April 2007

Blades Line-up: Kenny, Geary, Morgan, Kilgallon, Armstrong, Gillespie (Davis 88), Jagielka, Montgomery, Tonge, Nade (Kazim-Richards 84), Stead.

Man of The Match: Matthew Kilgallon .

Watford Line-up: Foster, Doyley, Carlisle, Shittu, Powell (Chambers 75), Williamson (Hoskins 89), Bangura, Mahon, Bouazza, King, Priskin (Henderson 54).

Chris Powell's own goal on the stroke of half-time gave United a crucial 1-0 success over relegated Watford. The Blades are now three points clear of third from bottom West Ham with just two Premiership games left in the season. Watford started the brighter and Al Bangoura's tame right-footed effort wide of goal was the first shot of the game. The Blades responded, but Ben Foster did well to block Christian Nade's shot after the striker broke the offside trap and tried to round the goalkeeper. Clarke Carlisle found himself in referee Martin Atkinson's notebook soon after when he received a caution for kicking out at Kenny on the floor. A moment of controversy arrived soon after when Carlisle obstructed Jon Stead who was just about to make a break towards the Watford goal. The referee in the ensuing confusion then mistakenly booked Danny Shittu instead of Carlisle. A second booking for Carlisle would have resulted in him receiving his marching orders. Had the Blades not won, then undoubtedly more would have been made of this incident from another inconsistent referee. However, United brushed off this potentially controversial decision by getting themselves in front on the stroke of half-time. Michael Tonge created some space on the edge of the box before unleashing a right-footed strike that Powell could only divert past the already-committed Foster. The Blades started the second half full of confidence and came close on a number of occasions to doubling their advantage. Keith Gillespie firstly drilled a shot that was well saved by Foster, while Chris Morgan's header flashed just over the Hornets crossbar. Nade then tried a left-footed volley from outside the box that really looked like troubling Foster, who was well-placed to make the save. For all their pressure, Watford nearly levelled matters with a heart stopping moment in front of the Bramall Lane stand. Marlon King got the better of Morgan before lifting the ball over the onrushing Kenny only to see the shot rebound off the crossbar to safety. However, it proved a rare foray for The Hornets as shortly after Gillespie was running at the visitors and forcing Foster into a save. Despite late pressure from Watford, including a Bangoura shot just over, United held on for a priceless victory. The blades look safe, but will want to reach the 40 point mark just to be sure.

Manager Neil Warnock has hit out at the Premier League over the ramifications of their decision not to deduct points from West Ham. The Hammers were found to have breached Premier League regulations this week following a hearing into the transfers of Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano. They were fined a massive £5.5million but were not docked points, which Warnock doubts would have been the case had it been a different club. He feels it will now be impossible for the Premier League to justify deducting points from anyone in the future following West Ham's reprieve. "It is better to be decided on the pitch, but I think if it was Sheffield United, Watford or Wigan, I think there would have been points deducted and I think everyone knows that," he said. "I think they have set a rod for their back now because you can do what you want now and not get any points deducted. "I don't see how anyone can get points deducted now." Warnock added: "I feel sorry for my old club Bury, getting kicked out of the FA Cup for a player they have made a mistake with. They obviously don't employ the right lawyers."

