September 2007

The League Cup fourth round draw has been made, and most of the Premier League clubs left in the competition will be happy - apart from Arsenal that is! Ten of the 16 clubs left were from the top-flight, but the draw has thrown-up just two all-Premier ties and there is now a realistic proposition that the quarter-finals will be an all Premier League affair. Holders Chelsea continue their defence at home to Leicester City - who overcame Aston Villa in the third round. Coventry's reward for claiming the scalp of Manchester United is a home tie with West Ham. The two all-Premier ties see Manchester City travel to Bolton, and Portsmouth host Blackburn. But the highlight of the round will be Arsenal's visit to Sheffield United.

Sheffield United 1 Southampton 2 (Attendance: 24,561 )

Blades Line-up: Kenny, Geary, Morgan, Cahill, Naysmith (Armstrong 63), Gillespie (Shelton 71), Hendrie (Tonge 63), Montgomery, Stephen Quinn, Stead, Beattie.

Man of The Match: Jon Stead.

Southampton Line-up: Davis, Ostlund, Dailly, Thomas, Ifil, Wright-Phillips (Saganowski 65), Dyer, Viafara, Surman (Euell 78), Rasiak, Safri.

Referee: Tony Bates (Staffordshire).

The Blades unbeaten home record went this afternoon, as United lost out 1-2 to Southampton in a match they should have won. Derek Geary and Lee Hendrie returned to the United line-up with Jon Stead and James Beattie the strikers in a 4-4-2 formation. Gary Cahill, on loan from Villa, made his home debut. Keith Gillespie and skipper Chris Morgan were both recalled. Southampton made four changes from the side beaten by Barnsley, giving a quick debut to new loan signing Phil Ifil who joined from Tottenham on a loan deal. The long haired Alex Ostlund was at left-back. Nathan Dyer, Grzegorz Rasiak were also included in the Saints side. United were first to threaten when Gillespie put in a free-kick from the right, but Stead’s header was comfortably smothered by goalkeeper Kelvin Davis. The Blades took the lead on 11 minutes when Saints were undone by a long ball. Stead challenged Christian Dailly in the air and, the ball broke for Gillespie ghosting unchecked down the right. He got away from Ostlund and had time to steady himself before firing across Davis and into the bottom left corner. Saints levelled on 19 minutes when Bradley Wright-Phillips played Rasiak through on the left side. He broke one-on-one and tucked the ball past an unprotected keeper. Kenny got a touch to the close range effort but could not keep it out. A desperate intervention by Dailly denied Stead in front of goal and, Davis just hung onto another low dangerous cross from Gillespie as Beattie was lurking. United then pressed the self destruct button again. It’s been a regular feature away from home this season, but now the Lane faithful got their chance to see a comic-cuts moment. A free-kick was awarded for Hendrie's foul on Dyer and, from a floated ball into a crowd of bodies; it headed out as far as Jhon Viafara who slotted into an unguarded net with Kenny having come for the original ball. It was unclear if he got a touch as he went to punch and collided with Cahill but the Colombian kept his cool to steer in. On 35 minutes, from a Morgan's pass out of defence, Stead saw Davis off his line and tried to lob from an awkward angle but Saints keeper recovered and pulled the ball out of the air.

Dyer slipped his man to cut inside and squared for a pacey Wright-Phillips. He might have played through for Rasiak but tried a low 25-yard shot which went well wide. The Lane fans were growing impatient as United continually gave the ball away with Beattie almost trying too hard against his old club. Beattie fired just wide after a move on the edge of the 18 yard box involving Hendrie and Stead, but the final chance of the half went to the Saints and they almost got a third on 41 minutes when Ifil broke well down the right and produced a super cross to pick out Rasiak in space at the far post. It looked a certain goal but his header hit Cahill who knew little about it at close range. Some stern words must have been spoken at half time because United led by Morgan; came rushing out of the tunnel a couple of minutes before their opponents.

