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30th
April Sheffield
United 0 Millwall 1 (Attendance: 19,797)
The Blades missed out on a golden chance to keep their season alive going into the final day next week when going down to an early Jody Morris strike at Bramall Lane. With West Ham going down at home to Sunderland and Reading slipping up against Wolves, victory would have given Neil Warnock's side a realistic chance of snatching the final play-off place next weekend. But Millwall midfielder Morris fired home into the top corner from the edge of the penalty area in the fifth minute to deal United's hopes an early blow and they never looked like overcoming the Londoners. Phil Jagielka headed narrowly wide and Danny Webber forced Millwall goalkeeper Graham Stack into a rare save in a frantic finale, but it was too little too late for the Blades. Although they can finish level on points with Reading and West Ham if both slip up on the final day, United have a much poorer goals difference. Blades teenager Jonathan Forte made his first league start of the season and Danny Webber returned up front, but skipper Chris Morgan, doubtful all week with tendinitis, had to settle for a place on the bench with Rob Kozluk stepping up in his absence.The Lions made a flying start and went ahead when Morris collected the ball on the edge of the penalty area and unleashed a right-foot shot into the top corner. Morris was wayward with a 25-yard effort soon after, but the Blades responded with Michael Tonge heading wide from Phil Jagielka's cross. Steven Kabba went close for the home side from 20 yards, not long after being booked for dissent and Millwall were dealt a blow soon after when striker Barry Hayles was forced off through injury and replaced by Ben May. United huffed and puffed without creating any openings, although 18-year-old Forte occasionally made headway out wide and Kabba steered his close-range shot wide just before the break. Other than Paul Ifill, who flashed a 25-yard shot wide, neither side created a single opening for 20 minutes after the restart as Millwall shaded possession. Blades boss Neil Warnock swapped Forte for Andy Liddell in the 67th minute, but Millwall almost extended their lead soon after. Sweeney swung in a cross and Elliott's header from six yards hit the woodwork and then Ifill pulled his shot wide from the edge of the area. Warnock then threw on skipper Morgan for Kabba in a bid to unsettle an untroubled Millwall defence and Andy Gray headed just wide from Liddell's free-kick. It had been a frustrating afternoon for all Blades fans; especially when everyone heard Reading had lost.
29th April Chris Morgan is battling to be fit for United's home clash with Millwall after suffering from tendinitis. Danny Webber is expected to return to the starting line-up while Michael Tonge should also resume in midfield after recovering from an ankle injury. Millwall Goalkeeper Graham Stack is expected to replace Andy Marshall - who was injured last week. Peter Sweeney could miss out with an ankle injury, but Paul Ifill and Dennis Wise have a chance of starting the game.
29th April Manager Neil Warnock says he will never resign from the club. The Blades boss who is now in his sixth year at the Lane has rubbished claims that he wants a new challenge elsewhere. Speaking to Radio Sheffield; Warnock commented: "I don't think it will come to that anyhow, I think the majority of the supporters are right behind me and I think they know what a great job I've done and am doing".
26th April Stuart McCall is hopeful Chris Morgan can defy the odds and prove his fitness in time for next Saturday's clash with Millwall. The Blades defender was forced out of the action at half-time against Watford with Achilles damage and could be ruled out for the last two matches, but coach McCall has not written off his chances. He commented: "It would be a big blow to lose him, but he's not been definitely ruled out yet and with an Achilles injury there's a chance he might be able to play on, But if he is ruled out (Phil) Jagielka slotted in there on Saturday and I thought he was outstanding. We'll have to wait and see, but it could be that Chris just needs four or five days rest ahead of the Millwall game."