Jon Stead wants to make the most of his "second chance" at top-flight football by grabbing the goals which ensure United's survival. The 24-year-old made it two in as many games to earn the Blades a share of the spoils atCharlton on Saturday. The 1-1 draw kept the Blades outside the drop zone, and with two out of their three remaining matches at Bramall Lane - against relegated Watford next week and then fast-fading Wigan - destiny is now in their own hands. Stead first shot to prominence when he helped steer Blackburn to safety in 2004 following a £1.25million move from Huddersfield. However, after going "off the boil" at Sunderland, the striker found himself on his way to United for a cut-price £750,000 during the January transfer window, having fallen out at favour at the Stadium of Light and being farmed out on loan to Derby. Stead intends to repay the faith of Neil Warnock in priceless Premiership goals. "When Sheffield United came in, it was a bit of a second chance for me," Stead said. "When a Premiership manager comes knocking and says he wants you, there is no bigger confidence booster. "The gaffer knew me from my time at Huddersfield, and when he saw the price Sunderland were asking, he thought it was worth the risk. "I knew I was rated by people in the top division, it was just whether someone was going to stick their neck out. Luckily for me, he went for it. "Neil Warnock has given me that chance - now it is all about repaying him. "The goal against Charlton will go some way towards doing that, and hopefully there will be a few more before the end of the season." Stead added: "Especially with the injury to Rob Hulse, I have got to try to get as many goals as I can. "We have to get them when it really matters, because we need the points. "The goal was up there with the most important I have scored. "I am back scoring again and playing in a team which is creating chances, and that is good for any striker." The Blades recovered from going behind to a long-range deflected effort from Charlton defender Talal El Karkouri on the hour mark. Indeed once Stead had equalised with a fine angled drive with 20 minutes to go, the Blades created enough chances to have won the match, with Michael Tonge blazing over the bar from 20 yards when clean through in stoppage time. It was an effective performance by a side which more than earned thier point. Stead said: "We all about being a unit together and working hard for each other - that is showing now. "We have showed we are really in for the fight, are there to go the distance and the point at Charlton will go a long way towards safety. "At this stage of the season, we need to be picking up points on the teams around us, and we have managed to do that. "We are running, working and tackling to the last second of every game - and that is the way we are going to survive. "We are confident, but know there is still a long way to go." Warnock is more than happy with the born-again striker. "Jon has been out of this world since he came in," said the Blades boss. "He is playing with a freedom. and knows he is a good striker - and that is a great feeling to have a striker like that at the club at the moment." Warnock added: "I do not think £750,000 in the Premier League is a risk. It is a stone in the bloody ocean. "When he first got to Blackburn and he kept them up that season. Then he went off the boil a bit, but that is football. You have ups and downs as a youngster. "Jon has matured now and I thought it was too good an opportunity to turn down.""

Blades Line-up: Kenny, Geary (Leigertwood 83), Morgan, Jagielka, Kilgallon, Gillespie, Tonge, Montgomery, Armstrong, Shelton (Kazim-Richards 60), Stead.

Man of The Match: Jon Stead

Charlton Line-up: Carson, Young, El Karkouri, Diawara (Bougherra 76), Thatcher (Hreidarsson 71), Zheng, Song, Ambrose, Rommedahl, Darren Bent, Thomas (Hasselbaink 73).

Jon Stead cancelled out Talal El Karkouri's strike to secure a priceless point for Sheffield United at Charlton in a 1-1 draw. El Karkouri's long-range deflected effort briefly gave the Addicks the edge, before Stead's leveller just 10 minutes later. United are now level with Wigan Athletic on 35 points while Charlton remain two points behind with three games left. The Blades could have had a dream start, but after Luton Shelton got in behind Souleymane Diawara the striker failed to get a head on the ball was actually booked for using an arm. Charlton responded and forced the Blades on the back foot with a succession of corners. The pressure nearly told on 16 minutes when Darren Ambrose headed just wide. Dennis Rommedahl got the better of Matthew Kilgallon down the right, but Ambrose was unable to direct his header just inside the far post. Darren Bent then drilled wide from Ambrose's corner before El Karkouri lashed a free-kick on goal that Blades goalkeeper Paddy Kenny did well to tip over the bar. Kenny breathed a sigh of relief shortly after when he spilled Jerome Thomas' long-range shot over his body only to see the loose ball roll wide of the post. The Blades finished the half as they started it, on the attack, and Keith Gillespie was nearly celebrating after heading Jon Stead's cross on target before Scott Carson made a fine save away to his left. It took a moment of quality to lift the home crowd, and it resulted in a goal for The Addicks. The Blades backed off and El Karkouri needed no second invitation to shoot with his long-range effort deflecting off two United players and leaving Kenny stranded. The goal lifted the Addicks although Alexandre Song's ambitious shot from outside the box was never troubling Kenny. However, that was the signal for the Blades to hit back with Stead sending a header wide from a left-wing corner. Charlton were unable to weather the Blades pressure and after Colin Kazim-Richards intercepted a ball in midfield he fed Nick Montgomery who played a fine through-ball for Stead to lash home from just inside the box. Neither side really looked like scoring a winner, despite five minutes of injury time as the Blades picked up a valuable away point.