Southampton had reverted to a more orthodox 4-4-2 formation after the break. Wayne Thomas was booked for a ferocious sliding tackle on Hendrie 20 yards out. Hendrie shaped to take the kick just to the left, but left it for Beattie who blasted low into the wall which had not retreated the full 10 yards. On the hour United went close again. Geary played the ball into the strikers and after first-touch lay-offs by Stead and Hendrie, Beattie fired over from the edge of the box. The Blades fans were growing increasingly restless as Saints continued to match them but they went close on 59 minutes when Geary on the right found Stead, who played in for Hendrie. He cleverly flicked on for Beattie who blasted another chance over from 15 yards. Robson made a double change with Gary Naysmith struggling with injury and Hendrie feeling the pace after his recent return. And with 20 minutes remaining, Luton Shelton replaced Gillespie. Thomas went down and needed lengthy treatment in the centre circle as the Blades fans grew impatient with apparent Southampton time wasting. Dyer had a 20-yard shot saved and then Beattie went to ground as he tried to force past Ostlund into the box but again his penalty appeal fell on deaf ears of the referee. Southampton made their second change after 77 minutes, when Jason Euell came on for Andrew Surman. Marek Saganowski almost made it safe three minutes later when he met a Youssef Safri corner from the left with a powerful downward header which bounced up towards the top left corner only to be nodded off the line by Geary in front of the Saints fans. Ostlund was booked for flattening Geary, but Tonge overhit the free-kick to the dismay of the Shoreham Kop. The Saints were given four extra minutes to hang on, but United wasted their chances. The Blades won a free-kick on the right 18 yards out but again Tonge over hit it his shot. The final whistle was greeted by a barrage of boos from three sides of Bramall Lane.

Blades Player Performance Ratings v. Southampton:

Kenny 6, Geary 7, Morgan 6, Cahill 6, Naysmith 6, Armstrong 6, Gillespie 7, Shelton 6, Hendrie 6, Tonge 6, Montgomery 6, Stephen Quinn 7, Stead 7, Beattie 6.

Manager Bryan Robson believes Luton Shelton has the potential to "become a great player" after he dismantled Morecambe. The 21-year-old Jamaican striker scored twice and set up two other goals as the Blades ran riot against Sammy McIlroy's League Two outfit in a 5-0 win. After moving to the Lane from Helsingborgs last season, Shelton showed glimpses of his potential in the Premier League but has struggled to hold down a first-team place this campaign. But with top scorer James Beattie rested for the clash, Shelton took his chance with both hands, much to his manager's delight. "Morecambe couldn't deal with Luton Shelton's pace," said Robson. "It was pleasing for me to see his understanding of link-up play really working and he took into the game things we had been working on in training. "As long as he continues to work, he could become a great player. We saw the skills he has got."

Bryan Robson was as pleased with the Blades performance in the League Cup win over Morecambe on Tuesday. United made eight changes from the team which lost at Crystal Palace, with a new partnership up-front and the return of Lee Hendrie, Derek Geary and Chris Lucketti.

Commenting on the performance he said: "It was an excellent chance for the lads who have not had much chance so far, and those that are returning from injury to show how far they have come. Fortunately, we have not picked up any more injuries. "Lee Hendrie showed nice composure and got himself a goal, Monty got that bit stronger and fitter, and it was nice to see Del Geary back and he had a good game. "It will make selection for Saturday that bit harder but I will have to assess the reaction of some of them to playing, and gauge whether they are ready to force themselves back in. "Some of our build-up play and goalscoring was excellent - Billy Sharp could well have had five goals himself - but it was even more important to keep a clean sheet, because that is the basis of winning games at any level."

United have pulled out of a deal to sign Ze Maria after talks with the Brazilian's agent broke down over his excessive wage demands. The 34-year-old midfielder was expected to join the Blades after impressing during a recent week-long trial, but the Blades have confirmed the move is off. Robson commented: "Negotiations with Ze have been ongoing for a few days and it appeared likely we would reach an agreement. "But talks have now broken down, the player will not be joining us and I will be focusing my attentions on targets elsewhere." Ze Maria, who won over 40 caps for Brazil, watched the Blades' 3-2 defeat at Selhurst Park over the weekend and was expected to be available for their home clash Southampton on Saturday. Robson, keen to boost his squad following an indifferent start to the season, has been linked with a move for Wigan's Australian midfielder Josip Skoko.

Sheffield United 5 Morecambe 0 (Attendance: 8,854 )

Blades Line-up: Kenny, Geary (Bromby 77), Kilgallon, Lucketti, Naysmith, Alan Quinn, Hendrie (Tonge 68), Montgomery (Armstrong 68), Stephen Quinn, Shelton, Sharp.

Man of The Match: Luton Shelton.

Crystal Palace Line-up: Lewis, Yates, Artell, Bentley, Adams (Grand 76), Stanley, Baker (Hunter 73), Allen, Sorvel (Thompson 46), Twiss, Blinkhorn.

