Scunthorpe have completed the loan signing of Sheffield United's experienced striker Geoff Horsfield until the end of the season. Striker Horsfield, who has not appeared for the Blades in the Championship this season, will go straight into Scunthorpe's squad for the visit of Charlton on Saturday. The 34-year-old is the second Blades player currently on loan at Scunthorpe, with Mamadou Seck extending his temporary deal until May earlier in the week. The Blades paid £1.2million to West Brom in May 2006 for Horsfield, who started his career at Halifax. He counts Fulham, Birmingham and Wigan among his former clubs and has had loan spells with Leeds and Leicester. As part of the contract, Horsfield will not be eligible to play against United when they take on Scunthorpe at Bramall Lane on February 9.
Watford have completed a £850,000 deal to sign Sheffield United defender Leigh Bromby on a three-and-a-half-year deal. Bromby has struggled to hold down a first team place at Bramall Lane but he recently regained his place in Bryan Robson's side. However the Blades have agreed to let the 27-year-old join promotion-chasing Watford and will receive an initial £600,000, with a further £250,000 based on certain criteria.
Boss Bryan Robson believes a lack of "composure" was the only thing that stood between his side and a win against Watford. The Blades had to settle for a share of the spoils despite a much-improved second-half performance, during which David Carney cancelled out Nathan Ellington's opener in a 1-1 draw. And although the under-pressure Blades boss was generally pleased with his side's efforts - particularly after Sunday's FA Cup heroics against Manchester City - he was upset that they were unable to kill the game off late on. "It was the sort of game I expected," said Robson. "In the first half Watford put the ball forward, there were a lot of high balls and battling for second balls. I just thought our composure wasn't there in the first half, we played into Watford's hands. "But it was a great response in the second half from us, considering we played on Sunday. "I think in the second half once we'd got the goal, there was only one team who would win it." Watford dominated play for large periods of a lacklustre first-half and Robson admitted he knew that getting a result would be a tall order. "It was always going to be a hard game, because of the way Watford play. They're up at the top of the league, so for us to come back into the game like that was a great response," he said. "I've got nothing but praise for the players, the only thing I'm disappointed about is the result. I thought with a bit of composure we could have got the winning goal." Sections of the Lane faithful support voiced their disapproval throughout the game. There were chants of 'you dont know what youre doing' when Robson brought on the defensive-minded Chris Armstrong as substitute in the dying stages at the expence of Luton Shelton. "For me, Steve Quinn and Gary Speed have played 90 minutes on Sunday, and they've put some great work in tonight," he said. "Luton Shelton's only played a handful of games this season and he puts a lot of work in with the way he plays. "I thought the game was getting stretched and that was playing into Watford's hands. Our midfielders were tiring a bit so I though I would protect it with Armstrong and Tonge."
Sheffield United 1 Watford 1 (Attendance: 23,161 )
Blades Line-up: Kenny, Bromby, Morgan, Ehiogu, Naysmith, Hendrie (Carney 46), Speed, Quinn (Tonge 78), Martin, Hulse, Shelton (Armstrong 82).
Man of The Match: David Carney.
Watford Line-up: Lee, Mariappa, Sadler, DeMerit, Doyley, Smith, O'Toole, McAnuff (Stewart 77), Williamson, Kabba, Ellington (Bangura 84).
Referee: Lee Mason (Lancashire).