Blades Player Performance Ratings v. Charlton:

Kenny 6 , Geary 7 (Leigertwood -- ), Morgan 7 , Jagielka 7 , Kilgallon 7 , Gillespie 7 , Tonge 6 , Montgomery 7 , Armstrong 6 , Shelton 6 (Kazim-Richards 7 ), Stead 8 .

Neil Warnock says he will have to let some players go should the inconceivable happen and the Blades are relegated next month. United finally achieved promotion to the top flight last season after a 12-year wait, and Warnock spent £5.5million on the likes of Rob Hulse from Leeds United and Claude Davis from Preston in a bid to keep them there. Although he remains confident that his side can steer clear of the drop zone, Warnock is also bracing himself for a player outage should the Blades be relegated. "We were very responsible with contracts and the players will have drops in wages if we are relegated," he told the Yorkshire Post . "That's what you've got to do when you come up so that you don't get into trouble. "Our wage bill was structured to the Premiership this year and if we get relegated it will be structured to the Championship. "If we go down, we'll lose players - because there would be players I would want to lose and I'd want to wheel and deal." Warnock added his side still have a good chance of survival, saying: "I don't feel as though we're under as much pressure as the other teams." Ahead of Saturday's crucial tie with fellow strugglers Charlton, Warnock said: "I don't see the game being the relegation decider. "I think it's possible both of us will get out of trouble."

The Blades boss believes the fact he has given it his "best whack" this season is easing the tension and the nerves. "I don't feel any pressure at the moment - and whether you believe that or not is another thing," said Warnock. "It's certainly not like last year where we played Southampton when we were on a bad run, or going to Cardiff and places like that. "I just don't feel the same pressure. Then it was biting into my tummy, and it was horrible. "But not now. Whether that's because I've changed as a person, I don't know. "I do know I've given it my best whack. If I was questioning myself or anything like that then I'd be chewed up inside, but I'm not.

Neil Warnock has heaped praise on Luton Shelton following his fine display at Old Trafford, but feels the Jamaican has set himself a high standard following his excellent full debut. Shelton was asked to plough a lone furrow in attack, but caused The Red Devils' defence a host of problems throughout and should have been awarded a penalty in the second half Warnock has revealed that he did not want to use Shelton this term, but admits the striker's performance has given him food for thought. "I thought Luton Shelton did ever so well on his debut," Warnock commented. "He has set his own standards now, it will be difficult to keep up with that. "I said it might be a bit different when you have Chris Morgan behind you whacking you rather than Wes Brown and them chesting it down. "He did ever so well and it is pleasing. I did not want to rush him as he has so much to learn. "I really wanted him for next season, but he has shown he can be a threat."

Neil Warnock was full of praise for his Sheffield United players, but was frustrated with the penalty that never was. The Blades slipped to a 2-0 defeat at Old Trafford, but gave a good account of themselves against the leaders. "I thought we did ever so well," Warnock commented. "We were disciplined and got beaten by a better side. "We gave a good account of ourselves and on another night may have got one or two ourselves. "We were disciplined and dug in and had our chances." The Blades were denied a certain penalty after Luton Shelton had been felled by Gabriel Heinze and Warnock was upset with referee Rob Styles. "I think you would like me to say exactly what I feel so I will get fined a lot of money!" he added. "If you are a football person, if you look at the incident yourself it does not need anyone else to tell you. "I know it is difficult for referees when there are 75,000 fans and 71,000 are for Man United, then it is difficult to make major decisions. "I wasn't surprised that he didn't give it, but I think they should be made to come on and explain why they didn't give it. "We know we are going to have to get the points ourselves to stay in this division, but in all fairness we have not had many decisions in the last three or four months. "Between the two of them, him and his linesman, they have got to get them right. We are not asking for anything other than what we deserve. "He has got to send him off as well, so he has got to make two decisions and then he has got to upset Sir Alex. And people don't like upsetting Sir Alex, but at times you have to give what is there and it is as clear as daylight."

