29th October Sheffield United 0 Cardiff City 0 (Attendance: 25,311)
Line-up: Kenny, Kozluk (Geary 54), Bromby, Morgan, Unsworth, Gillespie (Ifill 63), Alan Quinn, Jagielka, Montgomery, Kabba, Shipperley (Webber 72).
Subs Not Used: Wright, Tonge.
Man of the Match: David Unsworth.

United finally lost their 100% home record in the Championship after being held to a goalless draw in a entertaining encounter against Cardiff at the Lane. The Blades had steamrollered all comers to the Lane this season, but, Cardiff we determined not to suffer the same fate and quickly placed an invisible ‘brick wall’ of defiance in front of their goal throughout the afternoon. This worked for the Welsh side, and United who had the far better of the possession all afternoon; could not find a way through. The Bluebirds were led by skipper Darren Purse in defence, his excellent marshalling of the Cardiff rear helped to keep United at bay. Purse had to be at his best early on as the Blades started the brighter of the two sides but did not fashion openings from their possession. Nick Montgomery was willing to try his luck from long distance but his shot early on was blocked and a volley later in the first half lacked accuracy. Steven Kabba almost created the first clear opportunity when he trapped David Unsworth's long pass before driving into the area and pulling the ball back just behind Neil Shipperley. The Bluebirds sensed a chance to get themselves in the game and used the counter-attack and were encouraged by Steve Koumas free-kick which went over the bar from a promising position. Cameron Jerome provided their attacking outlet and after 21 minutes was on the end of a Koumas pass taking towards goal. The striker then checked back on to his right foot, giving Phil Jagielka enough time to clear. The Blades responded by attacking in the next move, with shouts for a penalty after Purse slid to block Montgomery's shot from 20 yards. Leigh Bromby had the Blades best chance of the half, although he seemed stunned when Alan Quinn's corner five minutes before the break found him free. The ball trickled towards the goal but Cardiff goalkeeper Neil Alexander managed to scramble clear. Jeff Whitley forced the first real save of the match, in first-half injury time, when Kevin Cooper pulled back a deep cross from the left. Whitley, had time on the ball but his rushed shot lacked power and Paddy Kenny saved. Jerome should have opened the scoring after 49 minutes when Koumas played him through with a measured pass. But he tried to chip Kenny and his effort failed to clear the United goalkeeper. Montgomery had an equally good chance a minute later when Kabba bundled the ball his way, but the midfielder's first effort was saved by Alexander and the second went over the bar. Blades boss Neil Warnock responded by bringing on Paul Ifill for Keith Gillespie just after the hour mark. United were getting frustrated up-front and the Kop began chanting for Danny Webber. Most thought an in-effective Kabba would have been withdrawn. But, it was the hard working Shipperley who was taken off. Webber was brought on with 17 minutes left and the Blades looked to snatch a winner and he joined Kabba and Ifill to make a three pronged attack force. However, try as they might - United were limited to just a tame penalty appeal, while Jerome almost got on the end of a flick from substitute Alan Lee for Cardiff. Koumas forced Kenny into a save in injury time with a free-kick. So, a goalless draw, something which will happen from time-to-time at the Lane as more teams come to defend and counter attack against the League leaders. Fortunately for United today, their nearest rivals all dropped points themselves, so no harm was done.

28th October United will be without striker Vincent Pericard for tomorrow's Championship visit of Cardiff. The Frenchman sustained an ankle injury in training earlier this week and was not considered for the League Cup tie at Reading. Defender Craig Short will also miss out. The centre-half has strained a calf muscle in the warm-up prior to his comeback against Reading. Defender Rob Kozluk and David Unsworth (both hamstring) have returned to light training and could come into contention, while Chris Morgan returns from a one-match ban. For Cardiff, Kevin Cooper is doubtful after suffering with with tendinitis. Cooper missed the Bluebirds League Cup clash with Leicester in midweek and he has been joined in the Ninian Park treatment room by striker Cameron Jerome (back) and defensive duo Darren Purse (ankle) and Glen Loovens (back), while goalkeeper Neil Alexander is suffering from flu. However, only Cooper is a doubt for the match which will see the return of striker Michael Ricketts, who was cup-tied for the Leicester game, and Alexander, who was rested. Midfielder Willie Boland continues to be sidelined with a calf strain.

