29th December Bryan Robson is hoping United will eventually get a lucky break after his side missed a hatful of chances. Speaking after the 1-0 defeat against Crystal Palace he said: "'It's killing us missing the chances we're missing. The commitment and workrate was good but we didn't take our chances." "I don't think it's anything to do with a lack of confidence - we just haven't been getting the breaks. "If we continue to create the amount of chances we're creating, they'll start going in at some stage."

29th December Sheffield United 0 Crystal Palace 1 (Attendance: 23,982)

Blades Line-up: Kenny, Bardsley, Kilgallon, Lucketti, Naysmith, Gillespie (Sharp 53), Tonge, Montgomery, Armstrong (Hendrie 63), Hulse, Stead.
Subs Not Used: Bromby, Bennett, Carney.

Booked: Hendrie.

Man of The Match: Matt Kilgallon

Crystal Palace Line-up: Speroni, Butterfield, Lawrence, Hudson, Hill, Watson, Soares (Ifill 90), Derry, Scowcroft, Morrison (Fletcher 73), Scannell (Hills 78).
Subs Not Used: Freedman, Fonte.

Booked: Derry, Soares, Butterfield.

Scorer: Scowcroft 38.

Referee: Andy D'Urso (Essex).

The Blades ended the year with a disappointing home defeat and their fourth defeat in their last six Championship matches, this time losing 0-1 against Neil Warnock’s Crystal Palace. Before taking his place in the visiting dug out, Warnock received a standing ovation with his name being chanted by the Lane faithful. The former Lane boss took over at Palace early in the season while the South London side were struggling, and in a short space of time has turned the Eagles into a promotion chancing side. Blades boss Bryan Robson went into the match with a new-look forward line. Rob Hulse was handed his first start in nine months and partnered Jon Stead, with Billy Sharp dropping to the bench. In the first minute, United had the first chance when Keith Gillespie found Phil Bardsley in space, and the full-backs drilled effort from 25 yards was held by Palace goalkeeper Julian Speroni at the second attempt. Shortly after the Eagles had a chance when Ben Watson saw his free-kick go just wide of Paddy Kenny's post. Sean Scannell brought a fine save out of Kenny on 11 minutes when he collected a through ball from Shaun Derry, but the young striker could not keep control of the ball from a rebound, as it came back to him with pace from Kenny. With three minutes gone, Chris Armstrong's short back-pass almost exposed Kenny with James Scowcroft looking to pounce; this was followed by Gillespie and Armstrong giving away possession cheaply much to the anger of the Lane faithful - whose patience is getting shorter each week. Jon Stead looked set to settle the frustration which was already being voiced by many, when after 18 minutes, he was in on goal but Speroni managed to produce an excellent one handed save which deflected out for a corner. Minutes later, Stead was through again after Palace lost possession in midfield, but the Blades striker fired wide of the target from close range. After 30 minutes, Scannell was about to pull the trigger when Bardsley blocked, as the loose ball bobbled around, the Blades full-back blocked the follow up from Tom Soares. But eight minutes before the break, Palace went ahead. Stead gave away a needless free-kick for handball, and Watson floated the ball over to the far post for Scowcroft, and he slotted home a ball played back across goal by Clint Hill. Just three minutes later, and United nearly got punished again from an identical free-kick but managed to scramble the loose ball clear. Robson made an immediate change at the start of the second half as Sharpe came into the match at the expense of Gillespie as United looked for the equaliser and switching to a 4-3-3 formation. Rob Hulse had an opportunity to make amends for earlier misses when he found himself on the edge of the six yard box collecting from a Stead cross but was again denied by Speroni. After 54 minutes, Soares chipped the ball on to the top of the Blades crossbar after seeing Kenny off his line, and moments later Palace broke away from a United corner but Bardsley raced back to stop Clinton Morrison. Robson made his second change after 63 minutes, with Lee Hendrie replacing Armstrong. And the Blades were to be denied just a minute later and once again by the inspired Palace keeper saving from Bardsley who drilled a shot off his mid-rift. United had a golden chance on 71 minutes, Stead crossed and Hulse on the right of goal could only fire into the side netting, much to the disbelief of the Shoreham Kop. Carl Fletcher and Lee Hills both came into the action from the bench as Warnock made changes to his line up as his side continued to defend well, while United were squandering numerous chances. Stead attempted another effort from the corner of the 18 yard box which was saved by Speroni, and Hulse's overhead kick following a corner was comfortable for the Palace goalkeeper. There were massive appeals on the Kop for a penalty when Lawrence's hand was raised in an aerial challenge with Hulse in the six yard box. It looked to everyone on the Kop a clear penalty at the time. This was followed by Sharp firing a long-range half-volley, which went inches over the crossbar. Four minutes were added, and palace played out the time remaining. At the final whistle the defeat was met with boos by the Lane faithful.

Blades Player Performance Ratings v. Crystal Palace:

Kenny 6, Bardsley 6, Kilgallon 7, Lucketti 6, Naysmith 6, Gillespie 5, Tonge 6, Montgomery 5, Armstrong 5, Hendrie 6, Hulse 6, Stead 6, Sharp 6.

26th December United have bee rocked by the news that striker James Beattie is set to miss at least the next month of the season with a knee injury. Beattie is the top scorer in the Championship this season with 13, but he picked up the injury after scoring against Blackpool on Boxing Day. "We haven't got the scans back yet but it looks a sore one, he will probably be out for about four to six weeks," said Blades boss Bryan Robson. "It is a massive blow because all season James has scored goals."