Blades Line-up: Kenny, Geary, Morgan, Kozluk (Armstrong 77), Kilgallon, Jagielka, Webber, Montgomery, Tonge, Kazim-Richards (Gillespie 75), Shelton (Nade 89).

Man of The Match: Luton Shelton.

Manchester United Line-up: Kuszczak, Fletcher, Brown, Heinze, Evra (Richardson 21), Ronaldo, Carrick, Scholes, Rooney, Giggs (Solskjaer 80), Smith.

Sheffield United lost out 2-0 after a battling performance with Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Goals at the start of each half from Michael Carrick and Wayne Rooney were enough to secure the three points for the Red Devils, but not before they were tested to the full by The Blades. One positive from tonight's encounter was the performance of Luton Shelton, as the Blades striker caused the Premiership leaders' defence untold problems on his full debut. The Jamaican was a thorn in the side of the home side, and was denied a clear-cut penalty. Shelton was asked to plough a lone furrow in attack, an unenviable task for any forward at Old Trafford, but he showed a real appetite early on when dashing down the left and cutting inside before being fouled on the edge of the box by Paul Scholes. The early chance proved a false dawn for The Blades, as The Red Devils responded with the opening goal after four minutes. Cristiano Ronaldo was once again the architect as he cut a swath through the Blades midfield before clipping a pass into the path of Carrick. The midfielder still had plenty to do but, full of confidence; he flicked a neat shot over the advancing goalkeeper Paddy Kenny. Rooney could and should have doubled the advantage on six minutes but, after collecting a raking pass from Carrick and cutting inside Rob Kozluk, his shot lacked power and accuracy and Kenny was able to push the effort away. The Blades shrugged off the early setback and Michael Tonge forced goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak into a sprawling save, while the home sides' centre-halves Wes Brown and Gabriel Heinze halted Shelton on the edge of their own box more by luck than judgement. The Blades were not afraid to ruffle a few feathers and Patrice Evra's evening was ended early by a high tackle from Colin Kazim-Richards, while Alan Smith required a change of shorts after being caught high by Matthew Kilgallon. Shelton was determined to impress and he fizzed a shot into the side netting after galloping onto a pass from Kazim-Richards who had brushed off the challenge of Heinze, while shortly afterwards he fired high over the bar from the edge of the box. Rooney cut a frustrated figure in the first half and a fine tackle from Chris Morgan thwarted him 60 seconds after the restart, while Shelton twice caused the Devils' defence problems with burrowing runs into the box. The England forward's frustration evaporated on 50 minutes as he flashed home the second goal. A neat run between Morgan and Kozluk was spotted superbly by Ryan Giggs and Rooney did justice to the pass as he smashed a drive across Kenny and into the corner. The Blades, and Shelton in particular, continued to threaten and he passed up a gilt-edged chance on 53 minutes. The Jamaican showed great awareness to cushion a pass from Kilgallon out of his feet and away from Brown, but spoiled the build-up work by scooping his effort over the bar. Heinze looked uncomfortable in the middle and was rolled too easily by Danny Webber, but the forward pushed his shot across the face of goal. The home side may have been opened up more times than they would have cared for, but they still carried an attacking threat and Kenny made good saves from Rooney and Ronaldo in quick succession. Kenny made another fine save from Giggs but, seconds later, Shelton sped away from Brown and dashed into the area before being felled by Heinze. It was a clear penalty, and should have been the reward for Shelton's endeavour, but referee Rob Styles waved away fierce protests. The decision was a disgrace and was an incredible injustice for the Blades. The controversial decision appeared to knock the Blades back, but they kept plugging away and Tonge crashed a curling effort against the bar as the Premiership leaders had been given a far sterner examination many had predicted. The big match for the Blades is at the weekend against Charlton, and the Lane travelling faithful will again be behind the team throughout. It's a match we don't want to lose. A draw or win will do nicely.

