27th February The Bramall Lane boo-boys are endangering United's promotion charge, according to Blades boss Neil Warnock. QPR became the first side to do the double over the Blades this season with a 3-2 win on Saturday. It might have been so different had Paul Ifill netted a penalty when United were 2-1 up, but sloppy defending allowed Rangers to climb off the ropes, much to the ire of a few so called Blades fans. In fact, a small minority of the Lane crowd began venting their frustrations as early as the sixth minute, when Marc Nygaard took full advantage of poor defending to put Rangers ahead. Warnock, who is a lifelong Blades fan himself, says he can understand the supporters fears of throwing away their best chance of a promotion but also argues such pessimism is counter-productive. "Most of them just feel like I do." he said. "I think they're so frustrated, the fans, having been where they are for so many years. It is easy to criticise but unfortunately fans don't think about the damage it does to certain players. It was very frustrating in the first five minutes. I thought it was unfair really and put more pressure on people. Three or four lads, early doors, got rid of the ball a lot quicker than they should and they were knocking long balls rather than keeping possession. We've got to stand up and make sure we don't respond to that. The crowds are going to be frustrated at times but 15 minutes, 20 minutes later we're winning 2-1. As I said to them at half-time, it's 'Warnock out' or 'Warnock for England'." He continued: "We haven't got to worry too much about the doom-and-gloom merchants, we've got to get on with the job in hand now, which is getting back to winning ways on Friday night. We've got bottom of the league next and I wish it was Leeds next week and not Crewe."

25th February Sheffield United 2 Queens Park Rangers 3 (Attendance: 25,360)
Line-up: Kenny, Morgan, Kozluk, Collins, Armstrong, Ifill, Jagielka, Tonge, Montgomery (Unsworth 63), Akinbiyi (Shipperley 78), Horsfield (Webber 66).
Subs Not Used: Flitcroft, Kabba.
Booked: Tonge 68.
Scorers: Akinbiyi 21, Bircham 29 og.
Man of The Match: Paddy Kenny.

United's promotion challenge suffered a real setback today as Queens Park Rangers completed an unlikely double over the Blades. Geoff Horsfield made his debut for the Blades, joining Ade Akinbiyi in attack. QPR had Marc Bircham returning from injury, along with Paul Furlong also returning to the starting line-up. And, after a tame opening, another upset looked on the cards when QPR's Marc Nygaard picked up the ball on the halfway line before bearing down virtually unchallenged on goal. Blades goalkeeper Paddy Kenny advanced to smother the ball at the striker's feet but it rebounded back off the striker who tapped home to score with ease. Rangers were looking extremely comfortable as the Blades’ ever changing striking partnership failed to sparkle, although 'the horse' (Horsfield) won a free-kick from which Armstrong tested Rangers goalkeeper Paul Jones. After 22 minutes United found the equilser, when Michael Tonge's in-swinging left-wing cross was met by Akinbiyi and his looping header flew over Jones to hit the back of the net. The goal brought United to life, Paul Ifill was causing problems down the right touchline and forcing some desperate Rangers defending, and the pressure eventually told as Chris Armstrong's corner was headed into his own net by Bircham. Blades defender Neill Collins almost marked his home debut with the third when he glanced on Tonge's free-kick narrowly wide, while Phil Jagielka sliced his finish after the R's twice failed to clear Ifill's low cross. Despite United’s growing pressure, Lee Cook almost brought QPR level with a terrific free-kick Kenny did well to get hands on and the winger came close again moments later, with a brilliant run before feeding Paul Furlong, whose finish was too close to the Blades keeper. But QPR's inability to defend crosses cost them in the second half. Goalkeeper Paul Jones flapped at Armstrong's free-kick and in the confusion defender Ian Evatt pulled down United captain Chris Morgan, who was making his 100th league start for the Blades. The referee immediately pointed to the spot and Ifill picked the ball up. But somehow the Blades winger looked uneasy as one of the Rangers players had a quick word in an attempt to un-nerve the Blades winger - and it seemed to work. Ifill's penalty was telegraphed and lacking in power and Jones got down well to parry to his right. It proved a costly miss for United who from this point fell to pieces. Ifill who in the first half had been causing problems - just lost his form and the Blades crowd started to get on the backs of individual players. Rangers sensed a change in the atmosphere and immediately took advantage when striker Lee Cook sent over an cross which was headed on target by Nygaard, and Morgan unfortunately turned the ball into his own net. Warnock sent on substitutes Danny Webber along with Neil Shipperley, while Rangers were forced to replace Nygaard with Sammy Youssof after the big striker went down injured. But it was not going to be the Blades day, as each subsequent attack broke down with QPR defending in numbers and effectively countering. And this is how Rangers found their winner. After some slick passing in the midfield by QPR, Lee Cook stormed through and sent a diagonal ball into the path of Furlong, and the R’s man applied the perfect finish to give QPR the lead once more. Late-on, Furlong missed a glorious chance when the veteran striker rattled the crossbar after Kenny was unable to save Cook's drive and Youssof should also have finished it but for Kenny, who saved well in a one on one. Armstrong should have leveled in stoppage-time but QPR held on to become the first side to beat United home and away this season. And with Watford and Leeds both winning the Blades Championship lead is now down to seven points over the third placed Hornets.