26th December Gary Speed will join United on loan on January 1, 2008, with a view to a permanent deal. The clubs have reached an agreement that will see the former Wales international in contention for the Blades fixture at Wolves on New Year's Day. The 38-year-old had earlier admitted he may have to leave the Reebok Stadium in order to prolong his career because of a lack of first-team opportunities under Gary Megson.

26th December Manager Bryan Robson was critical of his team following the Boxing Day 1-1 draw against Blackpool at Bramall Lane. The final whistle saw some supporters call for Robson's head after his players missed a glut of gilt-edged chances to put the game beyond the Seasiders. United paid the price with two dropped points when Claus Jorgensen cancelled-out James Beattie's opener. The Blades faithful made their feelings clear but Robson insists his side had enough chances to win the game three times over. "We've created enough chances to win three games never mind one," Robson said. "They weren't even chances, they were sitters. "The effort was there and the work-rate was there but we lacked that bit of guile to finish them off. "Even when Blackpool lost a man we were still playing at 100 miles per hour. "I can understand the fans' frustration but what I can't understand is when a player misses a chance and they criticise the manager. "As I've always said to the supporters, 'give me time and patience'. "I've had criticism since I first came in here but you can't turn things around and achieve what you want to over night."

26th December Sheffield United 1 Blackpool 1 (Attendance: 26,409)

Blades Line-up: Kenny, Bardsley, Kilgallon, Lucketti, Naysmith, Gillespie (Hendrie 75), Montgomery, Tonge, Armstrong, Beattie (Hulse 44), Sharp (Stead 75).
Subs Not Used: Bromby, Carney.

Booked: Naysmith, Lucketti, Tonge.

Scorer: Beattie 23.

Man of The Match: Matt Kilgallon

Blackpool Line-up: Rachubka, Barker, Evatt, Gorkss, Crainey, Taylor-Fletcher (Welsh 84), Jorgensen, Flynn, Hoolahan (Fox 75), Morrell (Jackson 13), Burgess.
Subs Not Used: Vernon, Slusarski.

Sent Off: Evatt 8.

Scorer: Jorgensen 69.

Referee: Stuart Attwell (Warwickshire).

United's poor form continued as the 10 men of Blackpool fought back to earn a point in a 1-1 draw at Bramall Lane. The Tangerines played for 80 minutes with a player short, and still earned a deserved draw.

Bryan Robson made two changes with Chris Armstrong and Chris Lucketti returning to the starting line-up. Blackpool named the same side that beat Coventry last Saturday. It took just seven minutes for the game to burst into life. Blackpool defender Ian Evatt felled Billy Sharp inside the penalty area, and the referee deemed the challenge a professional foul. He was shown a straight red card, and James Beattie stepped up to take the penalty at the Bramall Lane end. Unfortunately for him, goalkeeper Paul Rachubka was equal to it, diving to his left and catching his spot-kick. Down to 10 men so early in the game, Blackpool really had their work cut out for them. They responded by taking off striker Andy Morrell and replacing him with defender Michael Jackson. Jackson slotted into Evatt's place, leaving Ben Burgess as the lone striker, further nullifying their attacking prowess. Then to compound a difficult first half for Blackpool, United took the lead in the 22nd minute. Sharp was again in the thick of the action, this time swinging a ball into the box. Beattie was on hand to make amends for his earlier penalty miss, heading home from close range.
His joy was short lived, as he went off with knee ligament damage, just before the break. He was replaced by the equally potent Rob Hulse, his second consecutive appearance as a substitute since breaking his leg in March. The arrival of Hulse was met with a standing ovation from the Lane faithful. The Blades came out for the second half and created often enough but were let down by some wasteful finishing when they could have really finished off Blackpool. Keith Gillespie and Armstrong both shot over the bar when well placed. They paid for it in the 67th minute. Lucketti was booked for a challenge on Gary Taylor-Fletcher, as Blackpool mulled over their set-piece strategy. Claus Jorgensen knew what to do. He drilled the free-kick low past Paddy Kenny and into the middle of the goal to leave the Blades stunned. Blades boss Bryan Robson rang the changes. Incredibly, Sharp who had been one of the Blades better players, was withdrawn for Jon Stead. This was met with huge disappointment from the Kop. Boo's were aimed at the statuesque arm-folded Robson. Gillespie was also withdrawn, with Lee Hendrie his replacement. Blackpool manager Simon Grayson countered, bringing off Wes Hoolahan and Gary Taylor-Fletcher. They made for the more steadying influences of David Fox and Andy Welsh. Hulse missed a glorious chance to be the hero in the 82nd minute. He managed to get onto an inviting cross from Gary Naysmith, but headed wide just six yards out. The Blades piled forward looking for a winner, but the finishing in front of goal was woeful with missed chances galore. In the end Blackpool had held on and deserved their point. United on the other hand are in danger of becoming a mid-table side. This is particularly alarming considering it is basically the same players who were holding their own in the Premiership last season. Somehow, United have lost something from their overall play, and some fans are now pointing their fingers in the direction of Mr Robson. Saturday will certainly be another interesting encounter. Get behind the Blades this weekend.

Blades Player Performance Ratings v. Blackpool:

Kenny 6, Bardsley 6, Kilgallon 7, Lucketti 6, Naysmith 6, Gillespie 6, Hendrie 6, Montgomery 6, Tonge 7, Armstrong 6, Beattie 6, Hulse 6, Sharp 7, Stead 6.

