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30th September United manager Neil Warnock is unlikely to make any changes to his table-topping side when they travel to closest rivals Reading. Chris Short is unavailable for the match at the Madejski Stadium tomorrow after undergoing an operation to cure his damaged Achilles. Danny Webber and Vincent Pericard are pushing hard for starting roles in attack. Stephen Hunt could replace Reading skipper Graeme Murty after he strained a hamstring strain, which added to an existing ankle injury. Chris Makin could move to right-back and Kevin Doyle should be fit despite damaging a tooth in an off-the-ball incident against Southampton.
27th September Sheffield United
2 Plymouth Argyle 0 (Attendance: 20,111)
United moved seven points clear at the top of the Championship as first-half goals from Neil Shipperley and Alan Quinn saw off Plymouth with ease. The Blades had opportunities to add to their tally and claimed their 10th win from 11 league games, in fairness to the Pilgrims; they tried to take the game to United and had plenty of chances of their own, but United have looked a class above all season and dominated for long periods. The Blades came out with attacking purpose again, but, it was the Pilgrims who had the first opportunity when Bjarni Gudjonsson's lofted ball dropped over defender Leigh Bromby into the path of Nick Chadwick but the striker failed to get the ball under control and his chance was gone. Five minutes later Argyle were behind as Paul Ifill's cross from the right was headed powerfully goalwards by Shipperley. Plymouth goalkeeper Romain Larrieu looked to have made a superb point-blank save but the ball bobbled up over his prone body into the net for Shipperley's fourth goal of the season. United survived a scare when Paul Wotton's speculative shot from 25 yards in the 19th minute seemed to take goalkeeper Paddy Kenny by surprise, and he was saved only by the left upright. Wotton was booked for a 20th-minute foul on Quinn before Steven Kabba went close to adding United's second. Shipperley cut in from the left and the ball ran to his strike partner, who turned smartly before unleashing a left-foot shot which whistled past Larrieu's left-hand post. The Blades extended their lead from a set-piece after half an hour. Quinn was tripped by full-back Anthony Barness as he advanced on goal in the inside left channel. The referee opted to book the defender rather than send him off when he should have seen red, but justice was done as Quinn drilled the resultant free-kick low to the left of Larrieu from 20 yards. Plymouth almost hit back instantly when Chadwick got goalside of his marker and shot on goal from six yards, but Kenny - making his 300th professional appearance - got down quickly blocking the effort. Neil Warnock's men were well on top, though the half had a sour end for Shipperley after he was booked for a challenge on Larrieu. The Plymouth keeper making a meal of what was only a competitive challenge - 30 years ago it would have gone unpunished - but not these days. The Pilgrims made a lively start to the second period and had two close shaves in the 54th minute as first Kenny was called on to push wide an angled shot from Chadwick and Nick Montgomery then blocked Micky Evans' header from a corner on the goalline. Pulis made a triple substitution in the 57th minute but his side should have been three goals down on the hour mark. Quinn's clever through-ball released Kabba, who was twice denied by Larrieu, and when the ball broke to Shipperley his low shot was cleared off the line by Hasney Aljofree. Shipperley was replaced by loan striker Vincent Pericard in an end-to-end spell. Bojan Djordjic's sublime through-ball released fellow substitute Scott Taylor but Kenny held on to his low shot and seconds later Kabba stretched to prod a shot wide after a neat one-two with Montgomery. Plymouth's third sub Akos Buzsaky then tested Kenny from 35 yards as Plymouth came more into the game. Bromby was forced to hack the ball over his own crossbar in the 77th minute as Taylor tried to chase down Evans' chip into the box and Kenny was lucky to get away with fumbling a Wotton free-kick. Quinn came close to a second and United's third after his free-kick was tipped on to the crossbar and over by Larrieu with six minutes left as United's record breaking run continues.
26th September Neil Warnock has no new injury or suspension problems to contend with as United look to retain their four-point advantage at the top of the Championship with victory over Plymouth Argyle at the Lane. The record-breaking Blades have duo - Vincent Pericard and Danny Webber pushing for starting berths after recovering from respective hamstring and calf complaints to make second-half substitute appearances in Saturday's 2-1 win over Derby. Defender Craig Short could return to the squad following a hamstring injury. Plymouth are boosted by the return of left-back Rufus Brevett from suspension. Left-back Tony Capaldi is likely to retain his place after the Pilgrims kept a clean sheet away at Southampton. Defender Taribo West was ruled out at St Mary's with a virus, but could be fit for the trip to Bramall Lane. Right-back Paul Connolly is back in training after recovering from an ankle injury.