24th February United welcome back experienced defender David Unsworth to the squad but could be missing a handful of other players against QPR. Craig Short, Leigh Bromby and Alan Quinn all missed the Sheffield derby with knocks and are likely to be absent once again. That means on-loan Neill Collins, who made his Blades bow in that match, and Chris Armstrong could continue in defence with Unsworth slotting in at left-back. Phil Jagielka has suffered from illness recently but is expected to be fit, while Danny Webber could make his return to the side after hamstring problems. Marc Bircham should return to the QPR squad for the match at the Lane. His return is welcome news for caretaker manager Gary Waddock, who learned earlier this week that winger Martin Rowlands would miss the remainder of the season with a knee injury. Waddock will also be without winger Gareth Ainsworth and defender Mauro Milanese at Bramall Lane. Both picked up their fifth bookings of the season in the 1-0 win over Millwall on February 11, and serve one-match bans. Waddock had also hoped that skipper Kevin Gallen might recover from a back injury to feature in this match, but the 30-year-old forward missed the reserve clash with Reading. Goalkeeper Simon Royce (hip) and defender Dominic Shimmin (groin) miss out, while striker Paul Furlong hopes for a recall after stepping off the bench to score at Crystal Palace.

23rd February Blades defender Alan Wright has joined Championship strugglers Derby on loan for a month. The 34-year-old has managed only nine appearances for United so far this season after recovering from a cruciate knee ligament injury. Wright is expected to go straight into the Rams squad for the home match with Plymouth on Saturday.

20th February Neil Warnock was full of praise for defender Chris Morgan after he fought his way back from injury to lead the side to victory in the Sheffield derby. Morgan had an operation on his hip last week and was told he would play no part against the Owls but Warnock was delighted to have his captain available once again. The Blades 2-1 victory means they have collected a maximum six points from the Owls this season. He said: "I was told last week Morgan wouldn't be available all week - what a performance." Warnock also described the fixture as the hardest in United's calendar, saying: "It's just a fantastic feeling to come to Hillsborough and win 2-1. There's no tougher game than coming to Hillsborough against the enemy."

18th February Sheffield Wednesday 1 Sheffield United 2 (Attendance: 33,439)
Line-up: Kenny, Morgan, Kozluk, Armstrong, Collins, Jagielka, Ifill (Geary 85), Montgomery, Tonge, Akinbiyi, (Flitcroft 90), Dyer (Horsfield 82).
Subs Not Used: Barnes, Kabba.
Scorers: Tonge 38, Akinbiyi 45.
Man of The Match: Michael Tonge.