24th December United will sign Bolton's Gary Speed on loan in January with a view to securing a permanent move to Bramall Lane. The Blades looked to bag Speed on loan in November only to be rebuffed, however, manager Gary Megson has now allowed the 38-year-old to depart. Speed will join United on January 1st and Bryan Robson has confirmed the former Newcastle and Everton man will go straight into the squad to face Wolves. "I am still pleased to get him now. He's a very experienced player, a 'youthful' late 30's type whose knowledge will be invaluable to us," Robson commented. "He will come into the squad for Wolves and I have no doubt about his fitness levels. He was in Bolton's European team recently when they got a good result, and then against Liverpool, so he doesn't come here needing games to get going."

22nd December Bryan Robson was left to reflect on United's failures in front of goal, after another defeat. Paul Parry's first-half effort secured Cardiff the points at Ninian Park, but the Blades spurned a couple of golden chances. James Beattie was the chief culprit, leaving Blades boss Robson to contemplate what might have been. "I thought we started well, but we missed a few chances and James Beattie should have put us in front in our first attack" said Robson. "You cannot afford to miss chances like that at this level. Once Cardiff went ahead they defended very well to keep us out and our performance particularly in the second half became very scrappy. "We have put teams under pressure in the past after going behind, but Cardiff were excellent in defence and they have some very good players".

22nd December Cardiff City 1 Sheffield United 0 (Attendance: 12,869)

Blades Line-up: Kenny, Bardsley, Kilgallon, Morgan (Lucketti 58), Naysmith, Carney (Hendrie 60), Montgomery, Tonge, Gillespie, Sharp (Hulse 60), Beattie.
Subs Not Used: Stead, Armstrong.

Booked: Tonge 62.

Man of The Match: Paddy Kenny

Cardiff Line-up: Schmeichel, McNaughton, Loovens, Johnson, Capaldi, McPhail, Ledley, Whittingham (Purse 90), Rae, Parry, Hasselbaink (MacLean 80).
Subs Not Used: Oakes, Blake, Ramsey.

Booked: Johnson 75.

Scorer: Parry 30.

Referee: Keith Stroud (Hampshire).

Paul Parry inspired Cardiff City to a 1-0 home win over United as the Bryan Robsons's men failed to impress in a poor showing at Ninian Park. After making the long trip to Cardiff, Blades fans were hoping that United would start the busy Christmas fixtures with a victory, but Unitedites were left disappointed again after another miserable away day, which will have many wondering how we are going to make an immediate return to the Premiership on the basis of this blunt showing. With Gary Cahill back at Aston Villa, Bryan Robson was forced in to one change in defence with Chris Morgan returning. Rob Hulse made a welcome return and was included on the substitute's bench. For Cardiff, Tony Capaldi returned at left-back in place of Chris Gunter, and there was a place subs bench for youngsters Darcy Blake and Aaron Ramsey. The match started with Billy Sharp partnering James Beattie in attack, and it was Beattie who wasted a golden chance by volleying over in front of the travelling Blades faithful. Then, Paul Parry found some space for Cardiff after work by Joe Ledley in the middle, but his cross was too long to be of any use. After 12 minutes, midfielder Parry drove down the right side and played infield for Peter Whittingham, but his shot from 20 yards was tame and easily saved by Paddy Kenny. Shortly after Bluebirds striker Jimmy-Floyd Hasselbaink was laid off by a Ledley free-kick but his goal-bound shot was blocked by Nick Montgomery. And two minutes later, from a Keith Gillespie corner, Beattie could only chest his effort wide. Morgan came within inches of putting United ahead on 22 minutes. The Blades defender rose highest from a Gillespie floated free-kick, but his header was just the wrong side of goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel's post. Both midfields were in control early on, with neither team able to make the breakthrough. Sharp showed plenty of energy for United, but in truth, he and Beattie were being easily marshalled by Cardiff defenders Glenn Loovens and Roger Johnson. After 30 minutes, Cardiff took the lead. United lost possession in midfield, and Hasselbaink played the ball through from a deep position, and Whittingham on the right found Parry, who expertly slotted into the far corner from wide inside the area. Moments later, Hasselbaink nearly doubled the advantage for the Bluebirds with a rasping low drive from a similar position to the first goal. After 35 minutes, Whittingham, advanced and his top corner effort was only kept out by a fine save by Kenny. Loovens couldn't get solid contact with his head from the resulting corner. Cardiff were dominating and on 41 minutes, Ledley's corner was punched clear by Kenny, and it fell to Whittingham on the edge of the 18 yard box. The Bluebirds midfielder was having an oustanding match, and his shot rocketed past several players, before Kenny made a superb save which allowed Blades defender Matt Kilgallon to clear. Robson made no changes at half-time, and straight in the second half the first chance went to Cardiff. Hasselbaink chested the ball down for Parry, who let fly from 20 yards with a shot that flashed across goal and the far post. Morgan had been struggling with a problem with his ankle and after 58 minutes, he was substituted by Chris Lucketti. Two minutes later, Robson made more changes. Lee Hendrie replaced David Carney, and Hulse got a big cheer as he made a welcome return to the field by replacing Sharp. After 62 minutes, Hasselbaink was about to unleash a volley from 10-yards, but Phil Bardsley made a good challenge to deflect the ball out. Moments later and Whittingham cut inside and unleashed a curling left-footer just over. Then, Parry broke from halfway and his speculative left foot shot cleared the Blades crossbar. The Cardiff pressure continued, Hasselbaink's shot was blocked, as was Whittingham's from the corner kick. After 85 minutes, Hasselbaink cruised forward and found Parry on the left, and his shot was superbly tipped over by Kenny at full stretch. A minute later, United who had been non existent as an attacking force, made possibly their best chance of the half. After neat work by Hulse, Gary Naysmith, Gillespie and Michael Tonge. The Blades midfielder was fouled and with Beattie and Bardsley present, the kick was eventually taken by Tonge and the ball looked destined to find the net, but curled wide just at the last moment. And that was that. Three minutes of added time came and went without United troubling the Cardiff defence, and the freezing travelling faithful began to head for the exits after another disappointing performance.