24th September Sheffield United
2 Derby County 1 (Attendance: 22,192)
The Blades remain unbeaten at Bramall Lane and top of the Championship with a 2-1 victory against Derby County. United looked home and dry by half-time as Neil Warnock's men put in an outstanding first half performance and went in to the break with a two-goal advantage. David Unsworth opened the scoring after his corner squirmed into the back of the net after a dreadful breakdown in communication between Inigo Idiakez and goalkeeper Lee Camp. The Rams came out of their defensive shell after that set-back, but United extended their lead when Paul Ifill fired home from the edge of the 18-yard box, after Phil Brown's men again failed to clear their lines from another Unsworth corner. But an inspired double substitution turned the game on its head as Paul Peschisolido, who replaced Stern John at half-time, made it 2-1 with a sweet finish in front of the Shoreham Kop. Derby then dominated for about 20 minutes thereafter with substitute Mounir El Hamdaoui and Seth Johnson both going close. But not for the first time this term, the Blades showed admirable grit in the face of intense pressure to maintain their position at the summit courtesy of this seventh successive league victory. By contrast to their cavalier finish, Derby's attempts at suffocating the life out of the game by playing John as a lone striker and congesting the centre of midfield backfired as early as the seventh minute. Patient probing from United earned them a corner which was delivered into the danger area by Unsworth. Unsworth has executed far better set-pieces in his distinguished career but his low cross was greeted by a comedy of errors inside the six-yard box. Camp and Idiakez will claim they were unsighted by the glare of the sun, but that is surely no excuse for the tame manner in which the ball drifted harmlessly into the left corner of the goal. The momentum of the game remained with the Blades and after Chris Morgan and Steven Kabba forced Camp into emergency action, Ifill capitalised on more uncertain defending when he lashed the ball through a sea of players to give United a comfortable lead after 37 minutes. John and Adam Bolder were replaced by Peschisolido and El Hamdaoui at the interval as Derby looked to gain a foothold into a match seemingly going one way. In switching to a more attacking formation, Derby were transformed, and halved their deficit after 53 minutes when the impressive Tommy Smith fed Peter Whittingham on the left flank. Whittingham's perfect cross was only matched by Peschisolido's cool seven-yard finish with the outside of his right which gave Paddy Kenny no chance. And to his credit; Peschisolido showed respect for the Blades fans on the Kop by not celebrating his goal. El Hamdaoui forced Kenny into a good save at the second attempt, while Johnson's audacious 50-yard hit dipped just over the bar as the Rams poured forward in pursuit of an equaliser. But with Derby committing men forward, Blades substitute Vincent Pericard should have put the game safe when his point-blank save was instinctively saved by Camp. No matter for Unitedites as the unstoppable Blades surge towards the Premiership.
23rd September Vincent Pericard could be in line for his first appearance for United against Derby County in Saturday's top Championship clash at the Lane. The Cameroon striker has shaken off a slight hamstring strain and is poised to make his Blades debut. Defender Craig Short is also expected to return to the squad following a hamstring injury. Striker Danny Webber is hoping to return to the starting line-up following a calf strain. The Rams are likely to be without Marc Edworthy (ribs) while Richard Jackson (groin) will face a late fitness test. Defender Mo Konjic is certain to miss out due to eyesight problems but on-loan midfielder Johnnie Jackson could make his debut after joining from Spurs on a three-month deal. Paul Peschisolido will probably start on the substitutes bench.
22nd September Midfielder Stephen Quinn has joined Milton Keynes Dons on loan. The 19-year-old left-sided player has joined the League One outfit for an initial one-month spell. Quinn, the younger brother of Blades midielder Alan, made his first team debut in United's League Cup win at Shrewsbury Town on Tuesday. He is expected to figure in the Dons squad which will attempt to haul itself off the foot of the table at Blackpool.
