had been a highly competitive half, albeit with few chances for either team. To their credit, the Blades started the second half in determined fashion taking the game to Derby. Quinn caused chaos in the Rams rearguard defence before the ball fell for Gray, but the Blades midfielder was quickly blocked as he tried to find a way through. Another cross from Liddell again caused problems for the Derby defenders, but this time play instantly swept to the other end as the Blades conceded a foul for a foul, from the subsequent free-kick Spaniard Inigo Idiakez curled the ball against the woodwork, before bouncing to safety despite an attempted overhead from polish striker Rasiak. The Blades were the better team and began to apply more pressure on the Rams. The 3500 travelling Blades fans sensed this and again got right behind United as they went for the winner. The Blades won a free-kick inches outside the penalty area for a foul by Peschisolido on Harley, Liddell made a sweet connection but the ball flew just over. Quinn had looked the most threatening player all afternoon for the Blades, and after 62 minutes got his reward as he produced a fine goal for United. Geary who had also played well keeping the shackles on Marco Reich all afternoon; crossed a looping ball into the penalty area from the right flank. A back-tracking Bolder clould only half clear to the edge of the penalty area where Quinn stepped forward to slam an accurate low drive to the right of a despairing Camp. After 68 minutes, Rams defender Tom Huddlestone struck a blockbuster drive from distance which forced Kenny push the ball to safety. A minute later, Derby brought on German Marcus Tudgay on the right with Smith on the left in a 4-2-4 formation as Derby desperately tried to find a way back. Neil Warnock introduced Michael Tonge for Cadamarteri in the 74th minute as the Blades dropped deeper. Peschisolido won a free-kick but this time Kenny saved at full stretch from Idiakez before Taylor headed the corner over. Derby Manager George Burley made one last change by introducing midfielder Morten Bisgaard for Vincent. After 87 minutes, Quinn almost put the game beyond doubt when he robbed Idiakez and sent a left-foot shot inches wide of the far post. Warnock brought on Nick Montgomery for Liddell as the Blades held on for victory. The Blades had produced a top class performance today and it is a win which means United now move into seventh place in the Championship. United have now have lost only 1 match in their last 11 League matches.
New signing Luke Beckett is expected to play some part for the Blades at Pride Park tomorrow, while midfielder Michael Tonge is back after an ankle injury. Neil Warnock will also welcome back defender Jon Harley following his one-match ban. Derby defender Richard Jackson (hamstring) is expected to be ruled out and replaced by Jeff Kenna. Midfielder Morten Bisgaard could also feature although Paul Boertien (knee) is unlikely to be risked. Former Blades Hero Paul Peschisolido is likely to spearhead the Rams attack.
Neil Warnock says an imminent deal for Neil Mellor is unlikely due injuries at Anfield. Liverpool has first choice strikers Milan Baros and Djibril Cisse both out with long term injuries. Reds’ manager Rafael Benitez has pencilled Neil Mellor in as one of the replacements for his first choice strikers. That said, Warnock is still looking for a Premiership striker, and commented: “We have made a couple of offers for Premiership players and Terry Robinson has spoken to Rick Parry at Liverpool, but we can't do anything about Mellor until January because they (Liverpool) are thin on the ground."
Neil Warnock says he has made a bid for Liverpool striker Neil Mellor. He commented "We have tabled a bid of around £500,000 as we need a striker of his calibre. He has good movement, an eye for a goal, and is very athletic. He's from Sheffield, and we think he would do an excellent job for the Blades." He continued “Other clubs are interested, and it remains to be seen whether Liverpool would be prepared to sell Neil to anyone at this time, or whether they would prefer to wait until the January transfer window. We'll have to wait and see.”
United areready to splash big money on a Premiership striker. Neil Warnock revealed he has made enquiries for two top-flight strikers in a bid to boost his side's promotion push. He said: "It will be the most money spent on a player since I've been at the club, who have backed me. Clubs are a bit reluctant to release strikers, but I'm optimistic I can sign a main striker in January".
Neil Warnock has boosted the Blades firepower by securing the signature of Stockport County striker Luke Beckett for £50,000. Sheffield-born Beckett has agreed a two-year deal at Bramall Lane. The 27-year-old striker has made 15 appearances for Stockport this season, scoring seven goals for County. He has also played for Chester City and Chesterfield and was an apprentice at Barnsley.