Blades Player Performance Ratings v. Cardiff:

Kenny 7, Bardsley 7, Kilgallon 6, Morgan 6, Lucketti 6, Naysmith 6, Carney 6, Hendrie 6, Montgomery 7, Tonge 6, Gillespie 6, Sharp 6, Hulse 6, Beattie 6.

15th December United manager Bryan Robson has hinted that some of his players could be departing the club during the January transfer window. The Blades manager hopes to bring a creative midfielder to his squad, and revealed he is expecting to keep hold of on-loan defender Phil Bardsley, but Gary Cahill's future was still in the balance. He commented: "Phil's different to Gary because Bardsley's in until January 18, but I've more or less got an agreement with (Manchester) United where I can keep him on loan until the end of the season or we buy him. "That's more or less in place. Gary Cahill is a bit different. That's his last game today (Barnsley), so he'll go back to Villa and Martin O'Neill said he'll not make a decision until the January window."

15th December Bryan Robson is expecting his side to turn up the heat on their promotion rivals over the Christmas period after edging out Barnsley 1-0 at Bramall Lane. The Blades bounced back from two successive defeats thanks to defender Matt Kilgallon's first goal for the club. Kilgallon headed home Keith Gillespie's second-half free-kick via a deflection that left Barnsley goalkeeper Heinz Muller stranded. United held on to clinch only their second home league win in eight matches thanks to goalkeeper Paddy Kenny's brilliant point-blank save that denied Barnsley striker Istvan Ferenczi. Robson has called on his troops to build on the win with three of their next four games at home. "We've got three games at home out of the next four and over the Christmas period we need to be really positive in the way we play and get good results if we want to be in that top six towards the turn of the year," said Robson.

15th December Sheffield United 1 Barnsley 0 (Attendance: 26,629)

Blades Line-up: Kenny, Bardsley, Kilgallon, Cahill, Naysmith, Gillespie, Montgomery, Tonge, Carney (Hendrie 66), Sharp, Beattie (Shelton 72).
Subs Not Used: Morgan, Stead, Armstrong.

Booked: Bardsley 36, Hendrie 71.

Scorer: Kilgallon 64.

Man of The Match: Gary Cahill.

Barnsley Line-up: Muller, Nyatanga, Foster, Souza, Campbell-Ryce, De Silva, Howard, Devaney (Odejayi 73), Van Homoet, Ferenczi (Mostto 84), Macken.
Subs Not Used: Togwell, McCann, Christensen.

Booked: Nyatanga 71, Souza 75.

Referee: Phil Dowd (Staffordshire).

Matt Kilgallon's first goal for United was enough to clinch victory in an entertaining derby as the Blades beat Barnsley 1-0 at the Lane. Much to everyone’s relief, Bryan Robson switched to a 4-4-2 formation for the visit of the Reds with Billy Sharp partnering James Beattie in attack. Simon Davey made one change to the Reds team, as Marciano Van Homoet made his full debut at left back replacing the suspended Dominik Werling.