23rd
April Watford
0 Sheffield United 0 (Attendance: 17,138)
The Blades were left clinging to their outside play-off chances despite being held to a goalless draw at Vicarage Road by Watford. United were desperate for maximum points against relegation-threatened Watford, but despite drawing a blank Reading's defeat to Cardiff and Brighton's injury-time equaliser against West Ham keeps the Blades faint hopes alive. United improved drastically after a poor first half, but were unable to convert their limited chances, while Watford, still looking to ensure their safety, fought as their lives depended on it. Watford were dealt a blow before the game started; when midfielder Brynjar Gunnarsson was replaced before kick-off by Dominic Blizzard after sustaining an injury during the warm-up. Neil Warnock was able to recall fit-again Michael Tonge to his midfield role where Paul Thirlwell was preferred today to Nick Montgomery, while Steven Kabba stepped in up front for Danny Webber who was ineligible for today’s match. Despite the cracking atmosphere created by the hordes of travelling Blades fans, Neither United or Watford could create a clear-cut chance in the first 25 minutes. But then both sides went close, first Jay DeMerit heading the prominent Chris Eagles cross over the crossbar and Kabba seeing Hornets goalkeeper Alec Chamberlain hold his stinging shot from the edge of the penalty area. Defender Derek Geary then volleyed over for United, while Watford dominated possession without carving out any openings. Warnock sent on a striker for a defender after the interval, Jonathan Forte replacing the injured Chris Morgan and within a minute the youngster almost snatched the lead for the Blades, drilling a left-foot shot from the edge of the area that had Chamberlain parrying at full stretch. Jon Harley curled a free-kick over from 25 yards and then saw his volley from similar distance blocked by Neil Cox, while Andy Gray also blasted over as United stepped it up in a bid to keep their season alive. Tonge forced Chamberlain into action again with a far-post header from Harley's corner, while Eagle pulled his shot wide in a rare foray forward for Watford. Bruce Dyer then tested the ever-alert Paddy Kenny with a long-range effort and Ashley young also let fly before Cox headed over the bar as Watford hit back after riding the storm. Warnock threw on striker David Johnson for midfielder Alan Quinn in the 79th minute, but apart from Kabba's late shot that was blocked by DeMerit the Blades struggled to make headway against stubborn defending. United now need maximum points from their remaining two fixtures and must hope for slip-ups from West Ham and Reading.
22nd April Steven Kabba will join Andy Gray in the Blades attack as Neil Warnock's men go for a victory at Vicarage Road. Danny Webber is ineligible to play against Watford, while Danny Cullip, on loan at Vicarage Road, must also sit the game out. The game may have come too soon for midfielder Michael Tonge who has been troubled with an ankle inury. Rob Kozluk is also a major doubt due to a groin injury. Both palyers will recieve late fitness checks. With Cullip out, Sean Dyche could make his first appearance for Watford since New Year's Day. Defender Jay DeMerit is available again after serving a one-match ban. Goalkeeper Richard Lee has missed recent games with knee cartilage damage, so Alec Chamberlain will continue in goal.
15th
April Sheffield
United 0 Derby County 1 (Attendance: 20,794)
The Blades slumped to what could be a fatal defeat for Neil Warnock’s battling team. On a wet night at the Lane; a goal by Morten Bisgaard in the last quarter of an evenly matched encounter give in Derby a victory which could go a long way to guaranteeing them a play-off berth. The Rams now with four matches left to play they have a four-point cushion over the Blades, who remain in seventh place having played one more game than all of the teams above them. Derby posted an early warning of the looming threat, when, in the fourth minute, Inigo Idiakez slipped the ball between Blades defenders to set up a chance for Tommy Smith, whose under-hit shot was comfortably taken by goalkeeper Paddy Kenny. It was the Rams who again went close when the highly-rated Smith struck the outside of Kenny's right-hand post. A minute later Idiakez was inches wide of the opposite upright with a 20-yard drive. The pattern was maintained and, in the 25th minute, Bisgaard was just a foot away from giving Derby the lead with another shot from outside the area. United for their part were in no way being dominated, in-fact they were having the better of the overall possession, but we just failing to create any clear cut chances in front of goal. Danny Webber finally engineered a clear opening for the Blades after 35 minutes, but his shot was a foot too high. Derby suffered a setback six minutes later, when playmaker Idiakez was forced to leave the contest with hamstring trouble. The Blades need for the victory was clearly the greater and they continued to press without causing too many problems for Derby's well-organised defence. Early in the second half Blades midfielder Phil Jagielka stabbed a half-chance wide and Alan Quinn's long-range volley flew straight to Lee Camp as United poured forward with the full backing of the Shoreham Kop. But, for all United's pressure and succession of crosses launched into the Rams' penalty area, it was the George Burley's men who posed more menace, unlike the Blades, whose strikers seemed to want to see the whites of the Derby goalkeeper Lee Camp's eyes before testing him. Derby's brief appeared to be to shoot on sight and that basic approach finally paid off for the Rams after 74 minutes when Grzegorz Rasiak sent substitute Paul Peschisolido through and though Kenny was able to block the Canadian's stinging shot, he was powerless to prevent Bisgaard steering the loose ball into the unguarded net. United in the final moments threw everything at the Rams – even Kenny joined the mayhem in the Derby box, but it was all to no avail and United will now probably need to now win their last 3 remaining fixtures if they are to fulfill the play-off dream we all wanted so much.