Blades Player Performance Ratings v. Manchester United:

Kenny 7 , Geary 7 , Morgan 7 , Kozluk 7 (Armstrong 6 ), Kilgallon 7 , Jagielka 6 , Webber 6 , Montgomery 6 , Tonge 7 , Kazim-Richards 6 (Gillespie 6 ), Shelton 8 (Nade -- ).

Neil Warnock hailed a fine team performance as United put three nails in the West Ham coffin at Bramall Lane. Victory lifted The Blades back out of the relegation zone and they did it in style with fine goals from Michael Tonge, Phil Jagielka and Jon Stead. Warnock believes his side's more relaxed approach to the match proved the difference. "Both teams knew it was a massive game. We've been quite relaxed. We were relaxed in training this week and I think that showed in our play," Warnock commented "The pressure was on West Ham and it showed in theirs. "I thought we played some good football and scored some cracking goals."

Warnock was pleased by the performance of Tonge, though he admits it would be hard to single players out for praise. "Michael's had some injuries and been left out but when he plays well he's as good as anyone. For me he was the man of the match. "There were a lot of unsung heroes today. I think we won it as a team today. It's pleasing me today that Sheffield United have come through as a team." United were once 10 points clear of trouble but Warnock is not unduly concerned by his team's now nerve-racking run-in. "We should have been sat there with cigars in, relaxing and looking at the summer but we aren't and it just makes it that bit more exciting if you're a Sheffield United fan because you know there's something just around the corner."

Blades Line-up: Kenny, Geary, Jagielka, Davis (Morgan 56), Armstrong, Gillespie, Tonge, Montgomery, Kazim-Richards (Webber 83), Nade (Alan Quinn 61), Stead.

Man of The Match: Phil Jagielka

West Ham United Line-up: Green, Neill, Ferdinand, Collins, McCartney, Noble (Blanco 73), Reo-Coker, Bowyer (Mullins 65), Etherington (Boa Morte 65), Zamora, Tevez.

Sheffield United moved out of the bottom three with a emphatic 3-0 win over West Ham in a relegation 'six-pointer' at Bramall Lane. The Blades attacked the Londoners from the kick-off, and defended like Trojans, in a memorable afternoon at the Lane. Michael Tonge's free-kick, Phil Jagielka's header, and a solo effort from Jon Stead hammered three nails in The Hammers' coffin. With points such a precious commodity, neither side had had opportunity to revel in the Sheffield sunshine until Jagielka's 68th minute goal sealed the three points to lift The Blades two points clear of Charlton. Assured touches were few and far between in a nervy start but it remained compelling viewing if only because of the high stakes. Carlos Tevez had the hint of an opening but scooped his shot over the bar from the edge of the area in the eighth minute. Keith Gillespie's cross cut a swath through West Ham area but, after Danny Collins's miss-kick, Colin Kazim-Richards's contact was no more convincing and the chance was gone. West Ham gained in confidence as the half progressed but found little to trouble Paddy Kenny, Bobby Zamora's chipped cross was headed wide by Lee Bowyer just after the half-hour. Anton Ferdinand was then fortunate not to receive a second yellow card after deliberately checking the run of Christian Nade in the 38th minute. Tonge stepped up to the dead ball and lashed a ferocious free-kick into the back of the far comer of the net off the underside of Robert Green's crossbar. The Hammers came to came out in the second half with an intention to peg the Blades back, but some superb defending all round thwarted the attempts of the Hammers. Mark Noble and Zamora combined well to free the former inside the area but Claude Davis came across to block the midfielder's cross. Davis was injured in the collision had to be replaced by Chris Morgan. A fantastic save from Kenny, low to his left, denied the marauding Lucas Neill an equaliser after more approach play from Tevez. Tevez's scoring touch was found wanting when he cut inside but his left-foot shot ballooned horribly into the Bramall lane stand. Five minutes later The Blades capitalised on another set-piece, as the Kop roared the Blades on. The noise and passion was defending as Jagielka's header from Gillespie's corner made it 2-0. Neil Warnock's men added a third goal 12 minutes from time when Stead cut inside from the right-hand side of the area and arrowed a left-foot shot into Green's bottom corner to send the Lane into raptures of celebrations. Victory lifted The Blades back out of the relegation zone. The not so happy Hammers are now five points adrift of safety. And on Sunday, Charlton lost at Everton. It had been a great weekend all round for Unitedites.