United confirmed their status as Sheffield’s top football club again with another win over Wednesday this time at Hillsborough to complete the double over the beleaguered Championship outfit. Two first half goals from Michael Tonge and Ade Akinbiyi were enough to see off the Owls again, with Wednesday getting a goal back through a late Steven MacLean penalty. There was a fantastic atmosphere inside the ground with 7,000 Unitedites at the Leppings Lane end of the ground. United had defender Neill Collins making his debut after signing from Sunderland on loan before the match. Wednesday had the first chance of the match with Leon Best firing high over the top from MacLean's lay-off. The Blades responded with Owls defender Frank Simek diving to block Nick Montgomery's volley with his head followed by Akinbiyi hooking across goal from Rob Kozluk's long-throw. After 15 minutes, Wednesday goalkeeper Chris Adamson, was tested after a cross from Bruce Dyer that was headed for the danger area. Then, United’s Chris Armstrong stuck out a leg to block Chris Brunt's right-footed drive from MacLean's lay-off. After 30 minutes, Owls defender Graham Coughlan managed to divert Paul Ifill's shot away from goal after the Blades winger turned past Peter Gilbert. Moments later, Owl’s midfield man Brunt warmed Paddy Kenny's hands with a 30-yard blast. United were still the dominant side and their first goal arrived after 38 minutes. It came when Wednesday got themselves into a mess after a number of short passes eventually ended with Brunt bringing Armstrong down on the left of the Owls 18 yard box. Tonge stepped up to produce a superb strike sending a curling shot directly into Adamson's far corner to give United the lead. United were now on top with Chris Morgan and Kozulk having outstanding performances in defence, and Tonge in truly superb form in midfield. United’s pressure continued in front of the stunned Owls fans as Ifill volleyed at Adamson, before the Blades got their second deep into first-half stoppage time. Armstrong received the ball on the left wing and stormed 20 yards before sending in a looping cross where it dropped beyond Owls defender Gilbert, and it was Akinbiyi who was lurking and controlled before smashing an unstoppable half-volley past the hapless Adamson. What a great sight is was as the Blades striker wheeled away in glory with the Unitedites in raptures of celebration at the other end of the ground, and all this with the Owls fans on the Wednesday Kop completely stunned and silent. Wednesday as you might expect came storming out full of energy at the start of the second half, but all their bluster was toothless and United eventually picked up were they had left off at Half-time. First, Blades striker Dyer beat Coughlan and his cross found Akinbiyi, but his header from close range flew over the crossbar. And then, Kozluk played a one-two pass with Dyer before shooting at Adamson and then from an Ifill run and cross Dyer clipped another effort over the bar. After 76 minutes United should have made it three. Akinbiyi crossed and an unmarked Dyer could only poke the ball wide from only six yards out. Wednesday were handed a lifeline after 78 minutes, as Glenn Whelan tricked the referee who bought his dive just inside the Blades 18 yard box; The Owls midfielder throwing deliberately himself over the Morgan’s leg as the Blades captain challenged for the ball. MacLean stepped up and slotted his kick into Kenny's right-hand corner, sending Kenny the wrong way. The Owls had another penalty appeal rejected when Brunt challenged for a header late on and Kozluk volleyed off the line following a scramble when Whelan arced a cross into the box, but the Blades held out for victory to retain the bragging rights for another season.

18th February United have signed Sunderland defender Neill Collins on loan until the end of the season. The 22-year-old has failed to make a league appearance in the Premiership for the Black Cats this season, spending much of the campaign on loan at Hartlepool United. Collins was due to be drafted straight into the squad to face Wednesday and will give Blades boss Neil Warnock some cover at the back following knocks to Leigh Bromby and Craig Short. Warnock commented: "We have a lot of injuries to defenders so I'm very pleased to get Neill on loan. He played very well against us in the league at Sunderland last season - he'll give us some back up."

16th February Geoff Horsfield and Alan Quinn are both available for Saturday's clash at Hillsborough. Quinn is fighting to shake off a leg injury. While Horsfield was rested with an hamstring problem. Neil Warnock commented: "I thought Alan had broken his leg last Saturday and it could have been five or six weeks out but he has done more and more this week and I'm sure he will tell me he is fit. Geoff has trained very well on Thursday but we have to make sure he is 'ok' if we play him or put him on the bench on Saturday." Several other players have slight knocks from the Reading game, they are Craig Short (hamstring), Leigh Bromby (groin), and Nick Montgomery (calf) and all three face a race against time to be ready. David Unsworth serves the third of his three match ban. Danny Webber is still out injured. Paul Sturrock says Chris Adamson is likely to continue in goal at the weekend for Wednesday. Defender Drissa Diallo is out after picking up a hamstring injury at Coventry and Jon-Paul McGoven is a long-term absentee. Richard Wood and Deon Burton are doubts with groin and hamstring problems.