Referee: Steve Tanner (Somerset).

Morecambe’s cup adventure came to an abrupt halt at Bramall Lane, where two first-half goals from Billy Sharp and a further brace from Luton Shelton helped to secure United’s place in the fourth-round draw.

Former Manchester United team-mates Bryan Robson and Sammy McIlroy were pitted against each other as the Shrimps went in search of their third Championship scalp of the competition. Having embarrassed Preston and Wolves on their own grounds, McIlroy acknowledged that it would be asking a lot more to complete a hat-trick at the Lane. The pattern of the game was established early on with the hugely-impressive Shelton producing the initial spark, jinking through three Morecambe defenders on the edge of the area before being narrowly dispossessed. The breakthrough did not take long and came in the 18th minute along with the game's first shot on goal. Shelton demonstrated excellent close control in guiding the ball through a trio of Morecambe players on the edge of the box before nudging to his left and finding Sharp, who drill a powerful shot past Joe Lewis and into the roof of the net. Blades goalkeeper Paddy Kenny had to be on his guard for a curling free-kick from Carl Baker, but was barely troubled in tipping around the post, as Morecambe attempted to regain a hold on the tie. The Shrimps almost equalised in the 29th minute, but Craig Stanley saw his goalbound volley acrobatically saved by Paddy Kenny. But with Sharp in bullish mood, it was always going to be a tall order and the Blades marksman struck his second 12 minutes before the break. Derek Geary provided the lofted cross from the right flank which Sharp took on the bounce, before shuffling around his marker and banging in off the crossbar with a solid drive. After an unproductive first half, Morecambe began the second period with renewed optimism and quickly set about finding a way to slice through a sturdy Blades defence. Matthew Blinkhorn, playing at the front of a five-man midfield, found himself in some space in the area, but failed to make a true connection with the ball. And any early signs of a shock comeback were dashed after just seven minutes of the restart, with the Blades third. Stephen Quinn planted a direct ball through the centre which caught everyone off guard except the unmarked Shelton who took the ball around Joe Lewis and slotted home with style. Morecambe tried to push forward but were inevitably caught short at the back. Shelton, in particularly remained ever-dangerous and he saw two long-range efforts turned away by goalkeeper Lewis in quick succession. Hendrie, back in the side for the first time since receiving knee surgery, should have made it four in the 65th minute after Lewis denied Sharp his hat-trick, the midfield man blasting over from the edge of the box. But he soon made amends two minute later, when he was gifted the ball from eight yards out and took time in picking his spot before firing a low drive into the bottom right corner of the net. The floodgates opened as Morecambe heads dropped and Shelton netted his second of the evening in the 72nd minute. The Jamaican easily turned his man on the edge of the penalty box and had ample time to pick his corner and place a sweet, curling effort past Lewis. United continued to press and could have feasibly doubled their tally were it not for the sharp reflexes of Lewis. The Shrimps battled until the end, but Blinkhorn's low effort six minutes from time was the closest they ever came to penetrating the Blades defence.

Blades Player Performance Ratings v. Morecambe:

Kenny 7, Geary 7, Bromby 6, Kilgallon 6, Lucketti 6, Naysmith 6, Alan Quinn 6, Hendrie 7, Tonge 6, Montgomery 6, Armstrong 6, Stephen Quinn 6, Shelton 8, Sharp 8.

United are hoping to complete a deal for midfielder Ze Maria in time for next weekend's Championship visit of Southampton. The 34-year-old Brazilian, who recently impressed Blades boss Bryan Robson in a week-long trial, is ready to commit and sign a one-year contract. A United spokesman confirmed: "He's flying in today and we're hoping to tie a deal up on Tuesday, so potentially he's available for Saturday." It had been hoped the former Inter Milan and Parma star, who has won 40 caps for Brazil, would make his debut in the midweek League Cup clash with Morecambe. Ze Maria watched from the stands at Selhurst Park over the weekend as the Blades conceded a late penalty before going down 2-1 to Crystal Palace.

Blades manager Bryan Robson was furious after seeing his team slip up again away from home. Last week Robson had warned his team about keeping possession better and about not giving away goals. He commented after the Palace match, saying "I am angry. We spoke in the week about keeping possession better and about not giving away ridiculous goals - we did exactly the opposite. "After scoring the goal, we needed to be more calculated in possession, and to take the sting out of the game, but we weren't good enough to do that. "Conceding 12 goals in seven games is a poor record."