14th April Blades defender Derek Geary is expected to earn a starting spot with Rob Kozluk out injured. On-loan striker David Johnson is available again after being ineligible against Nottingham Forest. Neil Warnock is not expected to call on Michael Tonge. The midfielder has returned to light training after sitting out the last two matches with an ankle injury. Andy Liddell could be recalled to the starting line-up in favour of Simon Francis, while Warnock is expected to choose two from strikers Andy Gray, Steven Kabba and Danny Webber. Ian Taylor returns to the Derby squad, but striker Grzegorz Rasiak will face a late fitness test after suffering a combination of groin and stomach strains while Inigo Idiakez has reported a hamstring niggle, meaning the Spaniard has also been rated as a doubt. Marco Reich could be in line for a recall after bouncing back from a groin strain of his own. Paul Peschisolido appeared as a substitute in the victory against Stoke and is expected to play some part tomorrow.
12th
April Nottingham
Forest 1 Sheffield United 1 (Attendance: 21,903)
Alan Quinn denied Nottingham Forest a vital victory with an equaliser for the Blades midway through the second half, but it is United who will feel they should have returned to the Lane with all three points. The contrasting fortunes of United and Forest were reflected by the manner in which the managers approached the game. Neil Warnock made one change to the side which began Saturday's 2-1 win against QPR, whereas Gary Megson removed four from the starting line-up who lost at home to Plymouth Argyle. Even more telling was the response of Forest fans' to their abject display at the weekend. Their silence betrayed a resignation that the miracle they need will not be forthcoming. Whilst Blades goalkeeper Paddy Kenny was not tested by even the most benign of shots in the first half, Forrest keeper Paul Gerrard was constantly busy at the other end. Blades striker Danny Webber set the bombardment in motion for United with a close-range header that looped on to the roof of the net. Then, having exchanged passes with Andy Gray, Webber curled a shot wide of a post. The Blades were exerting all the pressure and Gerrard had to be alert to keep out Jon Harley's swerving 25-yard effort. United had another chance on the half-hour mark when Quinn's far-post cross was fired across the face of goal by Leigh Bromby. Gerrard was then again was on hand to beat out Quinn's effort as Forest repeatedly gave the ball away. To add to Forest's troubles, Alan Rogers and John Thompson limped off during the first period and Megson was forced to deploy a striker, Gareth Taylor, in central defence. With five minutes to go before half-time, the Forest keeper almost played his team into trouble when he fumbled a cross from Francis, but United could not get a clear shot on goal and Forest scrambled the ball clear to reach the interval unscathed. And barely two minutes after the restart, Forest took an unlikely lead when Matthieu Louis-Jean's right-wing cross was headed into the top corner by Commons. The goal gave Forest added belief with Commons pushing further forward, but United also upped the tempo and forced two corners. From the second, a penalty-box scramble resulted in pushing between Paul Evans and Chris Morgan but both escaped with a yellow card. Neil Warnock decided the time was right for a change and replaced Simon Francis with Andy Liddell. Derek Geary also came on for Rob Kozluk at right-back. And the substitutions soon paid off for United when Quinn drilled in a fine equaliser after 70 minutes. Geary and Liddell combined down the right to find Nick Montgomery, whose cross found Quinn unmarked on the left-hand side of the box - the midfielder firing his shot across Gerrard into the far corner. A draw is of little use to the Blades who now are one point off the play-off zone, and face a must win match against Derby County at the Lane on Friday.