15th February Geoff Horsfield could join United on a permanent basis if he impresses manager Neil Warnock during his loan stint with the Blades. The experienced striker, 32, moved to the Lane from West Brom initially until the end of the season. But Warnock, a long-time admirer of Horsfield, is keen to see how his latest recruit performs as the Blades bid to join the Premiership ranks. "We have agreed a fee and will wait to see what happens," revealed Warnock. "I've been after him for quite a while and he has just become available. Bryan Robson (West Brom boss) didn't want to let him go but I'm delighted to have him for an important run of games. "Geoff is a bread and butter, muck and nettles type centre forward and you know what you are getting with him."

14th February Sheffield United 1 Reading 1 (Attendance: 25,011)
Line-up: Kenny, Bromby (Kozluk 24), Short (Flitcroft 88), Morgan, Armstrong, Montgomery, Jagielka, Ifill, Tonge, Akinbiyi, Dyer (Kabba 69).
Subs Not Used: Shipperley, Gillespie.
Scorer: Dyer 9.
Man of The Match: Paddy Kenny.

The top two teams locked horns tonight in a superb end-to-end encounter at Bramall Lane which ended 1-1. Neil Warnock sprung a surprise when he included Bruce Dyer in the Line-up for United. And for Reading, Dave Kitson replaced Leroy Lita who was suffering from a facial injury. In the opening minutes, good work by Kevin Doyle and Graeme Murty on the right flank saw the Reading right-back curl in an early dangerous ball from the by-line, but it couldn't find a Royals head and United calmly headed clear. Doyle again tried to penetrate behind the Blades backline minutes later, but Chris Armstrong came across to slide in and dispossess the Reading striker. Five minutes gone and Paul Ifill struck a 30 yard shot which Reading goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann's saved. In the ninth minute the deadlock was broken and it was the Blades who got the opener. Leigh Bromby's low cross from the right fell to Ifill, who fed Ade Akinbiyi. On the turn on the edge of the box the striker was challenged but the ball fell to Dyer who stroked the ball firmly to Hahnemann's right from 12 yards out for a 1-0 lead. But just three minutes later; Reading were level. First, Murty found Bobby Convey down the left and he sent in a low cross which fell kindly to Dave Kitson, and he flicked past United goalkeeper Paddy Kenny and inside the right post for the leveller. Moments after the re-start, Akinbiyi volleyed wide of Hahnemann's right post after some good work by Dyer – who was impressive on his debut. After 20 minutes, a deep ball from the right was headed back into the middle by Blades midfielder Michael Tonge and Reading defender Ibrahima Sonko controlled the ball yards from his goal-line but as he half-cleared Craig Short shot from 12 yards out, but it was desperately cleared off the line by Murty. Three minutes later, Bromby had to be substituted after an injury, with Rob Kozluk taking his place in the Blades defence. Midway through the half, Tonge turned into the box to drag a low 15-yard strike across his body and Hahnemann got down push the ball away. Akinbiyi was arriving unmarked though to reach the loose ball ahead of the recovering Reading keeper, but in trying to loft over the keeper, Hahnemann managed to help the ball sail just over his crossbar. Three minutes later, the lively Convey cut inside from the left before whipping in a shot that Kenny could only parry but United eventually cleared the danger. Just after, Convey again cut inside from the opposite wing and this time struck at goal with his preferred left foot, but this time Kitson could not capitalise on the ball. In the early moments of the second half both sides had opportunities to take the lead. First, Convey's cross was headed by Steve Sidwell but saved by Kenny as he held onto the midfielder's close range downward header on his line. And then at the other end Tonge's drilled centre was volleyed just over by Chris Morgan. Both teams were looking dangerous in a pulsating match, with United starting to create the clearer cut openings. After 56 minutes, good work from Akinbiyi found Ifill on the right. Crossing dangerously into the box, Phil Jagielka stooped to flick on, but with nobody at the far post Murty cleared. At the other end, Nicky Shorey collected from a throw-in to sweep a cross towards Kitson at the far post, but Morgan easily headed away. With 15 minutes left, Nick Montgomery managed to muscle Sidwell off the ball and it bobbled free to Akinbiyi on the edge of the box. Turning to shoot off-balance, Sonko was in close attendance managed to block. Moments later, Ifill's long throw bounced off several players before finding Akinbiyi. As the ball fell, he prodded firmly goalwards, but Hahnemann saved high and gathering well. After 80 minutes, a long ball deep into the Reading defence caused a desperate scramble only yards from the Royals goal, the ball fell to Jagielka's but Hahnemann instantly to thwart the Blades midfielder pouncing on the loose ball. Shortly after, Akinbiyi stormed past Little on the left wing in a one-on-one race which the Blades forward won, before he was cynically fouled by the Reading midfielder, but the referee only awarded a free kick and no card was produced. Tonge took the free kick and the entire Reading defence moved out for offside, except Kitson who stayed behind to play the Blades players onside. The ball fell perfectly for substitute Steven Kabba who was all alone only ten yards out, but Hahnemann instantly raced from his line and Kabba's shot deflected of the keepers legs for a corner. As normal time reached its final minute, in a match you could have watched all night; Convey raced onto a long ball and broke at pace beyond his marker. Storming into the area at the Bramall Lane end, he tried to nudge past Kenny who rushed from his line to block. Convey got back to his feet to scurry after the loose ball, but then threw himself back down, obviously trying to fain a foul. Kenny for his part never touched the over dramatic American winger. But the referee bought Conveys diving tricks and a penalty way awarded. Even those of us on the Kop could see there was no foul - but not the referee, as Convey celebrated his smile was to wiped from his face as Kitson stepped up to take the spotkick. The striker drove it to the keeper’s right and Kenny was equal to it all the way and saved brilliantly low to his left and justice had been done. Overall, it had been a superb match and a great for advertisement the Championship, and between two teams who on this showing - will be both playing premiership football next season.