David Carney earned United a 1-1 draw with Watford but was unable to lift the pressure off under-fire boss Bryan Robson. The Australian's half-time introduction breathed life into United's stuttering display but another home draw. Nathan Ellington proved there was life at Watford after Marlon King by firing Watford into a 20th-minute lead, but United fought back through Carney midway through the second half. The Blades showed no signs of the quality that helped beat Manchester City 2-1 in Sunday's FA Cup fourth-round clash, and Robson will know that time is running out to find form in the Championship. Former United favourite Steven Kabba received a warm reception from the Bramall Lane crowd, but he threatened to cause problems in the early stages, showing his strength to edge past Gary Naysmith on the corner of the box, only to run into Chris Morgan. But Watford had settled the quicker and they were gifted the advantage midway through the half. Lloyd Doyley set Tommy Smith free on the right flank in acres of space and when he squared to Ellington on the edge of the box, the frontman had the time to look up and bend a low effort past the outstretched right hand of goalkeeper Paddy Kenny. And it was Ellington who came closest to scoring again 10 minutes before the break, when Mat Sadler lashed the ball across goal, narrowly eluding the former Wigan man. Rob Hulse had United's best chance with two minutes of the half remaining, but headed over from Naysmith's cross. And Kabba almost inflicted further frustration after tidy interplay with Smith, but his angled drive was parried away by Kenny. Robson changed things around at half-time with the introduction of Carney for Lee Hendrie and United responded by showing a greater sense of urgency. Carney provided the impetus for the Blades best move of the match, striding forward with pace through the centre before offloading to Luton Shelton whose drilled effort was beaten down well by goalkeeper Richard Lee. But despite an improved work-rate, United were struggling to penetrate a powerful Hornets back-line. Ugo Ehiogu rose highest to meet Stephen Quinn's 65th-minute corner but his header flew harmlessly over. But as the Hornets tired, United's persistence began to pay off and they earned a breakthrough with 23 minutes to play. Gary Speed's long throw from the left was flicked on by Morgan finding Hulse, who arrowed an effort across goal, where it was bundled over the line by Carney. Watford were visibly rocked and almost let Hulse in for a second three minutes later, only for Lee to gather his awkward bouncing header. United also had claims for a penalty when Shelton lofted the ball into Jay Demerit's body, but all appeals were waved away. The Blades brought on Michael Tonge for a final throw of the dice as Robson pushed for a much-needed winner. But despite their pressing, United lacked composure in the final third, summed up by Shelton's stumble in the area, five minutes from time. Watford boss Aidy Boothroyd will go home the happier of the two managers, with the United crowd once again voicing their dissatisfaction with Robson at the final whistle.
Blades Player Performance Ratings v. Watford:
Kenny 6, Bromby 6, Morgan 6, Ehiogu 6, Naysmith 6, Hendrie 5, Carney 7, Speed 6, Quinn 6, Tonge 6, Martin 6, Hulse 6, Shelton 6, Armstrong -.
Bryan Robson felt United's 2-1 FA Cup win over Manchester City was the ideal tonic for the Blades to get their season going. Speaking after the game, Robson commented: "I thought we were terrific and we owed the fans that one," "We have been missing far too many chances but today they went in for us. "I thought we matched them in every department and that is what the lads are capable of." Robson admitted their first goal had a touch of luck about it but was happy to accept it. "There was a bit of fortune about it. Today we did ride our luck at certain times but our counter-attack play was very good," he told Sky Sports .
Sheffield United 2 Manchester City 1 (Attendance: 20,800 )
Blades Line-up: Kenny, Geary, Bromby, Morgan, Naysmith, Gillespie, Speed, Martin, Quinn, Shelton (Tonge 76), Stead (Sharp 49).
Man of The Match: Jon Stead.
Manchester City Line-up: Hart, Corluka, Onuoha, Dunne, Ball, Elano (Sturridge 46), Hamann (Ireland 62), Gelson, Petrov, Mpenza (Geovanni 71), Vassell.
Referee: Alan Wiley (Staffordshire).