Crystal Palace 3 Sheffield United 2 (Attendance: 14,131 )

Blades Line-up: Kenny, Bromby (Webber 80), Morgan, Cahill, Naysmith, Gillespie (Stephen Quinn 74), Montgomery, Tonge, Armstrong, Beattie, Stead.

Man of The Match: Gary Cahill.

Crystal Palace Line-up: Speroni, Butterfield, Hudson, Cort, Craig, Soares, Fletcher, Watson, Green (Freedman 55), Scowcroft (Idrizaj 86), Dickov (Hughes 83).

Referee: Kevin Friend (Leicestershire).

James Beattie appeared to have grabbed a point for United with a sublime lob before Watson smashed home from the spot to cap a remarkable second half which started with an own goal from Palace defender Mark Hudson. James Scowcroft was presented with the first good chance of the match after Stuart Green played him in but he showed a lack of confidence as he snatched at the shot and fired tamely wide. Scowcroft's team-mates looked equally bereft of ideas after a run of five games without a win and it was the Blades who began to control possession as the half wore on. Jon Stead latched on to a delightful through-ball from Gillespie to sting the palms of Palace goalkeeper Julian Speroni from the edge of the area before Michael Tonge rattled in a drive from 20 yards which Speroni had to palm away. However, the Eagles looked a constant threat from set-pieces and after Scowcroft was fouled by Gary Naysmith the unmarked Leon Cort wasted his side's best opportunity of the first half. Green's delivery was immaculate but Cort's finish was dreadful as he headed wide. At the other end in-form Beattie then headed a teasing Gillespie cross over as the whistle went for half-time and it took just three minutes of the second period for United to take the lead in comical fashion. Gillespie's corner was cleared back out to the winger, who put in a low cross which looked harmless. No United player was within five yards of Hudson but the Palace defender somehow contrived to slice the ball behind him and in off the underside of Speroni's crossbar. It did not matter who scored for the Blades fans - we had the lead away from home! Unfortunately, for United; Cystal Palace rallied and were level within just 12 minutes through Tom Soares after neat work from Dougie Freedman. The Scot charged down the left, cut inside Leigh Bromby before showing great awareness to delay for a moment when he seemed certain to shoot and instead roll the ball into the path of Soares. The midfielder took a touch before driving low beyond Paddy Kenny and into the back of the net. The Eagles were revitalised and stormed into the lead 10 minutes later through Fletcher's deflected effort. Left-back Tony Craig was the architect and after swapping passes with the influential Freedman swung in a deep cross which Wales international Fletcher met on the volley. His strike across goal was heading into the far corner but flicked off the outstretched boot of Chris Morgan to give Kenny no chance. But the Blades equalised six minutes later. Bromby improvised brilliantly to stretch and divert an aimless ball over the Palace defence and the alert Beattie was onto it in a flash. The former England international took a touch before deftly lobbing over the advancing Speroni. But the drama was not over and the referee etched his name on proceedings by awarding Palace a penalty in the dying seconds when Morgan fouled Fletcher. Watson kept his nerve to fire home, and condemn United to yet another away defeat. The Blades are now down in 16th place in the Championship averaging just over one point per game and more alarmingly - have conceded 12 goals from nine games. Things can only get better!

Blades Player Performance Ratings v. Crystal Palace:

Kenny 7, Bromby 6, Morgan 6, Cahill 7, Naysmith 6, Gillespie 6, Stephen Quinn 6, Montgomery 6, Tonge 6, Armstrong 6, Beattie 7, Stead 7, Webber 6.

Aston Villa defender Gary Cahill has joined United on a three-month loan in a bid to get more first-team games. The England Under-21 international has been restricted to just two appearances for Martin O'Neill's men so far this term and will move to Bramall Lane to get more action under his belt. However, Sheffield-born Cahill insists he is happy at Villa Park and is not looking to make the switch permanent. "I'm perfectly happy at Villa, I just need games," he commented "My career's going fine but I felt what was important was keeping it going by playing games. "The most important thing for me was playing for a big club that's doing well." Cahill will join ex-Villa midfielder Lee Hendrie at the Blades and says the midfielder helped him opt to join Bryan Robson's side. "He said the manager and players are great and the manager gives good advice and that helped me make my decision," he added. "I respect the gaffer for letting me go out on loan, even if it's for four or five weeks because it's better than not playing at Villa."