25th October Reading 2 Sheffield United 0 (Attendance: 11,607)
Line-up: Barnes, Geary, Wright, Bromby, Francis (Horwood 82), Stephen Quinn, Tonge, Webber (Nix 81), Marrison (Law 58), Forte, Ross.
Subs Not Used: Annerson, Short.
Booked: Morgan 88.
Man of the match: Ian Ross.

Two goals by Reading's Dave Kitson finally knocked United out of the League Cup. The Blades have far more important matters at hand this season - like promotion!, so tonight the Royals got to play against a virtual reserve Blades side. Kitson struck twice after the break to send Neil Warnock's side back to home and to concentrate on a push for the Premiership that sees them lead the Championship table with Reading close behind. The first half left little to be remembered by although United seemed fortunate to survive a penalty appeal in the 13th minute when Steve Sidwell went down under Simon Francis challenge. The majority of the few chances that were created fell to the home side, with John Oster firing an early free-kick over and Sekou Baradji scuffing wide from a half-cleared corner soon after. Nigerian forward Eric Obinna showed fine control to get the better of Francis in the box but could not beat Blades goalkeeper Phil Barnes at his near post with a fierce drive. The penalty appeal arrived seconds later but United's unfamiliar arrangement settled quickly after that and began to apply a little pressure at the other end. Jonathan Forte was close with a drive but Colin Marrison sent an effort so off target it went for a throw-in. Ian Ross was much closer with a long-range shot and it was not until the 45th minute that the Royals roused themselves to reply with first Sidwell and then Kitson heading over. Forte almost broke the deadlock five minutes into the second half with a fine solo run that saw him motor past Ibrahima Sonko in the box and fire just over. Obinna's response was a header that Barnes was able to hold before Kitson opened the scoring in the 53rd minute with a smart first-time finish from a free-kick move. Stephen Hunt whipped the ball in from the left, Ivar Ingimarsson headed into the on-rushing striker's path and he buried it past the helpless Barnes. Ross wasted a good equalising chance by failing to hit the target after Baradji had carelessly surrendered possession but there was a let-off for United when an unmarked Kitson stabbed wide at full stretch at the near post after Michael Tonge had surrendered possession. Kitson picked up a 67th-minute booking for clattering Ross but after Obinna and his strike partner had come close with headers Blades substitute Nicky Law fired a good chance wide at the other end. Kitson made the youngster pay straight away with the clincher in the 76th minute, extending a leg to poke home a ball across the box from Obinna after the United back line had struggled to cope with another Hunt delivery.

24th October Neil Warnock will make sweeping changes to the side which gained a point at Elland Road on Friday. The Championship campaign is the priority for United this season and it is unlikely that any ‘key’ first team players will be risked. Warnock indicated after the win against Shrewsbury Town in the last round; that he would stick with a younger line-up throughout the cup. Craig Short, Phil Barnes, Derek Geary, Alan Wright, Keith Gillespie, Michael Tonge may start the match for the Blades with several reserve players getting their chance to impress. Vincent Pericard, who might have got a run-out, will be missing with an ankle injury.

21st October Leeds United 1 Sheffield United 1 (Attendance: 23,600)
Line-up: Kenny, Geary, Bromby, Morgan, Wright, Ifill (Gillespie 59), Jagielka, Montgomery, Quinn, Shipperley (Webber 64), Kabba (Pericard 87).
Subs Not Used: Short, Tonge.
Booked: Morgan 88.
Scorers: Kabba 69.
Man of the Match: Phil Jagielka.