14th February Striker Geoff Horsfield will go straight into United's squad for the top-of-the-table clash with Reading at Bramall Lane tonight. But boss Neil Warnock may decide to rest the former West Brom forward as he sustained a slight hamstring injury in his last match for West Brom on Saturday. Michael Tonge is expected to return to the starting line-up following a virus, Alan Quinn should be included despite receiving a heavy knock at Plymouth and Derek Geary returns to contention following suspension. David Unsworth sits out the second of a three-game ban. Reading manager Steve Coppell looks set to stick with the side that beat Southampton 2-0 last week for the trip to the Lane. Ibrahima Sonko suffered a knock against Saints and with fellow defender Brynjar Gunnarsson suspended, Coppell could hand a league debut to John Halls if he doesn't make it. Despite leading scorer Dave Kitson's return, Reading are likely to keep faith with Leroy Lita and Kevin Doyle's partnership, which bore a goal apiece last Friday.

13th February United have completed the loan signing of West Bromwich Albion striker Geoff Horsfield. The 32-year-old will stay at Bramall Lane until the end of the season with a view to signing a permanent deal in the summer. "I'm pleased to be coming back to Yorkshire. Sheffield United are flying at the moment, and this is a great chance to get back in the Premiership," said the former Birmingham and Wigan targetman. "I've stepped down a league, but this is a great chance to get straight back up. He continued "I'm delighted it's done and that I can come back up to Yorkshire and complete the deal, my aim now is to get a few goals to help us to promotion. I've only been here about an hour and I've seen the size of the club and we deserve to be in the Premiership."

11th February Plymouth Argyle 0 Sheffield United 0 (Attendance: 15,017)
Line-up: Kenny, Bromby, Short, Morgan, Armstrong, Ifill, Jagielka, Flitcroft (Montgomery 77), Quinn (Gillespie 71), Akinbiyi, Kabba (Shipperley 76).
Subs Not Used: Barnes, Kozluk.
Man of The Match: Alan Quinn.