United started the better of the teams, and after seven minutes Keith Gillespie lofted the ball over the Barnsley defence towards James Beattie, but Stephen Foster was well placed to head over his own bar from six yards out. Two minutes later, Phil Bardsley made a fine pass to split the Barnsley defence wide open and send Beattie clean through, but the Blades striker was brought down by Brian Howard's crude last-ditch tackle in the penalty area. The United players and fans were incensed but the referee waved away protests for a foul. After 12 minutes, Anderson De Silva crashed a shot against Michael Tonge and away for a corner. Martin Devaney's delivered the corner and Blades goalkeeper Paddy Kenny did well to push the ball out from under his cross bar. Both sides were having their chances, and after 14 minutes, Tonge fired a 20 yard effort which Reds keeper Heinz Muller did well to hold and at the other end, Barnsley went close when Jon Macken met De Silva's cross but could not guide his effort on target from 12 yards. After 19 minutes, Nick Montgomery found some space in behind the Reds defence and drilled in his cross which took a big deflection but Muller was able to clear and the Blades midfielder almost got in again on 25 minutes as he found a yard of space but was closed down by Dennis Souza. United continued to threaten when Keith Gillespie swung in a great free kick into the area, but Foster was able to scramble it clear under pressure. Gillespie was again in the action causing problems for Barnsley, and seconds later, he delivered for Carney, but the Australian could only head straight at Muller from six yards. After 36 minutes, Blades defender Gary Cahill still forward after a previous corner, managed to make a chance for himself on the edge of the Reds area, but his low drive was well wide of the target. A minute later, Bardsley sent in a looping cross which ended up being a dangerous shot for the Blades full-back. The long ball from the right flank which was goal-bound, dropped under the crossbar for Muller to desperately push over. Bardsley earned a caution a minute later after his heavy challenge on Howard. The Barnsley midfielder took the free kick from the edge of the Blades area, but smashed his shot against the top of the wall and over the bar. On 54 minutes, Devaney's cross into the six yard box was headed by Macken for Ferenczi to half-volley, but Kenny scrambled over to pull off magnificent save to deny the Hungarian striker from close range. Two minutes later, Barnsley fans half-heartedly shouted for a penalty when Foster's cross struck the arm of Gary Naysmith, but the hand ball was outside the area and a free kick was given. Howard's free-kick was poor and went straight to Kenny. After 64 minutes, United grabbed the lead. Souza fouled Sharp, and from the resulting free-kick, Gillespie’s in-swinging cross was met by a Kilgallon header which took a slight deflection off De Silva and went and beyond Muller into the far corner of the net. Kilgallon and co. celebrated in the corner of the Kop. Unfortunately, Beattie was booked as he held a heated conversation with the referee while returning to the halfway line. After the breakthrough, Robson made two substitutions with Lee Hendrie replacing Carney and six minutes later, Luton Shelton came on for Beattie who had not been his usual energetic self today. Davey made late substitutions for Barnsley but with no effect. Howard was still the main threat for the Reds, but United retained possession and defended superbly, and it was not until injury time that Barnsley threatened again. Hendrie fouled Miguel Mostto in the 94th minute to give the Reds a chance in the final few seconds. The free-kick was about 20 yards out in a central position and looked dangerous, but Howard hammered the free kick straight against the wall and over. And at the end, the cheers rang around Bramall Lane after what had been a good solid battling performance from the Blades.

Blades Player Performance Ratings v. Barnsley:

Kenny 7, Bardsley 7, Kilgallon 7, Cahill 8, Naysmith 7, Gillespie 8, Montgomery 6, Tonge 7, Carney 6, Hendrie 6, Sharp 7, Beattie 6, Shelton 6.

8th December Matthew Kilgallon insists United must put Saturday's 1-0 Championship defeat at Norwich behind them as quickly as possible. The Blades were good value for at least a point at Carrow Road, but Kilgallon's injury-time header was disallowed for offside, and the defender does not want to dwell on the disappointment. "We battered Norwich in the second half and deserved a point," he said. "We are gutted at the moment but we have to forget about it and get on with preparing for next Saturday."

8th December Norwich City 1 Sheffield United 0 (Attendance: 23,378)

Blades Line-up: Kenny, Bardsley, Kilgallon, Cahill, Naysmith, Carney (Hendrie 88), Montgomery, Tonge, Gillespie, Armstrong (Sharp 68), Beattie.
Subs Not Used: Gerrard, Bromby, Stead.

Booked: Cahill, Hendrie.

Man of The Match: Keith Gillespie.

Norwich Line-up: Marshall, Otsemobor, Shackell, Taylor, Camara, Huckerby, Fotheringham, Smith (Croft 63), Pattison, Cureton, Evans (Dublin 73).
Subs Not Used: Arnold, Spillane, Martin.

Booked: Fotheringham 13, Pattison 75.

Scorer: Evans 10.

Referee: Darren Deadman (Cambridgeshire).

United went down 0-1 at Norwich City and were robbed of three valuable points by an incompetent linesman who disallowed a perfectly good goal in the final moments of the match.

Bryan Robson named the same side that lost to Stoke at Bramall Lane in midweek, and lined up with a 4-5-1 formation with James Beattie the lone Blades striker. Norwich made two changes with big Jason Shackell back in the defence and Jimmy Smith returning to the midfield. The Canaries lined up with a 4-3-3 formation with Darren Huckerby joining Jamie Cureton and Chad Evans in attack. The match kicked off with the rain lashing down and the wind whipping through the stands, and it was Norwich who adjusted the quicker to the difficult conditions. Inside four minutes, Mohammed Camara found Huckerby wide on the left and from 10 yards out, he forced a fine save from Blades goalkeeper Paddy Kenny, who blocked with his feet.

Early on, Norwich were the prominent side, forcing United back into their own half, with Huckerby proving to be a menace on the left flank. And after 10 minutes, Norwich made the breakthrough. Huckerby cut inside past Keith Gillespie on the left, and hit in a low cross which was deflected high into the air off the boot of Phil Bardsley. Several players went for the ball and as it dropped, Jimmy Smith knocked the ball down to Evans who hit an awkward downward volley on the turn into Kenny's top right corner.

As the game passed the 20 minute mark, United had yet to offer much in attack. Michael Tonge and David Carney were trying to support Beattie who looked isolated. After 23 minutes, Beattie got a rare chance and he offered a reminder of why he has 12 goals this season, taking down a long punt on the edge of the box, before lashing a low shot across Norwich goalkeeper David Marshall. Five minutes later, Norwich missed a chance to double their lead. A long ball from the back by defender Jon Otsemobor caught Blades defenders Gary Cahill and Matt Kilgallon flat-footed, allowing Cureton to nip in behind and collect the ball. With Kenny back-peddling, striker Cureton hit a half-volley from 25 yards out but cleared both Kenny and the bar.