Blades manager Bryan Robson hit out at his players and branded the second-half performance against Blackpool "unacceptable". James Beattie's renaissance continued in the most spectacular fashion as he fired home from 35 yards in the 88th minute to make the final score 2-2, almost immediately after Ben Burgess had headed Blackpool into a 2-1 lead. Beattie opened the scoring with a fine header in the 13th minute but after Stephen Crainey's free-kick drew Blackpool level on the stroke of half-time, the Tangerines went on to dominate. Robson, whose side have not won away from home since last December, admitted: "We were very fortunate and in the first half I thought we were containing them, but then we gave a stupid free-kick away from which they scored right on half-time. "That got them back into the game and got their crowd really up for it. In the second half Blackpool dominated and we were very fortunate to get something out of the game. "The second-half performance was not acceptable and we need to improve on that.

Blackpool 2 Sheffield United 2 (Attendance: 9,512 )

Blades Line-up: Kenny, Bromby, Naysmith, Morgan, Kilgallon, Gillespie (Alan Quinn 65), Armstrong, Tonge (Webber 73), Stephen Quinn (Carney 54), Beattie, Stead.

Man of The Match: James Beattie.

Blackpool Line-up: Rachubka, Barker, Jackson, Evatt, Crainey, Hoolahan, Southern, Fox, Taylor-Fletcher (Welsh 82), Burgess, Morrell (Parker 85).

Referee: Mark Halsey (Lancashire).

James Beattie scored a late equaliser to save United's blushes in a 2-2 draw at Blackpool.

Beattie fired home from 35 yards in the 88th minute to rescue the Blades from another embarrassing away defeat. Ben Burgess had headed the Tangerines 2-1 up just moments earlier but Beattie saw his hopeful punt squirm under Blackpool goalkeeper Paul Rachubka for his second goal of the game. Beattie's equaliser marked a remarkable end to an entertaining Bloomfield Road encounter played out in a swirling wind which certainly did Rachubka no favours when Beattie took his long punt from distance. In what was an action packed first five minutes, both sides pressed as they looked to take the lead. Leigh Bromby fired a long range into the arms of Rachubka in the first minute, and then Blackpool’s David Fox had a go from range only to see his strike fly just over the bar. After four minutes, Stephen Crainey delivered the ball for Gary Taylor-Fletcher, but the striker wasted the chance at the back post. Then, Stephen Quinn fired off target after the ball was deflected and forced goalkeeper Rachubka into a good save. The opening goal of the game went to the Blades on 13 minutes. Jon Stead went down the left hand side of the field to produce a few stop-overs and play a delightful ball onto the head of Beattie to score in the bottom left hand corner The game then became a battle in the midfield with Blackpool pressing forward to try and find the equaliser. Barker sent a looped cross which hit Gary Naysmith and forced Kenny to tip the ball over. After 34 minutes, a flick back from Irishman Burgess allowed Taylor-Fletcher to hit the ball on the half volley just wide for the Tangerines. Burgess then picked up the ball and produced a mazy run turning the Blades defence inside out before curling the ball just past the top left-hand side of the post. Then right on half time referee Mark Halsey awarded Blackpool a freekick following a foul by Chris Morgan on Andy Morrell. Crainey sent the ball curing around the Blades wall, and into the right hand corner to equalise right on half time. Blackpool started the second half with more ambition and pegged United back in their own half. The first clear chance of the half fell to Taylor-Fletcher only for Kenny to get down and save his effort following a burst into the box. Bryan Robson sent on David Carnery for Stephen Quinn, followed by Danny Webber replacing Michael Tonge who looked out-of-sorts tonight. On 65 minutes, Robson made his final change with Alan Quinn replacing Keith Gillespie. Blackpool continued to force United back, and after 69 minutes, Morrell beat the Blades offside trap and played in Taylor-Fletcher but his shot was saved by Kenny low to his left. Blackpool introduced Andy Welsh with eight minutes remaining as the Tangerines chased victory. United had failed to create a chance for the first 20 minutes of the second half and it was not until the 78 minute mark that Chris Armstrong weaved his way in field for the Blades, but just dragged his shot wide of the right post. In the last five minutes both side had chances, beginning with Carney's run which saw his deflected cross find Alan Quinn but the substitute fired just wide. Welsh then crossed to Burgess to head the ball looping into the left side of the net, as Blackpool looked took the lead leaving the Blades followers shocked. But just when the 1800 travelling Blades fans were thinking about another away day disaster, a speculative effort from Beattie found its way into the net after somehow slipping through the grasp of the crouching goalkeeper Rachubka. A draw at Blackpool is better than nothing, but the second half performance was poor and United will have to improve on their travels quickly, or there will be plenty of defeats around the corner for Robson's men away from the Lane.