In a match of precious few chances, United came away from Plymouth with a useful 0-0 draw. The Blades, made three changes from the Watford match, all enforced. Defenders David Unsworth, sent off for violent conduct against the Hornets, and Derek Geary were suspended, while midfielder Michael Tonge was under the weather. In came defender Garry Flitcroft, Chris Morgan and Alan Quinn. The Blades also had the backing of 1300 fans that had made the long journey south. The early pressure came from United who forced two chances in the first two minutes. First, Steven Kabba connected onto a free-kick, but defender Paul Wotton blocked his low cross for a corner. Then, Morgan's speculative overhead kick forced Argyle goalkeeper Romain Larrieu into a full-length save, only finally stopping the ball at his second attempt. Larrieu then looked less than convincing when failing to reach Chris Armstrong's swinging left-wing cross. United playing a 4-3-3 formation looked the more forceful early on, enjoying far more possession. When the Pilgrims eventually got to grips with the game, it resulted in a couple of driving runs, from Paul Connolly on the right, and David Norris, down the centre. Argyle, who were playing a 4-5-1 formation, had Lilian Nalis in the centre but were finding it difficult to get any support for Michael Evans up-front. After 15 minutes, Plymouth had a rare chance, Norris burst into the left side of the box but Morgan tackled superbly for Blades goalkeeper Paddy Kenny to easy claim. Five minutes later, Blades striker Ade Akinbiyi run onto Quinn's through ball, beat Mathias Kouo-Doumbe's defending, and turned and shot on target. But, the best move of the half belonged to Argyle. It began on the right, where Anthony Barness whipped-in cross that Evans flick-headed into the six-yard box. Nick Chadwick got in to send a powerful header past Kenny and beyond the left hand post. The game had been a chaotic in midfield it was no surprise when Nalis was shown the game's first yellow card for upending Paul Ifill. At the start of the second half, the game continued with Argyle defending deep and offering nothing up-front. The Pilgrims crowd wanted a more adventurous approach and so striker Vincent Pericard was introduced with more than half an hour of proceedings gone. With his first chance he sent in a powerful far-post volley that was always rising too high. Quinn had been outstanding for United on his return to the side and it was a blow when he picked up a foot injury after 70 minutes and had to be replaced by Keith Gillespie. Kenny then made a superb punch under pressure and scrambled to his feet to watch Elliot Ward's first timer go wide, before Neil Shipperley and Nick Montgomery came on for Kabba and Flitcroft for the Blades. In the closing moments Akinbiyi had a glorious chance to snatch victory by cashing in on Larrieu's misplaced kick, which had hit Mathias Kouo-Doumbe on the back and presented the Blades striker with a clear open run in on goal. A combination of Larrieu's quickness in coming out and Kouo-Doumbe's equally swift tracking back drove Akinbyiy wide and he was unable to direct anything on target and ballooned the ball over. Late on, Gillespie took a knock when he made a vital clearance, as the Pligrims tried to create a final attempt at goal. In the final minute, Norris was teed up by Tony Capaldi for a shot which forced Kenny to make his first real save at his near post. It had been a scrappy game, but well earned point at a difficult ground.

10th February United will be without suspended pair David Unsworth and Derek Geary for the trip to Plymouth Argyle. Defender Unsworth sits out the first of a three-match ban following his midweek dismissal against Watford, while midfielder Geary misses one game after being booked for the fifth time this season. Striker Danny Webber remains sidelined with a hamstring injury, but defender Alan Wright (calf) and veteran Brian Deane (hamstring) are both available again. Latest signings Ade Akinbiyi and Bruce Dyer will be vying with Deane and fellow strikers Neil Shipperley and Steven Kabba for a place in the starting line-up. Argyle will give a late fitness check to Akos Buzsaky before the match. The 23-year-old Hungarian midfielder suffered an ankle injury in the 1-0 Championship defeat at Burnley. Winger Bojan Djordjic (groin) will also have a late test after he missed the defeat at Turf Moor. Loan signing Vincent Pericard is set to make his debut. Full-back Paul Connolly was fit to return to the side and is set to keep his place at right-back, with Anthony Barness switching back to left-back.

7th February Neil Warnock has demanded United bounce back immediately following the 4-1 home defeat by Watford. A Marlon King brace helped the Hornets on their way to victory, with the Blades plight not made any easier by the dismissal of defender David Unsworth. Unsworth was sent off for violent conduct after swinging his arm into the face of Chris Eagles midway through the first half. "You get these things in life," said Warnock. "It's one of those things, but we started off sluggish and gifted them a goal. "We started getting back into it, but then we get the sending off and it made it a hard task. David should know better; Eagles stamped on him and I can't say he wasn't provoked, but David should know better. "It made it a hard task but we have got to get back to defending better because we have got some tough games coming up. "It was silly and something we need to eliminate because the same thing happened to Chris Morgan earlier in the season." The defeat was the heaviest at home that the Blades have suffered under Warnock, with the loss cutting their lead from Watford and Leeds to 11 points.

6th February Sheffield United 1 Watford 4 (Attendance: 20,791)
Line-up: Kenny, Geary (Morgan 59), Short, Bromby, Unsworth, Ifill (Gillespie 88), Armstrong, Jagielka, Tonge, Kabba (Shipperley 83), Akinbiyi.
Subs Not Used: Flitcroft, Quinn.
Sent-Off: Unsworth 25.
Booked: Akinbiyi 26, Armstrong 82.
Scorer: Ifill 58.
Man of The Match: Steven Kabba.