On 35 minutes, a first time pass from Mark Fotheringham down the left put Camara away, and the Guinean defender got to the by-line before hooking a pass towards the penalty spot for Cureton. The striker managed to get a head to the ball, but it looped a yard wide of Kenny's far post. The Blades fans had clearly been frustrated by the first half performance and some angrily vented their frustrations in the direction of Robson as the half ended. As an attacking force United had been poor and hoped for a better showing in the second half. United started the second half with intent, with Gillespie thrashing a 20-yard shot volley a yard wide of Marshall's left post after 46 minutes. On 55 minutes, Gary Naysmith sent a cross into the Norwich box which was half-cleared to Carney, who fired a low shot that bounced in front of Marshall, with the Canaries keeper turning it over the bar. Shortly after, a typical Huckerby run ended with the striker firing in a shot at the near post which Kenny turned wide for a corner. And on 63 minutes, Kenny was well positioned to save a 20 yard volley from Norwich midfielder Matthew Pattison. A minute later and Norwich manager Glenn Roeder made his first change of the match, with Lee Croft replacing Smith wide on the right. Minutes later, Robson made a change which swayed the match in the Blades favour, bringing on Billy Sharp in place of Armstrong and switching to a 4-4-2 formation. Sharp nearly made an instant impact on the game when he tumbled in the box under a challenge from Otsembor, only for the referee to wave away appeals for a penalty kick. After 69 minutes, Bardsley fired in a shot and then Sharp fired just wide following Gillespie's cross as United began to apply the more pressure. The introduction of a second striker made all the difference and Sharp’s pace started to give the Norwich defenders real problems to deal with.

With Norwich now on the back foot, Dion Dublin replaced Evans on 73 minutes. But this made no difference to the game as a whole; Dublin was to spend most of his time defending. The Blades were pouring forward in search of an equaliser and on 77 minutes Sharp should have done better than guide a weak header wide after being found unmarked in the box. United were starting to find an increasing amount of space in the Norwich 18 yard box, and on 83 minutes it was Beattie's turn to miss the target with a header, with no challenge from a Canaries player in sight. Moments later Sharp was also off target with an ambitious overhead kick as the Blades sensed an equaliser was close at hand. In the final minutes the Norwich goal was put under siege, with the Canaries unable to get the ball clear with Blades players raining in crosses. And with the game deep in stoppage time, United appeared to have got their equaliser. Gillespie received the ball on the right flank and his deep cross was met brilliantly by Kilgallon who rose highest to head beyond goalkeeper Marshall and into the net. The Blades players reeled away in celebration, and the Unitedites went into delirious celebrations. But unbelievably, the linesman brought a premature halt to the all the celebrations when after a short delay raised his flag for offside.

The players surrounded the linesman and Robson raged with anger, but to no avail. Replays after the match confirm that Kilgallon was half a yard onside when Gillespie crossed. It was rough justice indeed for the Blades who had dominated the second half and deserved a point today. United players and fans need to forget about this one quickly, and now concentrate on beating Barnsley next weekend. We need to get behind the team next Saturday for this one.

Blades Player Performance Ratings v. Norwich:

Kenny 7, Bardsley 6, Kilgallon 7, Cahill 7, Naysmith 6, Carney 6, Montgomery 6, Tonge 7, Gillespie 7, Armstrong 6, Sharp 7, Beattie 6, Hendrie -

7th December Manager Bryan Robson has revealed he is hoping to buy a creative midfielder when the transfer window reopens in January. Following good wins at Charlton and Coventry, the Blades inconsistent form resurfaced on Tuesday when they were beaten 3-0 at Bramall Lane by Stoke. Although Robson is eager to strengthen his squad, he insists no-one will be leaving the club in January. "I want to keep this squad together and add to it in January," he commented. "We have received no bids for any or our players and Chris has an important part to play. "I'm happy with our defence at the moment and we have plenty to choose from up front. "I feel we just need that bit more creativity from midfield." Robson also confirmed that no bids have been received from Crystal Palace for Chris Morgan: "We have received no bids for any of our players. Every player has his price, particularly if a Club comes in with a bid that is higher than our own valuation, but I want to keep this squad together and add to it in January. "Chris has an important part to play, as he resumes full training on Monday after his calf injury, and this is perfect timing with Cahill's last game coming against Barnsley."

4th December Bryan Robson was dissapointed with the 0-3 home defeat by Stoke City. Commenting after the shock result he was critical of United's approach to set-plays early in the match, he said: "The real disappointing thing is that we talked about defending against set-plays before the game, that we'd have to compete, especially after the game at the Britannia Stadium," "I told the lads that if we did that, and started brightly, we would probably be in for a good night because I didn't think they would cut through us in open play. "Then, from the first three set-plays they have, they score from in what was a nightmare start, although I thought the lads were looking lively and confident before the first goal went in. "It was a pity that our concentration levels weren't up to it because we have done very well against set-plays in recent weeks.

4th December Sheffield United 0 Stoke City 3 (Attendance: 23,378)

Blades Line-up: Kenny, Bardsley (Sharp 79), Kilgallon, Cahill, Naysmith (Stephen Quinn 55), Gillespie, Montgomery (Stead 23), Tonge, Armstrong, Beattie, Carney.
Subs Not Used: Gerrard, Lucketti.

Booked: Armstrong.

Man of The Match: Michael Tonge.

Stoke Line-up: Simonsen, Pugh, Cort, Wilkinson (Zakuani 52), Shawcross, Eustace, Delap (Dickinson 90), Lawrence, Cresswell, Fuller, Sidibe (Parkin 88).
Subs Not Used: Hoult, Pericard.

Booked: Pugh.