United booked their place in the fifth round of the FA Cup as they recording a superb 2-1 victory over Manchester City at Bramall Lane. With not one of the cup's fourth round ties requiring replays, United ensured they were the final side to go into the hat for Monday's last 16 draw as goals from Luton Shelton and Jon Stead decided a thrilling encounter at the Lane. Shelton slotted home a gift from close range on 11 minutes after Michael Ball had made a hash of clearing a Lee Martin cross, as the City defender was distracted by balloons thrown onto the pitch by the City travelling support. The game then continued in a frenetic and entertaining style and the Blades doubled their lead on 24 minutes as Stead converted after good work from Derek Geary. City grabbed a lifeline early in the second half as manager Sven Goran Eriksson introduced Daniel Sturridge at the break, but an equaliser was to prove out of reach for the Premiership team. Bryan Robson made several changes from last week, and brought in Keith Gillespie, Stephen Quinn, Gary Naysmith , Chris Morgan, Shelton and Stead up-front. Eriksson made three changes to the side from last weekend with Nedum Onuoha , Gelson Fernandes retuning and Emile Mpenza starting up front with Darius Vassell wide on the right. City had brought 7,000 fans with them, and with large sections of the United fans deciding to stay at away, it created a unusual atmosphere with City’s fans creating as much noise as the Blades fans at the start. There had been little to separate the teams in the opening stages, but after nine minutes, from Shelton's cross, Stead found himself in space and headed towards goal but goalkeeper Joe Hart dropped down to his left to make a one handed save. Three minutes later, a swift break down the left wing resulted in Lee Martin delivering a low piercing cross into the heart of the City area. The ball initially took a slight deflection off the leg of defender Richard Dunne, and then onto one of the myriad of blue balloons floating around the area courtesy of the City fans behind Hart's goal. City defender Michael Ball was clearly confused as he completely missed his attempt at a clearance, while Shelton was almost also deceived. But the Jamaican international managed to steady himself and slip a simple six-yard shot past Hart. After 16 minutes, City were inches away from equalising through Elano, the Brazilian’s bobbling shot from the edge of the box went through Morgan's legs before clipping the post with Paddy Kenny rooted to the spot. Then, Elano’s free-kick struck the left-hand post, with a right-foot shot from 20 yards, and followed up shortly after with a curling free-kick that kicked up off the turf, only for Kenny to pull off a sensational one-handed save. Three minutes later, United doubled the lead following a throw on the right. Shelton and Quinn caused problems in the penalty area and, from Geary's cross and after Dunne had blocked Shelton, the ball rolled straight to Stead to place into the corner and stun the City fans behind the goal and send the Blades fans into wild celebration. Hart had to be alert again on 36 minutes, coming off his line to deny the advancing Geary, who had raced upfield after another City attack had broken down. Didi Hamann chanced his arm from long range on 40 minutes, but Morgan’s deflection took it wide. At the resulting corner Kenny could not get a hand on the ball, but none of the City players nearby could take advantage of the melee. Elano got himself all upset after the close attentions of Gary Speed with the Blades midfielder marking the Brazilian out of the game. Stead managed to get himself free in the City area and saw his goal-bound shot blocked by Nedum Onuoha, and just before the break Martin curled a shot straight at Hart. At the half-time whiste, the Blades were given a standing ovation from the loyal Lane faithful. The stay away fans had missed probably the best half of football this season from United. City were out several minutes before the Blades at the start of the second half. Eriksson made one change to his side, with Sturridge replacing the ineffective Elano, as City went all out to stay in the cup. And three minutes into the second half, Sturridge put them back in the match. Winger Martin Petrov swung a corner over the from the left, the ball flew out to Sturridge on the right side and he controlled the ball before flicking it in off the underside off the bar with his left foot and pull a goal back. Blades fans were aggravated minutes later, when Quinn was booked yet Hamann and Dunne had not gone into the book for similar offences. After 57 minutes, Gillespie’s rasping shot bent away from Hart’s left hand post. Darius Vassell was just short of getting a shot in with 21 minutes left, bringing down a long pass from Stephen Ireland inside the area before Kenny was able to claim it. And then, Geary's cross found Quinn who headed well wide in front of the Kop. The pace of Petrov was the main threat for City, and he swung over a free kick from the right on 73 minutes, and Dunne beat Morgan and Leigh Bromby in the air, but his header went wide of Kenny’s left hand post. Geovanni replaced Mpenza late on, and made a probing run down the right and his cross was cut out by Morgan as Vassell closed in. Geovanni's blasted well over the crossbar and Morgan blocked Ireland on 89 minutes, after the Brazilian midfielder had cut inside the box. Four minutes were added, but City could not get the goal they needed. Billy Sharp had a great chance to make it 3-1 but he fired just over. United ran out the final seconds buy keeping the ball in the corners, and on the final whistle the win was greeted by a standing ovation with Geary throwing his shirt to the faithful on the Shoreham Kop. This was probably United’s best display of the season and, showed that the players that are at Robson’s disposal; are capable of competing and beating the best, including the Premiership high flyers.
Blades Player Performance Ratings v. Manchester City:
Kenny 7, Geary 8, Bromby 8, Morgan 8, Naysmith 6, Gillespie 6, Speed 7, Martin 7, Quinn 8, Shelton 8, Tonge 6, Stead 8, Sharp 7.