Watford moved up to third place in the Championship after a 4-1 triumph against the Blades. Goals from Chris Eagles, Hameur Bouazza and a brace from Marlon King secured the points for the Hornets as United posted a miserable performance, made more painful by David Unsworth sending off. The Blades were looking to re-establish a 14-point advantage over closest rivals Leeds United. But Watford mercilessly tore up the script to put them third in the Championship. Only six minutes had elapsed before the match exploded into life with virtually the first attack of the match. A neatly directed King header found Darius Henderson lurking wide on the left. The striker's pin-point cross was met at the near post by Eagles, whose header bulleted into the net, leaving Blades goalkeeper Paddy Kenny with no chance. United tried to find an instant reply with Michael Tonge’s shot blocked by Watford keeper Ben Foster, this was followed by King hitting a shot wide for the Hornets. Phil Jagielka then delivered a cross but Paul Ifill headed straight at Foster before proceedings turned ugly. Unsworth and Eagles got tangled in a challenge just inside the Blades half with Eagles clearly trying to provoke Unsworth with the Blades defender on the floor after making a tackle and with the ball stuck between his legs; Unsworth rose to his feet and pushed his hand at Eagles face; his elbow connecting with Eagles chin. This resulted in an inevitable red card for the Blades left-back and put United at a massive disadvantage for the rest of the night, against a useful Watford side. Eagles was also booked and so was Blades striker Ade Akinbiyi after getting involved in the usual pushing session in the middle of the park. Unsworth’s departure meant Chris Armstrong dropped back into the left-back role and Steven Kabba filled Chris Armstrong’s left wing position. Watford then set about the task of stretching the play with the ball played wide at every opportunity and utilising King's pace down the middle of the field. This worked well and the Hornets were getting beyond United’s back line with ease and found the space at the back post but when the ball was laid off for Eagles, Armstrong was given the time attempt a block and deflect the shot onto the top of the crossbar. Derek Geary managed a 25 yard shot with flew wide of the far post as United struggled to find a way back, that said Kabba deserved some praise for his energy and determination, while Akinbiyi was disapointing. Indeed, United could not find a threatening chance as Watford defended resolutely led by Jay DeMerit. Watford's were quickly back on top after the restart and a goal followed. An innocuous long ball from Waftrod midfielder Matthew Spring was allowed to bounce and Leigh Bromby was robbed by the livewire King, who crashed the ball past a startled Kenny from 20 yards. King also had a near post shot saved by Kenny before United gave themselves some hope after 57 minutes. Armstrong's poked the into the box and Short flicked on for Ifill and a defensive blunder involving Lloyd Doyley and Malky Mackay allowed the Blades winger to sneak in front of a stranded MacKay and beat Foster from just six yards. Warnock reshaped his defence with substitute Chris Morgan moving into the centre of defence and Bromby going to right back but it was to no avail. After 67 minutes, Watford’s two-goal advantage was restored after King crashed home his 15th goal of the season after United's out-of-sorts defenders failed to clear a Ashley Young corner. After 88 minutes, Watford substitute Bouazza compounded the misery for the Lane faithful when he slotted home from close range. A night to forget.

5th February Neil Warnock is set to hand record signing Ade Akinbiyi his home debut against Watford. The Blades striker marked his debut against Derby County by scoring the winner and will be hoping to repeat the performance in front of the Lane faithful. Leading scorer Steven Kabba is set to continue on the bench as Warnock keeps the partnership of Neil Shipperley and Akinbiyi in attack. Bruce Dyer is hoping to earn a recall to the squad after missing out in midweek, while Keith Gillespie will be hoping for a recall after impressing as a substitute against the Rams. Danny Webber and Brian Deane remain sidelined, while Alan Wright is battling to recover from a calf problem. Watford have a doubt over goalkeeper Ben Foster, who missed the win over Crewe with ankle and hip problems. Should the on-loan man fail to recover, player-coach Alec Chamberlain will continue to deputise.

1st February Derby County 0 Sheffield United 1 (Attendance: 26,275)
Line-up: Kenny, Geary, Bromby, Short, Unsworth, Ifill (Gillespie 68), Jagielka, Tonge, Armstrong, Akinbiyi, Shipperley (Kabba 82).
Subs Not Used: Morgan, Quinn, Montgomery.
Booked: Armstrong 43, Geary 64, Gillespie 78, Jagielka 90.
Scorer: Akinbiyi 12.
Man of The Match: Paddy Kenny.