Blades Player Performance Ratings v. Blackpool:

Kenny 6, Bromby 6, Naysmith 7, Morgan 7, Kilgallon 6, Gillespie 6, Alan Quinn 6, Armstrong 6, Tonge 6, Webber 6, Stephen Quinn 6, Carney 6, Beattie 7, Stead 6.

James Beattie's early season form has come as no surprise to anyone at Bramall Lane, according to manager Bryan Robson Beattie plundered a second-half double in the 3-1 defeat of Wolves to take his tally for the season to four since arriving from Everton in a record-breaking summer deal. The Blades striker converted a typically brave header early in the second half to cancel out Stephen Elliott's first-half opener for the visitors. Beattie then held his nerve to convert a late penalty, before Jon Stead's injury-time tap-in, to help inspire a successful Blades fightback against a Wolves side that did not deserve to lose by two goals. Robson said: "James has led the line really well, he's got himself some goals. "You even go back to the Scunthorpe game, he's got us back into it with two great headers back across the box for Danny Webber to score. "James is doing what I expected of him. He's enjoying it here and he's enjoying playing his football and when you're scoring goals you are confident."

Sheffield United 3 Wolverhampton Wanderers 1 (Attendance: 26,003 )

Blades Line-up: Kenny, Bromby, Naysmith, Morgan, Kilgallon, Stephen Quinn (Alan Quinn 80), Armstrong, Gillespie, Tonge, Webber (Stead 66), Beattie.

Man of The Match: James Beattie.

Wolves Line-up: Hennessey, Darren Ward, Neill Collins, Foley (Eastwood 88), Breen, Olofinjana, Kightly, Henry, Stephen Ward, Keogh, Elliott (Bothroyd 69).

Referee: Clive Oliver (Northumberland).

A second-half double from James Beattie and Jon Stead's injury-time tap-in earned United a 3-1 victory over Wolves at Bramall Lane. Beattie cancelled out Stephen Elliott's first-half opener for Wolves with a brave 57th-minute header and then held his nerve to convert a late penalty before substitute Stead slid home in the closing stages. Robson made three changes to the side that lost at Scunthorpe before the international break, with skipper Gary Naysmith, Danny Webber and Stephen Quinn all starting. Jay Bothroyd, Darren Potter and Michael Gray all returned to the Wolves bench, while Elliott was preferred to Wales international Freddy Eastwood up front. The Blades were quick to settle after a minute's applause before kick-off for former manager Ian Porterfield, who died this week at the age of 61. Midfielder Chris Armstrong had the game's first real chance with a rising drive from the edge of the box and Keith Gillespie raced onto a knockdown to lash a 20-yard shot straight at Wolves goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey. The Blades were unlucky not to take the lead when Kilgallon headed Quinn's fine cross onto the crossbar. But Wolves responded immediately with Seyi Olofinjana's raking pass allowing Karl Henry to set Stephen Ward up inside the area, but the striker dragged a low left-foot shot wide. But Wolves took the lead following a quickly-taken free-kick.Michael Kightly found Ward again on the edge of the box and when his shot came back off Paddy Kenny, Elliott pounced to slam home the rebound. At this stage United were struggling to put any passes together, and with certain sections of the Lane crowd becoming increasingly frustrated the half-time whistle could not come quickly enough. United emerged a different team in the second half, and immediately probed for the equaliser. Beattie bravery then hauled the Blades level in the 57th minute. Ward's header back to Wolves keeper Hennessey from Leigh Bromby's ball forward was short and Beattie squeezed in between the pair to head into an empty net. Stead replaced Webber in the 67th minute, while Wolves boss McCarthy sent on Jay Bothroyd soon after. Wolves almost regained the lead when Breen headed Kightly's free-kick back across goal but Ward's header hit the crossbar and the visiting defender's follow-up was scrambled clear of the goalline. The Blades endured another scare when Ward's cross just evaded Keogh in the box, but United snatched the lead via the penalty spot with seven minutes remaining. Beattie and Breen raced back for a long ball over the top and referee Clive Oliver did not hesitate to award a spot kick after the Blades striker was wrestled to the ground. Beattie picked himself up to firmly side-foot home inside Hennessey's left-hand post in front of the Kop. Then in the closing stages Stead stayed onside to shoot home from close range to put the result beyond doubt.