Blades Player Performance Ratings v. West Ham :

Kenny 8 , Geary 6 , Jagielka 9 , Davis 7 (Morgan 8 ), Armstrong 6 , Gillespie 7 , Tonge 8 , Montgomery 7 , Kazim-Richards 6 (Webber 7 ), Nade 7 (Alan Quinn 6 ), Stead 7 .

Michael Tonge is hoping boss Neil Warnock gives him the nod for what he concedes will be "a special occasion" on Tuesday night. It might be seven years now since Tonge was a Manchester United apprentice, but a match against his former club at Old Trafford will still be a night to remember. Tonge returns on a high after setting the Blades on their way to a crucial 3-0 relegation victory over West Ham. The midfielder, who celebrated his 24th birthday last Saturday, struck an unstoppable 38th-minute free-kick from 20 yards to set Bramall Lane rocking. A 68th-minute header from captain Phil Jagielka and a superb solo effort from Jon Stead 10 minutes later ended a barren run that had seen the Blades take one point from their previous five games. Now Premiership leaders Manchester United beckon, much to Tonge's delight. "It's going to be a special moment for me," he said. "But it seems such a long time ago when I was there. I feel like I've been at Sheffield most of my life. "It's still going to be a good occasion, one we've been looking forward to all season, and hopefully we can go there and do well. "I just have to hope the gaffer picks me." Tonge believes he and his team-mates should not be written off. "I watched that game against Roma and they were fantastic," added Tonge. "On paper we shouldn't be able to compete with a team like that, but funny things happen in football at times, and we have to hope one of those things happens on Tuesday. "Of course, we're underdogs, we're not expected to get any result, and no-one is under any illusion we're going to go there, have a go at them and do this, that and the other. "We just have to perform to the best of our ability, stay tight at the back, make sure we're not too gung-ho, and see what happens. "If we play to our maximum, they have an off day, you never know - and if you can't get up for Manchester United, then what are you doing in football?" But even Warnock feels his side could be on the end of a hiding, despite the lift in confidence gained from climbing out of the relegation zone again. "If you watch us at Manchester United, you will see we have players who fight," said Warnock . "But unfortunately they have 10 times more skill, so we will probably end up chasing shadows most of the night." At least the Blades' destiny is in their own hands again, although Tonge admits there are likely to be "twists and turns to come." "We've given ourselves a real chance again," said Tonge. "It's a boost for us to win and get the three points, but there's a long way to go yet and a lot of big games to come. "But if we can put in performances like this one against West Ham then we can get enough points. "We believe we can do it, although I don't think anything is going to be set in stone for a while yet."

Neil Warnock believes United's team spirit and determination will help them secure Premiership survival. The Blades have slipped into a relegation dogfight after losing four of their last five Premiership games. They entertain West Ham at Bramall Lane on Saturday knowing victory will prove a huge fillip in their pursuit of top flight safety. The Hammers underlined their growing confidence with a shock victory over Arsenal at Emirates Stadium last weekend, but Warnock insists all the pressure is on Alan Curbishley's side in their own battle against the drop. "All our opponents are under pressure and I think that's a good thing rather than just talking about Sheffield United," explained the Blades boss. "I think West Ham, Charlton - and obviously Manchester United for different reasons - are all under severe pressure and none more so West Ham and Charlton. "The two clubs have spent that much money and already jeopardised next season's money that they're just expecting to turn us over, both of them, and that's why we've got to show a little bit of resilience and show what we're made of. "They brought Lucas Neill to the club and we all know what sort of wages he's on. "I wouldn't want to put a number from one to 10 on our chances of staying up. But if you look at the names on other team sheets we shouldn't be anywhere near teams like West Ham, but we are. "We've shown that we have an excellent dressing room, what we lack in ability we make up for in effort and we've got to show that over the last six games. "It's a good dressing room here and I think that's one advantage we have over every other club coming to us."