Ade Akinbiyi took just 12 minutes to register his first goal for United as the Blades record signing secured a vital three Championship points at Pride Park. Making his debut, the 1.75 Million pounds striker netted with his only chance of the game, his 15th goal of the season moving the Blades back to within seven points of current leaders Reading. But that was only part of the story as the Rams saw skipper Michael Johnson sent off before Tommy Smith missed a penalty, leaving them in the thick of the relegation battle. Akinbiyi was the only change to United's starting XI, the 31-year-old replacing top scorer Steven Kabba in attack. Rams caretaker-boss Terry Westley altered half the outfield line-up in his first game in charge. Darren Moore made his debut at the back, Marc Edworthy was recalled at right-back, 17-year-old Giles Barnes earned his full debut in midfield, Lee Holmes was on the left wing, while Danny Graham ploughed a lone furrow up front. Having shipped nine goals in their previous two games it was no surprise to see the Rams concede territory early on, with the Blades penning Derby inside their own half and forcing two early corners. Paul Ifill soon won a free-kick which David Unsworth curled straight into the arms of Derby goalkeeper Lee Camp, while at the other end Smith saw his left-foot curler held by Paddy Kenny. But, as quick as a flash, United broke down the right-hand side, Ifill whipped in a cross and Akinbiyi rose completely unchallenged six yards out to open his account for United. Inigo Idiakez, who earlier earned himself another suspension with his 10th booking of the season, almost provided an equaliser for Smith, his slide-rule pass fired straight at Kenny by the wide man. Ifill thumped a left-foot half-volley over the bar, while more great vision from Idiakez put Smith clear again but United recovered to snuff out the danger. However, United needed a double-stop from Kenny to preserve their lead, the Blades keeper parrying Graham's stinging volley from Smith's lay-off before smothering the latter's attempt on the rebound. Derby were starting to press, Smith joining Graham in attack, with the on-loan Middlesbrough youngster glancing Idiakez's cross wide. Kenny saved his best for the stroke of half-time, springing magnificently to turn Johnson's looping header behind. Derby picked up where they left off before the break, with United scrambling to clear their lines, although Ifill came close to bending in a stunning second from Neil Shipperley's lay-off. Idiakez's influence continued as he curled a free-kick straight at Kenny, but moments later their hopes looked all but extinguished when Johnson was shown a straight red for a robust tackle on Ifill, despite appearing to get plenty of the ball before his follow-through lifted the winger off his feet. Holmes was sacrificed for Richard Jackson, while Blades boss Neil Warnock eventually responded by removing Ifill and bringing on Keith Gillespie. Shipperley almost made the man advantage tell when he brought a long ball expertly down on his chest, but his finish failed to match the control. Gillespie fared much better with an outrageous effort with the outside of his right foot that hit the post. Westley threw on former Lane hero Paul Peschisolido and immediately looked to have paid off, Edworthy's cross hitting the hand of Chris Armstrong and the referee pointing to the spot. But Smith's penalty was far too close to Kenny, who nevertheless got down terrifically to repel the ball to safety. Shipperley should have made them pay when he ballooned Akinbiyi's neat flick over the bar, the big front-man's final contribution before being replaced by Kabba, who saw his stoppage-time strike cleared off the line by Jackson. A scrappy performance, but, it’s the three points that count, and United have now extended their lead over Leeds in the Championship to 14 points.

1st February Neil Warnock is pondering whether to leave his two new signings on the bench for the clash with Derby County tonight. The Blades boss has confirmed Neil Shipperley will start up front with new recruits Ade Akinbiyi and Bruce Dyer vying with leading scorer Steven Kabba for the remaining striker slot. But Keith Gillespie has recovered from a bruised knee and should be included in the travelling party. Brian Deane and Danny Webber will miss the game with hamstring injuries and Alan Wright faces a late fitness test after falling victim to a calf problem. For Derby, Terry Westley could give debuts to Darren Moore and Brazilian striker Silva, who agreed terms with the club over the weekend. Paul Peschisolido faces a late fitness test after suffering a groin strain and there are still concerns over Seth Johnson's knee problem.