20th
September Shrewsbury Town 0 Sheffield
United 0 (United won 4-3 on penalties) (Attendance: 4,250)
The Blades scraped through to the 3rd Round of the League Cup at Gay Meadow in a tight match which ennded 0-0 before United won through in the penalty shootout that followed. Neil Warnock made 10 changes to the side which clawed their way back from the brink of defeat to beat Watford at the weekend. But it was Shrewsbury who went closest to sealing victory in normal time with Blades keeper Phil Barnes beating away Jamie Tolley's shot and Neil Sorvel's teasing cross forcing Simon Francis into a superb headed clearance from virtually underneath the bar. Stephen Quinn steered a free header over in the first period of extra-time and Ben Herd flashed one wide for Shrewsbury in the second before Shrewsbury keeper Joe Hart made a trio of late saves. Eventually it went down to penalties and Joe Hart hit the post for Shrewsbury to ensure a 4-3 win on spot kicks and United, and a place in the next round.
19th September Alan Wright, Michael Tonge and Lilian Nalis will be included in
United squad for the League Cup clash at Shrewsbury. Defender Wright,
who missed the second half of last season with a cruciate knee ligament
injury, made his only appearance for the Blades this season in the
previous round against Boston. Midfielders Tonge and Nalis have
had to settle for a place on the substitutes bench in recent weeks,
but boss Neil Warnock is expected to make some changes tomorrow
night. Vincent Pericard could also be included after missing the
win at Watford, but defender Craig Short is doubtful. Shrewsbury
will be without Kelvin Langmead for the tie. The Town striker starts
a three-match ban after getting sent off during the 2-0 weekend
victory over Notts County. Dave Edwards will also be missing, while
the game will also come too soon for defender Gav Cowan, who is
working his way back to fitness after a broken cheekbone. Scorers: Jagielka 56, Ifill
66, Carlisle 81 og.
The Blades battled back from two goals down to secure an incredible victory against Watford at Vicarage Road. Substitute Darius Henderson looked to have earned the Hornets victory with goals either side of the break. But Phil Jagielka and Phil Ifill hauled United back into the game before Watford defender Malky Mackay was sent off for flooring Rob Kozluk. And the Blades wrapped up their eighth win in nine matches 10 minutes from time through Clarke Carlisle's calamitous own goal. Watford dominated the opening exchanges and created the first chance of the match in the fourth minute in a swift counter-attack in which Matthew Spring did well to knock the ball down to Ashley Young, who drove his effort over the crossbar. But the Hornets were rocked by a hamstring injury to top scorer Marlon King in the 17th minute which forced the introduction of Henderson. Henderson should have put his side in front in the 38th minute after he made a hash of Young's cross, with Blades right-back Kozluk clearing the danger. But from Young's resulting corner, the ball was allowed to bounce in the area to the far post where Henderson headed home from a tight angle. King's injury unsettled the Hornets as United started to work their way back into the game with a gritty determination. Ifill brought a great save from Hornets keeper Ben Foster midway through the half, while Alan Quinn and Nick Montgomery started to dominate the game. Watford started the second half brightly as Young's deflected shot brought the best out of goalkeeper Paddy Kenny before Henderson capitalised on a momentary defensive lapse to extend the lead in the 53rd minute. Left-back Unsworth and Leigh Bromby allowed Foster's long punt to bounce and Henderson simply squeezed between the two before firing home from near the penalty spot. But no sooner had the Hornets sensed victory, Warnock's men leveled with two goals inside 10 minutes and Watford were reduced to 10 men. First, Ifill delivered a great cross to the far post where Jagielka headed into the top corner in the 56th minute for his second goal in as many games. United then made it 2-2 midway through the second half when Ifill's shot seemed to take a deflection into the bottom corner with Foster going in the opposite direction. But the drama was not over as Hornets centre-back Mackay was given his marching orders a few seconds later. Watford were awarded a free-kick area after Kozluk fouled Henderson on the edge of the area. But as they prepared to take the free-kick, Blades defender Kozluk went down while he was in the wall. The referee consulted with his linesman, who confirmed Mackay had lashed out which earned the defender a straight card. And United made their man advantage tell after a frantic scramble in the penalty area. Substitute Danny Webber crossed, with the ball eventually falling to Montgomery, whose header struck the knee of defender Carlisle on its way into the top corner. And Carlisle was lucky not to join Mackay in the dressing room when his reckless challenge on Kozluk received only a yellow card from the referee. So, United's outstanding start to the season continues, and with United top of the Championship and with wednesday rock bottom (where they belong), these are great times for Bladesmen and women. Wear your colours with pride and get down to the Lane next weekend and lets make Bramall Lane a fortress for Neil and his players - they deserve it!