Steven Kabba earned a point for the Blades after he cancelled out a Frazer Richardson strike in the hard-fought 1-1 draw with Leeds United at Elland Road. The Blades striker was a constant threat and got his side's equalising goal after 69 minutes when he fired a right footed shot low into the far corner after a clever pass from Danny Webber. The first half was goalless with both sides failing to convert great chances to break the deadlock. The Blades came closest to opening the scoring after eight minutes when Phil Jagielka fired narrowly over with a thunderous 25-yard strike. But after a bright opening from Neil Warnock's men it was Leeds who enjoyed a spell of sustained pressure with Rob Hulse's low shot from the edge of the box which flashed wide after 20 minutes. Kabba then had two opportunities to score for the Blades but his firm left-foot shot inside the box after 21 minutes and his fierce strike from the edge of the box a minute later were both well saved by Leeds goalkeeper Neil Sullivan. But it was Leeds who came closest to scoring nine minutes before the restart when Hulse headed wide at the far post from Blake's cross. The breakthrough arrived eight minutes after the restart when Blake collected the ball 25 yards from goal and found Richardson in support to his right. The Leeds midfielder seized possession and smashed an unstoppable shot past Kenny to give Kevin Blackwell’s team the lead. However, the Blades ooze confidence these days and hit back strongly and it was Kabba was on hand to claim a hard-earned point for the Blades after 69 minutes, driving low and hard past Sullivan from just inside the box. Both sides pressed for a winner, but the respective defences held firm to ensure a deserved point apiece for both teams. The point increases United's lead at the top of the Championship to six points.

20th October Blades boss Neil Warnock must decide who to play up front after Danny Webber and Vincent Pericard turned in goalscoring displays on their midweek return in place of Steven Kabba and Neil Shipperley. Its anyone guess who it will be, but we are going for Webber and Shipperley to leed the line. Rob Kozluk has been ruled out of match after picking up an hamstring injury against Millwall. David Unsworth will undergo a late fitness test and should be ok. Craig Short will return to the squad following a full week's training after injury. Leeds strikers Rob Hulse and David Healy will receive treatment up until kick-off in a bid to start the match at Elland Road. The pair have been nursing respective ankle injuries in recent weeks. Blackwell must decide whether to keep faith with skipper Paul Butler and Sean Gregan at the heart of defence, or hand a rare start to Matthew Kilgallon, who replaced the latter early in the second half on Tuesday.

18th October Millwall 0 Sheffield United 4 (Attendance: 9,148)
Line-up: Kenny, Kozluk (Geary 18), Morgan, Bromby, Unsworth (Quinn 45), Ifill (Gillespie 75), Montgomery, Jagielka, Tonge, Pericard, Webber.
Subs Not Used: Shipperley, Kabba.
Booked: Morgan 88.
Scorers: Webber 33, Pericard 36, Quinn 68, Webber 73.
Man of the Match: Danny Webber.