After a difficult week the Blades went into today’s match knowing anything less than a win would not please certain sections of the Lane crowd. The Blades were without John Harley who was suspended and influential midfielder Michael Tonge, who was still out injured. It was United who made marginally the brighter start but neither goal was really threatened until after nine minutes when Danny Cadamarteri knocked a Derek Geary cross from the left though to Paul Shaw, forcing Watford goalkeeper Richard Lee to make a good save low to his left, but the flag was up for offside. Then Paul Thirlwell tried a shot from 20 yards which went over. The Blades continued to have the better of the exchanges but could have been caught out after 22 minutes when Neil Cox's long free-kick was headed on by Brynjar Gunnarsson and Hameur Bouazza, but Bruce Dyer could not get a heavy enough touch on the ball after getting to it ahead of Blades keeper Paddy Kenny. At the other end, Andy Liddell dragged a shot just wide. Frenchman Bouazza had Watford's first meaningful attempt on 24 minutes when he was played through the inside-left channel by Neal Ardley, but dragged his shot across the face of goal and wide. The Blades had played the better football and after 29 minutes finally got their reward. Shaw left Gunnarsson trailing as he broke from central midfield before laying the ball inside to Alan Quinn, who struck a fine shot from the edge of the area over Lee and in-off the underside of the bar; the ball bouncing just over the goal-line before the Hornets keeper fumbled it back into his own net. Shaw might have doubled the Blades advantage six minutes later when his shot on the turn from the edge of the six-yard box deflected behind off Neil Cox, and then Leigh Bromby tried an ambitious attempt from 30 yards which flew wide, as a the first-half came to a close. The Blades came within inches of scoring their second just seconds after the restart when Shaw wriggled free of a Sean Dyche challenge before seeing his shot blocked, but the ball ran loose to Liddell on the right side of the area and the winger hit a terrific drive that beat Lee's dive but rebounded off the inside of the post. The Blades maintained their positive start to the second half with Cadamarteri flicking a Quinn cross from the left wide of the target with his head, and then Quinn cut in off the flank and beat Gunnarsson before firing a low shot straight at Lee. Watford forced their first corner on 54 minutes; Dyche spinning and shooting wide of the far post after James Chambers had headed down Neal Ardley's set-piece. Quinn saw a shot deflected behind following a free-kick by Liddell on the right. United kept the pressure on and Lee had to again go to ground to keep out Shaw's drive at his near post. But after 64 minutes, the Hornets drew level in stunning fashion. Ashley Young found Jack Smith who played the ball to the right side of the area where Gunnarsson spun and cracked a fantastic right-footed half-volley over and beyond Kenny into the far corner from 15 yards. Watford sensed a chance to take all the points after the equaliser as elements of the Blades crowd started to show their frustration. Cox clipped a free-kick forward from his own half, picking out Ardley who had drifted into space, but he sent his header over the crossbar. Thirlwell and Gunnarsson exchanged shots at either end, before, Quinn crossed to the back post where Phil Jagielka headed over. United were still enjoying most of the play but Watford nearly snatched an unorthodox second with five minutes remaining. Kenny came out to chase down a ball on the Watford right, but then thought better of it, he found himself momentarily stranded before racing back into his goal, with Jagielka cleared up his mistake at the far post. Another chance for the Blades came and went in the final minute when Liddell played in a cross from the right but Chris Morgan headed over when he should have hit the target. Even worse was to follow for the Blades deep into injury-time when Cox sliced Liddell's cross from the right into the path of substitute Jonathan Forte; who was on the left side of the area. The striker had time to pick his spot but somehow slashed his shot badly wide of the near post. A frustrating day for all Blades followers, considering the number of chances United had - they should have won today. The Blades need to start winning their home matches quickly if they are to make an assault on the play-offs.
Blades manager Neil Warnock has blasted radio phone-ins for helping make the life of managers "very difficult" this season. The Blades boss insisted the stress levels for all managers have reached new heights and the added pressure is intolerable. "I've never known there to be so much pressure on managers as there seems to be this season, It's as though every club is expected to win the title in their respective division regardless of financial restrictions. I believe a lot of these problems come from radio phone-in programmes, during which people can slaughter whoever they want. The presenters encourage callers by the way they ask and answer questions and I think they have made life very difficult for managers," he said
The Blades dominated throughout against Gillingham but could not find the goal their play deserved as the Gills' held out for a 0-0 draw at the Lane. The Blades were the dominant side from start to finish and carved out numerous chances. But it was Gillingham who could have snatched the most unlikely of winners with 15 minutes left, as Mamady Sidibe put his header from six-yards just wide. It took just a minute for the Blades to stamp their authority on the game as Danny Cadamarteri saw an 18 yard shot hacked away by Chris Hope before Jon Harley fired in the first of three quick-fire efforts from the resulting corner but Gills’ goalkeeper Jason Brown was equal to the test. Moments later, Harley threatened again with a curling effort from the left side. And with 15 minutes gone, Danny Spiller threw himself in the way to block another goal-bound shot as Harley again raced forward, before Cadamarteri sent another effort straight at Brown this time from 25 yards out. Gillingham were woefully short of any attacking ideas, relying on big striker Sidibe who spent most of the time flaying around looking for half-chances. After the break, Gills’ player-manager Andy Hessenthaler sent on Paul Smith for winger Matthew Jarvis in a bid to inject some creativity and for a while the Gills looked a more dangerous side. But normal service was soon resumed as United attacked the Shoreham Kop, and on the hour mark, Andy Liddell fired in a dangerous cross that forced Brown to parry the ball away. Despite once again dominating possession at home, United were again finding it more difficult to carve out chances in front of their inpatient fans. After 66 minutes, Cadamarteri skewed a weak effort straight into Brown's hands. Six minutes later, Harley missed a gilt-edged opportunity to win the game, when he thumped a powerful close range header over the crossbar. With time running out Gillingham finally created their first chance of the game, and it was almost enough to hand them the points. Andy Hessenthaler raced to the byline before bending in a cross, but with the goal at his mercy ‘Big Mama’ (as Sidibe is known to Gill’s fans) could only glance the ball wide. United continued to put the Gills’ goal under siege and almost snatched a winner in injury time but Chris Morgan's right-footed volley flew over. It had been a frustrating afternoon for manager, players and fans' alike, as the Blades failed to turn their numerous chances into goals. United stay well positioned in 7th spot in the Championship.