16th September United's new loan signing Vincent Pericard will be included in the squad for Saturday's top-of-the-table encounter with Watford at Vicarage Road. The 22-year-old striker has arrived from Portsmouth on a three-month deal and he will add to the competition in the forward line. Danny Webber is also set to return after recovering from his calf problem. However, the game could come too soon for Craig Short who has an hamstring problem and Rob Kozluk is set to continue in defence. Les Ferdinand and Carl Fletcher are poised to make their debuts for Watford. Striker Ferdinand has joined the club on non-contract terms after reconsidering his decision to retire from the game at the end of last season. And Wales midfielder Fletcher, 25, has arrived at Vicarage Road on a month's loan from West Ham. Striker Darius Henderson (thigh) and midfielder Gavin Mahon (knee) may also return.
14th September The Blades have signed Portsmouth striker Vincent Pericard on a three month loan deal. The 22 year old Frenchman scored twelve goals as Pompey were promoted to the Premiership but then has had two injuries that have kept him out of contention. The striker is now back at full fitness and a delighted Neil Warnock commtened:"I really am very pleased because Vincent has always been one of my main targets but he wasn't available because he wanted to break through again with his club. It was disappointing at the time but I kept pestering him and I suppose my patience has been rewarded. He's an athletic type, a good target man with a great touch and has some pedigree with having been with Juventus. If things go well during his stay then we could be looking at a permanent deal."
13th
September Brighton & Hove Albion 0 Sheffield United 1 (Attendance:
6,553)
Phil Jagielka struck his first goal of the season to secure a 1-0 victory for United at Brighton and further enhance their promotion credentials. And it was his 25th-minute strike which handed Neil Warnock's men victory against a dogged Brighton outfit who failed to match their spirit and determination with the quality required to worry the Blades. United have now taken maximum points from seven of their eight encounters this season. The resilient Blades simply proved too strong for Mark McGhee's side and ultimately reduced their opponents to a night of frustration, resulting in five Brighton players being shown yellow cards. The Blades, who also had four players booked, wasted little time in enhancing their status as the division's form team and barely three minutes had passed before Alan Quinn forced Brighton goalkeeper Wayne Henderson into a fine save. United began to dominate and after 11 minutes Northern Ireland winger Keith Gillespie drilled in a fierce effort from 18 yards which Gary Hart was forced to block bravely. Brighton threatened briefly in the 14th minute when Sebastien Carole produced a delightful curling effort from the edge of the box which drew a fine save from United goalkeeper Paddy Kenny. But the Blades continued to hold the upper hand and after the in-form Stevne Kabba, fresh from his brace against Ipswich at the weekend, saw his effort blocked by Paul Reid, Jagielka fired United ahead. The 23-year-old midfielder latched on to Kabba's clever cross and fired the ball home past Henderson from six yards to reward his side's early endeavour. Brighton almost found an immediate riposte when Carole and Jake Robinson both came close to finding an equaliser with long-range shots but United held on to preserve their advantage before the half-time whistle. The Seagulls came out strongly after the break and Albert Jarrett struck a left-foot shot from 20 yards which forced Kenny to improvise and make a neat save with his feet. Three minutes before the hour mark, however, Jagielka threatened to claim his second. The midfielder collected the ball 25 yards from goal and rifled in a fierce, swerving effort which forced Seagulls veteran Guy Butters to block. Albion continued to ask questions of United's backline and diminutive forward Leon Knight saw his 25-yard strike flash narrowly wide. The pendulum of attacking momentum began to sway back and forth as the half wore on and outstanding Blades midfielder Nick Montgomery warmed Henderson's hands from 20 yards after 67 minutes. Gillespie's crossing ability provided an excellent outlet for the Blades and Neil Shipperley almost profited from his superb delivery in the 73rd minute only to blaze wastefully wide. Kabba came close to notching a late second for United, but Jagielka's solitary strike proved decisive.
12th September United boss Neil Warnock has several players doubtful, but is keeping their identities a secret. Michael Tonge is pushing for a place in the first team after starting on the bench against Ipswich, while Danny Webber (calf) is fighting to be fit. Brighton manager Mark McGhee is set to name an unchanged line-up for the third straight game. Jason Dodd is recovering from ankle surgery and Adam Hinshelwood is still out with a knee injury.