Two-goal Danny Webber was the star of the show as United continued to blaze a trail at the top of the Championship after dismantling Millwall at The New Den.Webber seized his chance after being recalled to the Blades starting line-up with fine strikes in each half, while striking partner Vincent Pericard scored on his full debut and Alan Quinn curled home a 25-yard free-kick. Both Webber and Pericard justified Blades boss Neil Warnock's decision to rest strike pair Steven Kabba and Neil Shipperley as United chalked up their 12th win from 14 matches to go five points clear of nearest rivals Reading. Millwall went into the game unbeaten in seven matches and started brightly in a frenetic opening, but a two-goal burst in three first-half minutes sucked the wind from their sails and there was never any doubt as to the outcome. Neither side created a clear-cut chance in a frantic opening quarter; with the early talking point being Philip Ifil's deserved booking for his foul on Michael Tonge, back in the Blades starting line-up in place of Quinn. Blades boss Warnock was forced into his first change of the evening when Rob Kozluk sustained injury, with Derek Geary stepping off the bench. United winger Paul Ifill had first sight of goal with a right-foot shot from 20 yards that flew wide.But the Blades deservedly edged ahead in the 33rd minute thanks to a stunning strike from Webber, who turned sharply 25 yards out and unleashed an unstoppable shot into top right-hand corner. The Blades doubled their advantage three minutes later. Unsworth's corner was flicked on by Chris Morgan and Pericard nodded home the simplest of chances at the far post. At the interval, Quinn replaced Unsworth and after the break United resumed in control and Webber threatening with a long-range strike, while Millwall created nothing in the final third. It came as no surprise when the Blades increased their lead in the 68th minute. Pericard was fouled following Ifil's challenge on the edge of the penalty area and Quinn curled a fine 25-yard free-kick into the top corner to increase the lead. Webber then cut inside Ifil on the left into the penalty area after being sent clear by Geary and clipped an inch-perfect right-foot shot around Millwall goalkeeper Andy Marshall to make it 4-0 five minutes later. Blades winger Ifill was replaced by Keith Gillespie late on, but the contest was over the moment Quinn's free-kick flew in. United had looked a class above their opponents tonight, and have now stretched their lead at the top of the Championship.

18th October United have been given the go-ahead to build a new stand at Bramall Lane. The £2.5million new corner stand, the first in a series of proposals to redevelop the ground, has been approved by Sheffield City Council. A four-star hotel development - originally part of the same application - will be dealt with separately when proposals for the scheme are re-submitted in the next few weeks. Blades executive chairman Kevin McCabe said: "We are delighted with the decision. "Not only does this mean we can start work on the project as soon as possible but we can move onto the next stage of our plans and work with the local authority in the development of the proposed hotel at the rear of the new stand." The new stand will add 2,000 additional seats, taking the Bramall Lane capacity to 33,000.

17th October United manager Neil Warnock says they have worked out why Neil Shipperley is lacking energy late on in games and it is nothing to worry about. The Blades striker has been complaining of fatigue and had a series of blood tests after Saturday's win over Wolves. Warnock commenting on the situation said: "There is nothing untoward and it's down to a case of better preparation.When we are away there is no problem because everybody gets up at the same time and they have the right food." He added: "But when you are at home, you may stay in bed for half an hour later. When you don't feel hungry you don't eat but you need to be forcing carbohydrates down."

15th October Reading 2 Sheffield United 1 (Attendance: 25,533)
Line-up: Kenny, Bromby, Morgan, Kozluk, Unsworth, Jagielka, Ifill (Gillespie 60), Quinn, Montgomery, Shipperley (Pericard 90), Kabba (Webber 83).
Subs Not Used: Geary, Tonge.
Booked: Morgan 88.
Scorer: Shipperley 16.
Man of the Match: Neil Shipperley.

Neil Shipperley struck a precious first-half winner as the Blades overcame promotion rivals Wolves to further strengthen their position at the top of the Championship. ‘The Ship’ as the big man is know; was on top form and his predatory close-range header after 16 minutes was enough to maintain United's winning home record in front of a crowd of 25,533 at the Lane. It was United’s 11th win from 13 games and allowed them to bounce back from their controversial 2-1 defeat at Reading a fortnight ago. The Blades wasted no time in forcing Gen Hoddle’s men back inside their own half. Wolves goalkeeper Michael Oakes was forced to rush off his line and hack the ball clear after eight minutes as Steven Kabba threatened to pounce. However, United were soon rewarded for their bright start when Shipperley opened the scoring. David Unsworth's deep inswinging corner from the right found Blades skipper Chris Morgan unmarked at the far post. His intelligent header across the face of goal was met by Shipperley, who nodded the ball home from inside the six-yard box for his fifth goal of the season. But Wolves steadily gained a foothold on proceedings and midway through the opening period, Kenny Miller's wicked low cross from the left flank forced Unsworth into a vital clearance. The temperature rose as the half wore on and Wolves defender Joleon Lescott was booked after 34 minutes for a scything challenge on Rob Kozluk. Carl Cort then saw his desperate appeal for a penalty waved away following a challenge by Unsworth who clearly won the ball first; before Kabba came within inches of extending United’s advantage. The pacey striker embarked on a delightful weaving run which took him inside the visitors' box which ended with a low shot which rebounded agonisingly off the post. Hoddle would have doubtless left some harsh words ringing in his players ears at half-time and replaced the ineffective Seyi George Olofinjana with midfielder Darren Anderton. But it was the Blades who came closest to scoring soon after as Shipperley nodded Kozluk's fine cross wastefully over. After 66 minutes Hoddle made a double substitution, replacing Miller and Colin Cameron with George Ndah and Mark Davies. The switch appeared to bring Wolves into life but Cort wasted their best chance eight minutes from time when he blazed wide at the far post from Davies' flighted delivery as United held on for another potentially priceless victory.