Scorer: Cresswell 2, Beattie 7 og, Shawcross 19.

Referee: Steve Tanner (Somerset).

United were booed off the pitch as Stoke cashed in on some farcical defending to romp to a 3-0 Championship win at Bramall Lane. A comedy of errors gifted Stoke three goals inside 18 minutes as strikes from Richard Cresswell, Ryan Shawcross and an astonishing James Beattie's own goal. The Blades are struggling to mount a concerted challenge under Bryan Robson this season and the frustrated Lane faithful left this latest setback in droves well before the final whistle had blown. Stoke took full advantage of another jittery Bramall Lane display from Robson's men to secure the win, and gain revenge on United, who snatched three points at the Britannia Stadium last month. The Potters could have added to their first-half haul and looked the more likely to increase their lead on the counter-attack after the break as the Blades ever-more frenzied attempts to salvage something from the wreckage floundered. Robson named an unchanged side from the one which won at Coventry in midweek. The Blades boss surprisingly selected a 4-5-1 formation once again, indicating that Beattie was likely to battle alone in attack against a line of giant Stoke defenders. Although this formation has worked well away from home in matches of late, over the years, it has always failed in home matches, simply because the Lane faithful demand a more attacking football, and they soon become restless with the defensive minded tactics. It might be acceptable at Anfield but not at Bramall Lane. Tony Pulis made one change to his Stoke side, with Andy Wilkinson being drafted in to replace Stephen Wright. Stoke must have won the toss, because the Blades were kicking towards the Shoreham Kop at the start of the match. United made the worst possible start when Shawcross played the ball into the penalty area for Liam Lawrence in acres of space at the far post, and his low cross was side-footed home by Cresswell, with barely 90 seconds on the clock. It was instantly apparent, Blades fans were trying to get behind their side, but three minutes later could not believe their eyes. Bardsley conceded a free-kick and Lawrence whipped in a dangerous ball, Leon Cort flicked it on, and it deflected off Blades striker Beattie before nestling in the bottom left hand corner. And it got worse for United in front of a disbelieving Bramall Lane, thanks to more woeful Blades defending. Cort rose highest from Lawrence's corner, but his effort was cleared off the line, only as far as Lawrence, who calmly placed the ball past the keeper for his sixth goal of the season. This was met with boos and howls of derision from some section of the Lane crowd, which is hardly surprising considering it was now 3-0 to Stoke. Surely the manager and players don’t expect the Lane faithful just to sit quietly and accept a three goal deficit after just 19 minutes of play. It was apparent that a second striker was required and a change in formation. The 4-5-1 was not working. This meant one of the midfielders was to be sacrificed and two minutes after the goal, Nick Montgomery was the unlucky player who made way for Jon Stead.   United pressed to pull one back with the backing of the Lane faithful, and Stead instantly gave United a hope when he found Beattie on the edge of the area, and he  fired straight at goalkeeper Steve Simonsen. A quick burst of pace from Stoke’s Ricardo Fuller almost led to another goal, but after squaring to partner Mamady Sidibe, an outstretched leg of Matt Kilgallon blocked his goal bound strike. Blades captain Gary Naysmith then denied Sidibe with a brave block just before half-time. Stoke were already trying to waste time, Fuller took an eternity to leave the field after an alleged injury, only to recover as soon as his passed the touchline and instantly return. Much to the disgust of the Lane fans. Then in three minutes of injury time, there was a moment of controversy when Stoke’s Danny Pugh fouled Keith Gillespie just outside the Potters 18 yard box. The on loan defender had already been cautioned and should have received a second yellow card, but referee Tanner, who had given some odd decisions earlier, elected to give a lengthy lecture and no card. This infuriated the United fans on the kop, and Tanner was duly booed of the field at half-time. United forced two corners at the start of the second half and, although United looked for a way back, they rarely threatened Stoke’s backline. Stoke sent on Gabriel Zakuani for defender Andy Wilkinson after 53 minutes, and three minutes later, Stephen Quinn replaced Naysmith with David Carney moving to left back. Naysmith handed the captain's armband to Beattie, who forced Stoke keeper Simonsen to hold a towering header from a Quinn cross. Twice in the space of a minute both goalkeepers were called upon to make saves. Fuller beat three United defenders and forced Kenny to push out a shot on 70 minutes, and then after a quick break, Michael Tonge's right-footed shot from 12 yards out cannoned against Simonsen's legs. Late on, Stoke made two tactical substitutions, with Jon Parkin replacing Sidibe and Carl Dickinson coming on for Rory Delap. There were two minutes of injury-time added, and the Blades final chance of note came from Quinn, his right-footed strike from 20 yards out was saved by Simonsen, although thousands of the Lane faithful were already making their way home by now. Hopefully we wiil not be employing the 4-5-1 formation at the Lane again for a while after tonight; a more orthodox 4-4-2 would be preferable. Winning away matches is encouraging, but losing 3-0 at home is very worrying. The Lane faithful are trying to remain patient, but want to see attacking football at Bramall Lane. So, this performance has to go down as probably the worst at home for several years. Robson clearly has plenty of work ahead if United are to return back to the Premiership at the first attempt.

Blades Player Performance Ratings v. Stoke:

Kenny 6, Bardsley 5, Kilgallon 5, Cahill 6, Naysmith 5, Carney 5, Montgomery 5, Stephen Quinn 6, Gillespie 5, Tonge 6, Armstrong 5, Stead 5, Sharp 6, Beattie 5.