10th September Sheffield United
2 Ipswich Town 0 (Attendance: 21,059)
Two goals by Steven Kabba strengthened United's position as Championship leaders to go four points clear at the summit after a 2-0 win over Ipswich Town. Kabba struck on five minutes and on 90 minutes to reaffirm the Blades promotion credentials in style. The Blades striker was grateful to goalkeeper Paddy Kenny, however, after he saved Darren Currie's second-half penalty, which Kabba conceded following a clumsy challenge on Luis Sito, who was dismissed in the closing stages for two bookable offences. Neil Warnock's men continued their excellent start to the season, enhancing their reputation as the Championship favorites by making a vibrant start. After barely seconds 60 seconds had passed, Alan Quinn sent an in-swinging corner to the far post, where Chris Morgan was desperately unlucky to see his header flash narrowly wide. Jim Magilton was then forced to clear Paul Ifill's dangerous cross before United opened the scoring after five minutes. Blades left-back David Unsworth delivered an in-swinging corner to the near post. Magilton could only clear the ball as far as Kabba, and the in-form striker blasted in a low, right-foot effort from an acute angle to put United ahead. It was Kabba's fifth strike of the season and it served to inspire United into pressing for more goals with a fantastic backing from the Lane crowd. Ifill fired narrowly wide after 10 minutes before Kabba warmed Lewis Price's hands from distance. Ifill then rolled a delightful pass into the path of Phil Jagielka who connected with a sweetly-struck effort from the edge of the box which Price was forced to parry. Ifill then saw his 30-yard effort sail narrowly over the bar while Town stars Richard Naylor and Kevin Horlock collected yellow cards for unsporting behavior before half-time. United were similarly dominant after the restart, and James McEveley was forced to block another dangerous cross from Ifill. But with the Blades threatening to claim a killer, second goal, Ipswich were presented with a golden opportunity to draw level. Kabba found himself in the unusual position of having defend inside his own area and his lack of defensive nous was all apparent as he clumsily hauled Castro down in front the referee. However, Kenny produced a superb save to deny Currie and preserve United's deserved advantage. Kabba almost made amends for his error shortly after the hour mark when he lashed a ferocious effort through a pack of players, which Price was equal to. Ipswich offered only a fleeting threat on the counter-attack and looked a shadow of last seasons team, and things got worse for the Tractor Boys; when Sito's his second yellow to ensure an early bath In the final moments United wrapped up proceedings when Kabba fired a superb second from Jagielka's pass to secure the points in style. It had been an outstanding performance from the Blades with Nick Mongomery and Jagielka again catching the eye, but the Man of the Match goes to Quinn just ahead of scorer Kabba. United are now four points clear at the top of the Championship.
9th September United will be without striker Danny Webber again for Tomorrow's visit of Ipswich. Webber strained his calf in the warm-up prior to the win over Coventry. Paul Shaw is another injury doubt for the Blades after sustaining an Achilles injury while appearing for the reserves this week. Neil Warnock has no other new injury or suspension worries. Ipswich manager Joe Royle has a full squad to select from apart from striker Nicky Forster (cartilage operation) and midfielder Ian Westlake (ankle damage). On loan Jay McEveley is expected to make his senior debut, while fellow defenders Jason De Vos and Richard Naylor are also in the squad. Dean Bowditch will come into contention to play up front with Sam Parkin.
7th September Phil Jagielka has reaffirmed his desire to reach the Premiership with United this season. The Blades have turned down a recent £4m bid from Wigan Athletic for the versatile 23-year-old who insists he has not looked beyond his current deal which expires in the summer of 2007. "Playing Premiership football with Sheffield United next season is what I want," said Jagielka. "It is our common goal. I'm dying to achieve that because I want to be part of a team that makes history at this club," he told the Yorkshire Post.
6th September Neil Warnock refutes the notion he is desperate to bring in a striker after missing out on Sunderland's Chris Brown. The Blades boss concedes another forward to supplement Danny Webber, Steven Kabba and Neil Shipperley would be ideal following the recent sale of Andy Gray and Billy Sharp, plus Jonathan Forte's loan switch to Doncaster Rovers. He commented: "Chris Brown was one of the players whose agent we spoke to, but he's been guaranteed first-team football at Hull, so there's nothing doing there. I'm still looking to bring in a striker, but we've got a bit of leeway because I'm happy with the ones I've got - it certainly isn't paramount."
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