14th October Neil Warnock has no new injury or suspension worries and is unlikely to make too many changes. Striker Danny Webber will be hoping for a recall to the starting line-up after shaking off a calf injury, while on-loan Vincent Pericard will be on the bench. Craig Short is not expected to be involved in the clash of the two promotion favorites. The 37-year-old central defender has been restricted to five appearances for the Blades following his free summer transfer from Blackburn and is not yet ready for action. Darren Anderton is pushing for a recall to the Wolves team. The Molineux midfielder has been laid low after suffering severe bruising around the knee and shin but could play a part against the Blades. On-loan goalkeeper Stefan Postma should also make the traveling party despite sustaining an ankle knock while on reserve-team duty this week although the game will come too early for fellow shot-stopper Matt Murray who is back from a re-broken foot. Midfielder Paul Ince is certain to miss out once more after contracting a chest infection while still having to complete his rehabilitation following a torn thigh muscle.

14th October Midfielder Lilian Nalis has joined Coventry City on loan. The 34-year-old will spend a month at the Ricoh Arena and has gone straight in to the Sky Blues squad for the weekend match against Crystal Palace. Nalis moved to the Blades in the summer from Leicester but his outings for the Championship leaders have been limited by injury and Nick Montgomery's outstanding form.

13th October United are still optimistic that Paddy Kenny will sign a new deal despite the goalkeeper turning down the offer of a two-year contract extension. The Blades hope the 27-year-old will agree to stay beyond the end of his present deal which expires in 2007, but he is seeking improved terms. Manager Neil Warnock told the Yorkshire Post: "Paddy wants to stay but he thinks he warrants a better deal. I am sure we can reach an agreement that suits both sides." Kenny joined United from Bury in 2002 and has won five caps for the Republic of Ireland.

8th October Manager Neil Warnock is using the break in the Championship programme to eye up potential transfer targets on the continent. The Blades face a tough clash with Wolves as they return to action next weekend, but Warnock is taking time out to strengthen the squad during January's transfer window. He commented: "One or two of us will be going to watch matches abroad. This won't be a one-off mission and we will make regular trips overseas to watch some of the players our scouts have identified in club games, too. We are intensifying our search for foreign players because it is increasingly difficult to find English players available who would make us better than we already."

6th October Craig Short looks set to return from injury sooner than expected and could be involved when Wolves visit the Lane on 15th October. The Blades defender has missed the last six games after first suffering a hamstring injury and then being dealt a further blow when he sustained an Achilles problem that was set to keep him out for a number of weeks. However, manager Neil Warnock believes the 37-year-old could return in 10 days time to bolster the Blades back line. "Craig had trouble with his Achilles and it turned out to be ganglion. He had it removed on Thursday and should be available to start training this week in a hope that he could be available to face Wolves after the international break." he commented.