Blades Player Performance Ratings v. Wolves:

Kenny 7, Bromby 6, Naysmith 6, Morgan 7, Kilgallon 6, Stephen Quinn 7, Alan Quinn 6, Armstrong 6, Gillespie 6, Tonge 7, Webber 6, Stead 7, Beattie 8.

goalkeeper Paddy Kenny insists his side have settled back into life in the Championship. Following the relegation from the Premiership last season, the Blades have made an average start to their Championship campaign. Despite only winning one of their opening four games, Kenny believes the players are fully prepared for the challenges ahead. "Every game is tough in the Championship, just like the Premiership," he commented. "Whether we go to Scunthorpe or Blackpool, or are at home to Manchester United, we have to prepare ourselves the same. "We've had a year of experience in the Premiership, but you have to remember that I played four seasons in the Championship, so it's not a problem playing the likes of Wolves."

Blades fans will be saddened to hear of the death of former manager, Ian Porterfield, who died on Tuesday, aged 61, from colon cancer. Porterfield was brought to the Sheffield United by former Chairman Reg Brealey after the Blades had been relegated to Division Four in 1981. After the signings of memorable players such as Keith Edwards, Colin Morris and Keith Waugh, he led the Blades to promotion in his first season with a then record number of points. In 1984, he led the team back to the old Second Division (now Championship) with another promotion season to remember.

United have sold Ahmed Fathi to Egyptian side Al-Ahly for £675,000 just eight months after bringing the midfielder to Bramall Lane. The Egypt international was signed from Ismaily for £700,000 by former boss Neil Warnock in January but played only three times and has not featured at all under Bryan Robson. Blades chairman Terry Robinson said: "Ahmed has been a bit unfortunate in that he was brought in by one management team and was part of their plans, but changes at the top often change players' situations. "It's a bit of a shame for the lad, but Ahmed wasn't part of Bryan Robson's plans, but he has ability and goes back with our best wishes."

Defender Derek Geary will serve a three-game ban following his dismissal at Scunthorpe. The Blades left-back and Scunthorpe centre-half Cliff Byrne were both sent off following an off-the-ball bust-up in the Championship clash at Glanford Park. But Blades officials remained in the dark after their side's 3-2 defeat as to whether Geary had received a straight red card for the altercation and this has since been confirmed by referee Keith Stroud. Geary, who had earlier been booked for dissent, will miss the Blades next match at home against Wolves on September 15 and subsequent league games at Blackpool and Crystal Palace.

David Carney and Stephen Quinn have both been called up to play international matches for their respective countries in September. Quinn has been selected in the Republic of Ireland U21 squad for their UEFA U21 Euro 2008 Championship qualifier against Portugal. Australian midfielder David Carney has been selected for the Socceroo's upcoming international friendly against Argentina in Melbourne on 11 September.

Bryan Robson was more than disappointed with United’s performance at Scunthorpe at the weekend. The Blades boss had warned his team beforehand about what would be required at Glanford Park but his players did not heed the advice given. Robson commented after the match: “Everything I asked of them they didn’t do. You have to dig in before you can earn the right to play a passing game,” he said. “Scunthorpe, in fairness, deserved it, but when we got back to 2-2 I thought we could go on to win the game. “Instead, we didn’t use our football brains. “We started giving away silly free-kicks and conceding possession. Eventually it cost us. "The discipline was poor and Sparrow’s goal went in exactly where the player who got himself sent-off would probably have been standing.”

Scunthorpe United 3 Sheffield United 2 (Attendance: 8,801 )

Blades Line-up: Kenny, Geary, Morgan, Kilgallon, Bromby, Armstrong (Alan Quinn 76), Montgomery, Tonge, Gillespie (Webber 63), Sharp (Stead 76), Beattie.

Sent Off: Geary 89.

Man of The Match: Danny Webber.

Scunthorpe Line-up: Murphy, Byrne, Crosby, Butler, Youga, Sparrow, Goodwin, Baraclough, Hurst, Hayes (Forte 61), Paterson (Taylor 66).

Sent Off: Byrne 90.

Referee: Keith Stroud (Hampshire).