9th
April Sheffield
United 3 Queens Park Rangers 2 (Attendance: 20,426)
Andy Gray converted a last-minute penalty to keep United's play-off dream alive and finally end QPR's faint hopes of a top-six finish. The Blades put in a impressive performance to keep in touch with the Championship leaders with Danny Webber hitting a brace in as many games for the Blades. Webber fired his second goal in successive matches just before half-time to to restore parity and cancel out Martin Rowlands' 26th-minute strike for QPR. Blades fans, were full of expectancy following the 4-0 Yorkshire derby romp at Elland Road, but looked on with concern as Rangers took an early lead. QPR’s Danny Shittu had one early shot blocked by defender Chris Morgan, while United's only effort in the opening 25 minutes was a header from Andy Liddell following Webber's cross. Concern turned to dismay soon after when Georges Santos slipped the ball to Rowlands on the edge of the penalty area and the Rangers midfielder's right-footed shot deflected off Jon Harley inside home goalkeeper Paddy Kenny's near post. QPR continued to look the more likely before Andy Gray's header from Harley's cross was well saved by Rangers keeper Simon Royce. Kevin Gallen went close with a long-range shot for QPR, while Alan Quinn fired over the top from 25 yards. Then, Webber single-handedly hauled the Blades level, surging into the penalty area two minutes before the break and holding off two challenges before firing a low shot beyond Joyce. Rowlands limped off soon after fpo Rangers and was replaced by Stefan Bailey. The Blades looked a different side after the restart, Phil Jagielka forcing Royce into a fine save from 20 yards, the Rangers keeper then denying Harley from close range. But there was no denying Webber his second goal as his header from six yards gave United a 2-1 lead in the 53rd minute. The Blades side were now in control, but Kevin Gallen pounced to punish a defensive lapse as Morgan lost possession in his own penalty area and Ranger striker took full advantage to despatch a right-footed shot into the top corner in the 66th minute. But United continued to press forward, Gray forcing Royce into action again with a header from Harley's cross, before Rangers regained the initiative in the closing stages, forcing United to hold on. Shittu went close with a well-struck free-kick and Bailey flashed a right-footed shot wide, while the outstanding Webber was denied a hat-trick for United, when Royce held his effort from the edge of the area. QPR defender Andrew Davies, then made things even more difficult for his team after getting a sent off for a second booking, with 7 minutes remaining. With one last effort United charged forward. Santos was penalised for his challenge on Leigh Bromby and from the resulting free-kick the referee penalised Rangers for pushing in the area and pointed to the spot. Gray stepped forward in the 90th minute to power home the winner to keep United's play-off dream alive. Neil Warnock and his players deserve praise after today’s performance. They played throughout with a determination and confidence which has been missing in recent home games. Even when they went a goal behind, they knuckled down and fought back. It will be a travesty if this team does not make the play-offs.
8th April United will be without Michael Tonge after he damaged his ankle in the 4-0 win over Leeds. Derek Geary and Andy Liddell are vying for Tonge's place while Danny Webber and Andy Gray continue in attack. QPR striker Paul Furlong is set to miss out with a hamstring strain and Richard Edghill has mumps, but Martin Rowlands should return after a knee problem. Shabazz Baidoo, Pat Kanyuka, Ryan Johnson and Stefan Bailey have been included in the Rangers squad.