4th October Blades striker Danny Webber is not surprised by United's excellent start to the season and has backed the team to bounce back from their latest disappointment and build another unbeaten run. United went down 2-1 to Reading in a top-of-the-table Championship clash at the weekend. However, before the defeat, the Blades reeled off eight consecutive victories in the league after being beaten at QPR in August and Webber feels that they can hold onto their current position come the end of the season. He said: "I'm not surprised about our start because we are full of confidence and there is good healthy competition around the place. When we came back for pre-season you could see that everyone had their head on. There is no reason why we can't pick up our form again. We lost against QPR and carried on the same way and got on with winning the games so there is no reason why we can't do that again. Everybody is taking points off everyone else so if we can keep on winning the majority of our games, with the players we've got, I'm sure we can pull through."

1st October Reading 2 Sheffield United 1 (Attendance: 22,068)
Line-up: Kenny, Kozluk, Unsworth, Bromby, Morgan, Ifill (Gillespie 67), Jagielka, Montgomery, Quinn (Webber 90), Kabba, Shipperley (Pericard 90).
Subs Not Used: Geary, Tonge.
Booked: Quinn 12, Kenny 33, Morgan 90.
Scorer: Kabba 15
Man of the Match: Steven Kabba.

The Blades winning run finally ended at the Madejski Stadium in highly controversial circumstances after the Referee compounded to ruin a match that United should have won. The match appeared to be heading for a draw when Reading striker Brynjar Gunnarsson headed past Paddy Kenny a minute from time, to give victory to the Royals. The result was harsh on United, who had played their part in a fine match and deserved at least a draw. Reading set a furious pace from the start, and it paid dividends as they took an instant lead. Glen Little had already gone close with a shot which was deflected wide, and from the resulting corner he picked out the unmarked Gunnarsson, who volleyed past goalkeeper Kenny from 15 yards. But United had won 10 of their first 11 games this term, and it was inevitable the Blades would force their way back into the match. Neil Shipperley and Rob Kozluk had already wasted good chances when, after 15 minutes, Paul Ifill did superbly to cross from the right. Alan Quinn was waiting at the far post and turned the ball back into the centre, where Steven Kabba flung himself forward to head past Marcus Hahnemann from six yards. The Blades then enjoyed a huge slice of luck when Kenny seemed to handle Nick Montgomery's wayward back-header outside his own box. But referee Grant Hegley showed the Irishman only a yellow card, to the fury of the Royals fans. Whether this was the right or wrong decision is open for debate. But the Referee obviously took the decision that it was not an clear goal scoring opportunity and so a yellow card would suffice. Six minutes before half-time, Montgomery surged forward from central midfield before powering a 30-yard drive just over Hahnemann's crossbar. In to the second half and Royals defender Ivar Ingimarsson almost scored a bizarre 61st-minute goal when Kenny's save from Leroy Lita's header rebounded off the Icelander but trickled just wide. And two minutes later, Stephen Hunt was forced to head clear inches from his own goal-line after Shipperley had nodded David Unsworth's right-wing corner goalwards for United. Kabba's pace and power were a constant menace for the Royals defence, and in the 70th minute he charged past Ibrahima Sonko before pulling the ball back, only for substitute Sekou Baradji to make a vital interception. Reading substitute John Oster, then hit a fierce 25-yard volley narrowly wide. The moment which should have changed the course of the match arrived when Blades substitute Keith Gillespie was blatantly body-checked by Ingimarsson inside the Reading penalty area, but to everyone’s amazement; the referee waved play on. Even at this early stage of the season a massive refereeing blunder like the one of referee Hegley’s magnitude could in the end prove decisive at the end of the season. It was clear; United should have had a penalty and probably would have gone on to victory. And as the game seemed to be heading for a draw, Gunnarsson rose to head Baradji's free-kick into Kenny's bottom-right corner to give Reading the points and close the gap on United. At the end of the game, both Neil Warnock and Stuart McCall were livid about the refereeing error which had cost United valuable points in the Championship race – and who can blame them. Both men confronting the referee as the officials left the pitch. Still, the Blades are 3 points clear at the top of the Championship and playing some of the best football Unitedites have seen for decades.