The Blades went down 3-2 to Scunthorpe United in an embarrassingly poor defeat at Glanford Park. Scunthorpe went two up through goals either side of half-time from Andy Crosby and Martin Paterson before a Danny Webber double levelled proceedings late on. It looked like the Blades had recovered but, after the double sending-off of Cliff Byrne and Blades defender Derek Geary, Matt Sparrow struck at the back-post to seal a shock win for Nigel Adkins' side. United with a large following of more than 2,200 fans in the crowd; were unchanged from last Saturday with former Scunthorpe hero Billy Sharp, partnering James Beattie in attack. Scunthorpe made two changes with left-back Kelly Youga replacing Marcus Williams, and Ian Baraclough coming into the team in place of Cleveland Taylor. Kevan Hurst lined up against his former club on the left wing while Jonathan Forte figured on the substitutes' bench. The first attempt of the afternoon came the Iron's way on two minutes when Hurst received the ball on the left-hand side of the penalty area, getting it under control before firing in an effort that Paddy Kenny saved at his bottom right-hand post. Sharp had the Blades first shot on target on eight minutes when he connected with a Leigh Bromby cross from the right to volley in a low right-footed effort that Iron goalkeeper Joe Murphy saved at his bottom left-hand post. Minutes later, Scunthorpe had a chance when Crosby headed over the crossbar from the left-hand side of the penalty area following Hurst's delivery from a free kick on the left. The Iron were edging it in terms of possession, but with their striking power the Blades were always a danger. On 29 minutes, Beattie chested the ball down and acrobatically volleyed an effort into the arms of Murphy from the edge of the 18-yard box. The Blades next chance also came Beattie's way on 36 minutes. Sparrow fouled Nick Montgomery 25 yards from goal, but Murphy easily saved Beattie's curled free-kick. The Blades were starting to enjoy a decent spell of pressure and a minute later Sharp came close again with a low volley from 12 yards, on the turn, which Murphy got low down to save well. But after 37 minutes, United were stunned as the Iron went ahead through Crosby. The skipper was at the back post to rifle home on the volley following Baraclough's free-kick delivery from the left. Hayes flicked the ball on for the centre-back to smash the ball past Kenny. United tried to find an instant response, and Montgomery's stinging effort went narrowly over the crossbar as they pressed forward. Scunthorpe had chance on 43 minutes, Crosby curled a shot in from the right that Kenny saw go just over his crossbar as it curled across goal. On 56 minutes, Sparrow surged forward and drove the ball just over the crossbar from 25 yards.

Then, on 60 minutes, Paterson was played through on the left by Hurst and he beat his man before firing a curling effort over the crossbar from the edge of the area. Forte came on for Hayes a minute later took just seconds to make an impact as Scunthorpe doubled their advantage with his pass playing Paterson clear on the edge of the penalty area before advancing on Kenny and placing the ball into the back of the net with his right foot from 12 yards. Despite now being two up, Scunthorpe continued to press and could have added to their lead when Forte headed wide from a Hurst cross on 69 minutes. Sharp had another attempt on goal, with his header from a Michael Tonge cross comfortably saved by Murphy. The Iron changed formations, bringing on Taylor for Paterson and reverting a more defensive formation On 73 minutes, Forte won the ball from Matt Kilgallon before firing wide of Kenny's bottom right-hand post from the edge of the penalty area. A turning point of the game came following the Blades substitutions. Jon Stead, Alan Quinn and Webber replaced Sharp, Chris Armstrong and Keith Gillespie. Substitute Webber, reacted at the back post to nod past Murphy from six yards after Beattie's header across goal from the right to make an exciting finish to the match. And it was to get worse for the Iron on 83 minutes when Webber netted his second inside five minutes. In similar circumstances to the previous goal; Beattie headed across from the left this time and Webber reacted at the back post to strike past Murphy. The scores were now level. The drama was to continue as both sides had a man sent off on 88 minutes. The Blades Derek Geary and Scunthorpe’s Cliff Byrne were both dismissed after a flare-up on the right touch-line. Both had previously being booked and the two teams had to finish the game with ten men. But disaster struck when in the first minute of stoppage time. Hurst's free kick from the right caused all sorts of mayhem in the United penalty area as the Blades defenders failed to clear their lines, and Sparrow pounced at Kenny's left-hand post to fire home the match-winner.

Blades Player Performance Ratings v. Scunthorpe:

Kenny 6, Geary 5, Morgan 6, Kilgallon 5, Bromby 5, Armstrong 5, Alan Quinn 6, Montgomery 5, Tonge 5, Gillespie 5, Webber 7, Sharp 6, Beattie 6, Stead 6.