Blades boss Neil Warnock is likely to name an unchanged side despite their 5-1 defeat at Ipswich in midweek. United had hoped to have Michael Tonge back in action for the match, but the midfielder is still struggling with his ankle injury. Alan Wright (stomach) is short of fitness, while Rob Kozluk, Chris Armstrong, Steven Kabba and Simon Francis are still out. Gillingham striker Tommy Johnson could make his first start of the season after appearing twice as a substitute. Darren Byfield, Patrick Agyemang, Nicky Southall and John Robinson are still struggling through injury.
Neil Warnock delivered a damning verdict on his side's defending after they found themselves on the wrong end of a five-goal defeat at Portman Road last night. But, despite the result, Neil Warnock still remained upbeat: "We've still got a good side and we've got to remember that." He continued: "Some of the goals we conceded were inexcusable, if I was younger I'd be suicidal after that but you've got to learn to move on to the next game. This is the last time I come here and try to play football. I honestly thought this was the best chance we had of coming to Portman Road and getting a result. But we have to remember that we've got some good players here, it's not all doom and gloom, and we've got to take a couple of things on board. If anything we were too nice again.". The Blades face Gillingham at home on Saturday.
Just when we thought were going places, we were all brought back down to earth with a bang at Portman Road. Tonight, The Blades were taken apart in an embarrassingly poor performance at Ipswich Town. We all knew it was going to be the toughest test of the season so far, but, did not expect to see the Blades capitulate so easily. On paper, with United unbeaten in seven games and Ipswich in eight, this was a match between two form sides – at least that’s how Unitedites preferred to look at the encounter beforehand. But there was one lingering statistic which was of concern to Blades fans – United had not won at Portman Road since 1975, and it turned out to be the same old story for Unitedites. The Blades normally reliable centre-back pairing of Phil Jagielka and Chris Morgan was quickly exposed by Darren Bent's pace. Jim Magilton had already created a wonderful early chance for Tommy Miller when Bent reached Jagielka's under strength back pass well before United's goalkeeper Paddy Kenny. The young striker's first touch was over-heavy but Kenny still brought him down and Miller redeemed himself by converting the penalty. Two minutes later Ipswich doubled their lead, and it was another gift from United. Fabian Wilnis's cross from the left was delivered more in hope than anger but first Jagielka ducked out of a header, then Morgan, just behind him, swung a boot and missed. The ball bounced up for Shefki Kuqi to loop a header over the stranded Kenny. Just before the interval, however, the Blades pulled one back. Andy Liddell's cross was headed away from goal by Richard Naylor but only as far as Leigh Bromby, and the Blades full-back reacted well, to turn a shot past Lewis Price in the Ipswich goal. Bromby went close to pulling the Blades level a minute after the break; his shot going just wide after Wilnis had diverted another Liddell free-kick in his path. Paul Shaw fired just wide as United enjoyed their best spell of the game until Ipswich opened up a two goal lead again, Naylor rising high to head in Magilton's corner on the hour. It took a brilliant tackle from Jagielka to deny Kuqi as the big striker drove into the box following another top class pass from Magilton. But Kuqi wouldn't be denied and grabbed his second goal of the game on 68 minutes, turning and curling a shot from 15 yards into the net. Two minutes later Westlake added another with a neat finish following work by Miller to make the final score 5-1 to Ipswich. A nightmare to forget – and for Blades fans'- just hope we will not have to see a night like this be repeated for a very long time to come. But keep the faith with the Blades, we are still 7th in the Championship.
United are unbeaten in their last seven championship matches, but face one of their toughest tests tomorrow away at Portman Road. Danny Cadamateri and Paul Shaw will spearhead the Blades attack. United will have Alan Quinn back in the squad after the midfielder completed his three-match suspension. Michael Tonge is still out with an ankle problem, but there are no new injury problems to report. Ipswich are still hoping that Tommy Miller (calf) and Fabian Wilnis (hamstring) will be fit. Goalkeeper Kelvin Davis will be on the bench as he continues his recovery from a back injury. Kelvin replaces Shane Supple in the squad.