Neil Warnock admits he is reluctant to put 'undue pressure' on Luton Shelton as United battle to avoid relegation. The Blades have slipped into the bottom three in the Premiership and goals have been scarce in recent weeks. Shelton was a £1.85million signing from Helsingborg in January, but the Jamaican striker has just one substitute outing to his name since joining The Blades. But he could start Saturday's crunch clash with West Ham United, with Rob Hulse injured, and Danny Webber and Christian Nade doubtful. Warnock has no fears about Shelton's talent, but is wary about demanding too much from the forward. "I don't want to start with Danny and if Christian isn't fit I might have to go with Luton," Warnock told The Daily Mail . "I don't want to rush him and damage him. "If you look at foreign players - even people like Didier Drogba in his first season at Chelsea - it can take them 12 months to adjust after coming to England. "It's such a crucial game on Saturday and I don't want to put undue pressure on Luton. "It's a difficult one, but I have no doubts about his ability."

Neil Warnock believes United will continue to struggle until they start cutting out silly goals from their game. The Blades missed the chance to climb back above Charlton in the table after going down 2-1 to Newcastle at the Lane. Steven Taylor won the game for Newcastle after The Blades levelled matters through Christian Nade following Obafemi Martins' early opener. Warnock could not fault his side for effort and commitment and is now looking for his troops to give their all in their six remaining Premiership outings. "I'm obviously disappointed," he commented "We've given two silly goals away and we've been punished. "We didn't deserve that. Deary me, that's the Premiership for you. We're still in there fighting away. "I can't fault the lads, they gave everything today. We've created a lot of chances today. "We've been punished. It's a hard life. We could have won the game 1-0 if I'm honest. "I think we'll score goals. Newcastle have not had to work for their goals, which is disappointing. "We've got to be better and more professional. We'll give it our best shot. We're still in there fighting. "I think we should be in the top half of the league. We've got six games to give it our best shot."

Blades Line-up: Kenny, Bromby, Lucketti, Jagielka, Armstrong, Gillespie, Montgomery, Leigertwood (Tonge 56), Stephen Quinn (Nade 56), Kazim-Richards, Stead (Webber 87).

Man of The Match: Nick Montgomery

Newcastle Line-up: Given, Solano (Onyewu 84), Moore, Taylor, Carr, Milner, Butt, Parker (Emre 56), Duff, Sibierski (Dyer 75), Martins.

United remain in the bottom three after slipping to a 2-1 defeat to Newcastle United at Bramall Lane. Christian Nade cancelled out Obafemi Martins' early opener for the Magpies, but Steven Taylor's 80th minute header ensured Glenn Roeder's side claimed the points. Newcastle had the better of the early chances with Antoine Sibierski dragging a shot wide while Martins caused a scare after getting in behind United's defence. The Blades were not without chances of their own, but Mikele Leigertwood's speculative left-footed volley drifted just over Shay Given's crossbar. The Magpies forged ahead on 17 minutes when Martins was on hand to net with a controlled right-footed shot from just inside the box. James Milner cleverly headed down Damien Duff's cross for the Nigerian to lash home, leaving Paddy Kenny little chance of a save. Martins was a thorne in United rear and Scott Parker and Jon Stead were both booked after squaring-up to each other following a rash tackle on Magpies striker. Newcastle came close to bagging a second, but after running across United's penalty area Duff hooked his right-footed effort back across goal just wide of Kenny's upright. The Blades had the final chance of the half, although Chris Lucketti's close-range header lacked the power to trouble Given after good work by Leigh Bromby to keep the ball in the danger area. The Magpies should have doubled their advantage shortly after the break, but after Duff broke clear down the left he surprisingly fired his shot wide into the side netting. The chances continued to fall for Newcastle, and only the upright prevented Martins from his second, after getting the better of Kenny and firing towards the empty net. Kenny had chased a ball into the corner, but instead of blasting the ball into the stands, he decided to try to control and dribble, unfortunately he chose the wrong opponent and Martins quickly dispossessed the Blades goalkeeper before crossing into the box. The rebound fell kindly for Sibierski, but he showed no composure with the finish and blasted his effort over from the edge of the penalty area into the Bramall Lane stand. The Blades tried to hit back and substitute Michael Tonge fired just over after Newcastle struggled to clear their lines following the increasing pressure, and the Shoreham Kop roaring the Blades on. Nade was perfectly placed to side-foot home an equaliser on 74 minutes. Newcastle failed to clear their lines, and Montgomery picked out Nade at the back post and he powered his effort past Given for a deserved leveller. The Magpies wasted little time feeling sorry for themselves with Newcastle restoring their lead just six minutes later. Milner played a fine corner into the box and Taylor out-jumped Lucketti to power home to deliver a body blow to The Blades. Lucketti nearly made amends for his defensive lapse by netting at the Kop end but sent his back-post header back across goal from Craig Armstrong's deep cross. United have still got a better run-in than Charlton, and still have to face several of the relegation sides at Bramall Lane.