5th
April Leeds
United 0 Sheffield United 4 (Attendance: 28,936)
The Blades reconfirmed their position as Yorkshire’s Number 1 team tonight, after a emphatic 4-0 drubbing of their Championship rivals at Elland Road. The Blades went ahead after just 93 seconds with striker Danny Webber dancing his way past Simon Walton and Paul Butler before drilling his first goal for Neil Warnock’s men. Webber, who was making his debut for United; rode past the challenges of the hapless Whites defenders before scoring his 13th goal of the season - and his first for United - beyond goalkeeper Neil Sullivan from 16 yards. Webber should have made it 2-0 three minutes later when more slack Leeds defending ensured he was unmarked inside the area in receiving a low cross from Alan Quinn, only for the ball to get stuck under his feet resulting in a scuffed shot Sullivan was relieved to collect. But after a period when Leeds pressed for the equaliser, with Danny Pugh, Seth Johnson and Rob Hulse all trying their luck from distance, the Blades doubled their lead on the half-hour mark. Quinn provided the cross from the dead-ball line for fast-arriving midfielder Nick Montgomery, to stab home his first goal for more than 13 months from eight yards. Leeds nearly pulled one back on the stroke of half time when a rising drive from Hulse cracked against the underside of the bar, but the Blades survived the momentary scare. All hope of Leeds making any unlikely comeback ended just 75 seconds after the interval when Blades striker Andy Gray volleyed home a Phil Jagielka knock down from the edge of the area. And, when Johnson twice failed to steer the ball home from six yards on the hour; with it went all Leeds' resolve as they went on to eventually concede a fourth on 75 minutes. Gray scoring his 16th of the season at the second attempt after an initial save by Sullivan. So, a great night for all Blades fans, which has further strengthened our chances of making the Play-offs.
2nd
April Reading
0 Sheffield United 0 (Attendance: 18,899)
Reading and the Blades cancelled each other out during a hard-fought encounter at the Madejski Stadium. Just two points separated the play-off hopefuls before kick-off and both sides had opportunities in an end-to-end match. But a combination of poor finishing and good goalkeeping ensured the score-line remained blank and kept Reading in front in the race for a top-six finish. Blades manager Neil Warnock welcomed back defender Chris Morgan from a knee injury and new striker Danny Webber was named among the substitutes. Both teams had chances in the early stages but it was Reading who almost broke the deadlock after just 10 minutes. Nicky Shorey's long free-kick released Forster and he did well to beat the offside trap before firing just wide under pressure from United’s rearguard. Reading midfielder Steve Sidwell went even closer with 20 minutes on the clock with a fierce effort from the edge of the area that flew inches wide of the post with goalkeeper Paddy Kenny beaten. Forster then tried his luck with a dipping effort after another searching long ball but his volley just cleared the crossbar. Then, Alan Quinn had an effort cleared off the line for the Blades, after good approach play from striker Steven Kabba. Reading poured forward towards the end of the half and Andy Hughes cleared the crossbar with a volley after Shorey's corner caused panic in the Blades defence. The Royals started the second half in determined fashion with Brooker and Ricky Newman going close before Forster was denied by a last-ditch tackle from defender Leigh Bromby. The Blades were slow to get into their stride but Kabba's header after 65 minutes forced keeper Marcus Hahnemann into a save before Phil Jagielka blasted off target. United started to enjoy their best spell of the match and Kabba made way for Webber with just under quarter of an hour to go. The 23-year-old striker is set to join the Blades on a permanent basis form Watford when his loan spell expires in the summer and he was keen to make an instant impression and worked hard chasing everything. Reading made a change of their own with veteran striker Les Ferdinand, fully recovered from a recent hamstring injury, replacing Forster. Ferdinand immediately unsettled the Blades defence and his flick released Hughes but Kenny made an impressive save with six minutes left and neither side could find the winner.
1st April Neil Warnock has said that he wants to spend at least two more years at the Lane. The Blades boss says he will not pack in if United fail to reach the Premiership this season. He has also admitted at being flattered by recent speculation linking him with a move to Portsmouth "I think it is flattering that any manager will tell you the same won't they, I love the job here everyone knows how much I would love to take us up to the top flight and keep us there before I pack it in, I still have that desire" he said.
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