3rd December Bryan Robson has confirmed his desire to keep on-loan defensive duo Phil Bardsley and Gary Cahill at the Lane. Manchester United full-back Bardsley and Aston Villa centre-half Cahill have played key roles in the Blades recent climb up the table, with Robson's side keeping two clean sheets in successive away wins. Robson said: "Obviously people are going to take notice of them because they're both playing well. "I'd like to keep them at the club, at least until the end of the season. "I'll be speaking to both Manchester United and Aston Villa."

1st December Blades manager Bryan Robson was pleased with the performance against Coventry, and commented after the match, he said: "These type of 1-0 wins are vital if you want to have any success. The lads started off the season a bit slack but I feel they have got momentum and confidence is coming into the club. "We have to keep this going. I said to the lads at the start of this month that we have to be in the top six in January. The players are responding well. "The midfield players worked extremely hard and protected the back four. The back four defended the ball particularly well and that gave us the platform to go on and win the game."

1st December Coventry City 0 Sheffield United 1 (Attendance: 20,355)

Blades Line-up: Kenny, Bardsley, Kilgallon, Cahill, Naysmith, Carney (Webber 84), Armstrong, Tonge, Montgomery, Gillespie, Beattie.
Subs Not Used: Gerrard, Bromby, Stead, Stephen Quinn.

Booked: Bardsley 49.

Scorer: Armstrong 62.

Man of The Match: Gary Cahill.

Coventry Line-up: Konstantopoulos, McNamee (Osbourne 46), De Zeeuw, Turner, Borrowdale (Andrews 80), Cairo (McKenzie 65), Stephen Hughes, Doyle, Gray, Tabb, Adebola.
Subs Not Used: Marshall, Ward.

Booked: Adebola 71, Borrowdale 77.

Referee: Colin Webster (Tyne & Wear).

Chris Armstrong's second-half goal ensured United continued their recent impressive away form with a 1-0 victory at Coventry City. Armstrong, who scored in the midweek win at Charlton, scored his second goal in two games after 62 minutes as Bryan Robson's men recorded their third straight win away from Bramall Lane.

Blades boss Robson named the same side that won so emphatically at Charlton, and lined-up playing the same 4-5-1 formation which they used at The Valley on Tuesday. Coventry manager Iain Dowie made several changes to his side. Ellery Cairo was recalled to the starting line-up in place of Leon McKenzie, and the Sky Blues made two defensive changes with Arjan de Zeeuw and Gary Borrowdale returning to the side. The first chance of the match went to the Blades. Keith Gillespie crossed from the right and James Beattie headed at goal but it was deflected wide by Coventry full-back David McNamee. Michael Tonge then found Chris Armstrong in the area but Coventry goalkeeper Dimi Konstantopoulos parried the resulting shot for a corner. Cairo who was playing in the hole behind Dele Adebola, in a 4-4-1-1 formation, had a left-footed drive which flashed wide of the target. After 33 minutes, another chance came the way of Cairo, when he latched onto the ball with his back to the Blades goal on the edge of the area, and unleashed a rising volley which goalkeeper Paddy Kenny athletically pushed over the crossbar. Five minutes later, defender Matt Kilgallon found Tonge. The Blades midfielder beat the offside trap, but his shot was pushed wide of the post by the giant Konstantopoulos. The Greek keeper was in action moments later, this time to thwart Beattie, and seconds later at the other end of the field, Kenny had to race across goal to claw away a goal-bound effort from Michael Doyle at the back-post. And in first-half stoppage-time, Blades defender Gary Cahill slipped and presented Adebola with a glorious chance, but the Nigerian striker could only fire wide with only Kenny to beat. Four minutes into the second half, full-back Phil Bardsley fouled Julian Gray just outside the Blades 18 yard box and was booked. A glancing header from Beattie was tipped over by Konstantopoulos, before the Championship's leading scorer turned provider as the Blades went ahead after 62 minutes. Winger David Carney cut inside and found Beattie, who ran past left-back Borrowdale on the right and, delivered a excellent cross to the back-post where Armstrong ghosted in to head the ball into the far corner via a deflection off Dutch defender Arjan De Zeeuw. United were in the ascendancy backed by a 2,000 strong following, and midfielder Tonge tried to extend the lead but his shot was deflected wide. Sky Blues midfielder Doyle fired wide a 25-yards shot wide from an acute angle, as the Sky Blues looked for a way back but United were defending resolutely. Coventry were getting desperate, and after 65 minutes Dowie made a substitution with striker Leon McKenzie replacing Cairo, as the Sky Blues switched to a more direct 4-4-2 formation. After 72 minutes, Gillespie got around defender Ben Turner, but could only fire into the Coventry side netting. Coventry were still offering little as an attacking threat despite throwing men forward in search of an equaliser. Gary Naysmith and Kilgallon made superb blocks to frustrate Coventry, and the best chance the Sky blues could muster, was a high and wide effort from substitute Wayne Andrews towards the end. Throughout the final three minutes of added injury time, United defended well for another superb victory. So, United continue their great form, and have only been beaten once in their last nine league matches. The Blades are now up into 11th place in the Championship.

Blades Player Performance Ratings v. Coventry:

Kenny 7, Bardsley 7, Kilgallon 7, Cahill 8, Naysmith 7, Carney 7, Armstrong 7, Tonge 7, Montgomery 7, Gillespie 7, Beattie 7, Webber -