Blades Player Performance Ratings v. Newcastle United :

Kenny 6 , Bromby 6 , Lucketti 6 , Jagielka 7 , Armstrong 6 , Gillespie 7 , Montgomery 8 , Leigertwood 5 (Tonge 6 ), Stephen Quinn 6 (Nade 7 ), Kazim-Richards 5 , Stead 6 (Webber -- ).

Speculation surfaced ahead of Saturday's 1-0 defeat at Bolton that Manager Neil Warnock was ready to sign a new long-term contract. Warnock's current deal expires at the end of the season, but with United firmly back in the relegation fight, any negotiations are on hold. United are now just one point above the bottom three following the loss at the Reebok Stadium and Charlton's 1-0 win over Wigan at The Valley. "I don't know where it (the speculation) has come from," said Warnock. "This is not the time for me to be finalising the details of the contract. "Yes, I have chatted to (plc chairman) Kevin McCabe vaguely about the issue but nothing will be decided until we know what division we will be in next year. "We spoke about things, but nothing like what I've read in the papers, especially the figures mentioned. "We are always talking because we have the same ambitions, but we have the overall picture of Sheffield United to consider.

Matthew Kilgallon believes United have what it takes to stay in the Premiership this season. The Blades 1-0 defeat at Bolton on Saturday has seen them slip to within one point of relegation rivals Charlton. The pressure is now very much on Neil Warnock's side, but the Blades defender says he has seen enough spirit in the side to suggest they can stay in the top flight. "I can see we've got what it takes to stay up," Kilgallon told the Sheffield Star . "I think spirit will make the difference and that's something we've got plenty of. "We know everything is still in our hands and that's important, as is the fact we're still playing good football while we've a really big squad. That means lots of options. "Everyone in the squad will play their part in the last few games. It is going to be a scrap to the end, and I think we are equipped to deal with it."

Neil Warnock is refusing to think about his own future while Sheffield United are battling for Premiership survival. Warnock's current deal expires in the summer but reports indicated ahead of Saturday's 1-0 defeat to Bolton that he was ready to sign a new long-term contract. Blades chairman Kevin McCabe confirmed at the weekend that he had held some negotiations with Warnock about a new contract. But Warnock has insisted any talks will be put on hold until after Sheffield United's Premiership fate has been decided. "I don't know where it (the speculation) has come from," he said. "This is not the time for me to be finalising the details of the contract. Yes, I have chatted to Kevin McCabe vaguely about the issue but nothing will be decided until we know what division we will be in next year. "We spoke about things, but nothing like what I've read in the papers, especially the figures mentioned. "We are always talking because we have the same ambitions, but we have the overall picture of Sheffield United to consider." United's loss at The Reebok Stadium, coupled with Charlton's victory over Wigan, has left The Blades just one point above the relegation zone.