Ipswich Town have signed Alan Quinn for a fee of £400,000, that could eventually rise to £600,000. Quinn had been at Bramall Lane since the summer of 2004 when he joined on a free transfer from Wednesday. He has not figured for the Blades since the start of November and has now signed for Championship rivals Ipswich. He was a good servant for United, and we wish him well at his new club.
James Beattie could be back in training as early as February 28. The Blades striker has been out with a ligament strain in his left knee, but Beattie hopes to be back soon, he commented: "The knee is feeling a lot better and I have been doing plenty of rehabilitation in the gym to keep my fitness levels up. It's a time consuming injury and there is nothing you can do to speed up the healing process." "I am confident of returning to full training early next week, although I don't want to rush back and put myself out for another month as that will do nobody any favours." "I have had a similar injury before so I know what it is like. I am not a good watcher but you have to accept things and hope the lads get some good results."
Bryan Robson admitted United were not good enough to mount a promotion challenge after seeing them lose 2-0 to Wednesday. Goals in either half from strikers Akpo Sodje and Marcus Tudgay gave the Owls a rare league victory after the Blades run of three successive derby wins. The result leaves United struggling in the bottom half of the table, prompting Robson to declare he was wrong not to dismantle the squad he inherited from Neil Warnock last summer. Robson said: "We've said one good result could really kick us on, but we haven't done that so for me that shows when I gave all the players new contracts in the summer to keep everybody from last season on board, I'm not so sure that was the right decision. "The club needs a change around of personnel and you need time to do that. "I've spoken to the players but what I said stays in the dressing room, but that performance sums us up and it's not acceptable." United created few chances, with Wednesday goalkeeper Lee Grant only forced to make one telling save when he tipped over Rob Hulse's deflected shot early in the second half. Robson said: "We didn't have any drive about our game. We were playing in the comfort zone. There was no real purpose in our game. "We've still got a chance of getting into that top six, but we're not kidding ourselves. "We're over halfway in the season now and we felt things were coming together nicely, but maybe we're not good enough to get up there. "Maybe the expectations at the start of the season were too much for the players to take on board because the league table doesn't lie." Blades fans were understandably silent at the final whistle, leaving their Owls counterparts to ironically chant Robson's name. He added: "They're going to be disappointed the same as I am. They know how important derby games are and there were only certain periods of the game where I felt we played like it was a derby. "Like I say, the club needs a change around."
Sheffield Wednesday 2 Sheffield United 0 (Attendance: 30,486 )
Blades Line-up: Kenny, Bromby, Kilgallon, Armstrong, Geary, Carney (Sharp 46), Speed, Montgomery (Gillespie 46), Tonge, Martin, Hulse.
Man of The Match: Lee Martin.
Owls Line-up: Grant, Bullen, Beevers, Hinds, Spurr, Whelan, O'Brien, Johnson (Small 79), Wallwork, Tudgay, Sodje (Clarke 62).
Referee: Mark Halsey (Lancashire).
United suffered a crushing defeat at the hands of their fiercest rivals, as they went down 2-0 to Wednesday at Hillsborough. Bryan Robson made two changes to the side which convincingly beat Q.P.R. last week. Lee Martin came in for his debut, replacing the suspended Lee Hendrie on the wing, and Nick Montgomery returned to the midfield at the expense of Billy Sharp. The exclusion of Sharp came as a surprise to the visiting Lane faithful, the Blades striker is a Unitedite, and undoubtedly his presence would have been a real asset today. Another disappointment was the return to the dull depressing 4-5-1 formation which Robson has stubbornly stayed with all season – despite complaints from the fans. Brian Law’s made three changes to thw Owls side which lost to Cardiff last weekend. Striker Akpo Sodje returned to the starting line-up in place of Leon Clarke, winger Jermaine Johnson came in for Etienne Esajas, while Ronnie Wallwork replaced Steve Watson in midfield. It was a deafening atmosphere at kick-off with 30,486 inside the stadium, and the first chance went to the Owls after two minutes. Johnson cut in from the right hand side before goalkeeper Paddy Kenny saved. United had to wait until tenth minute to launch their first serious attack, after Owls defender Mark Beevers had conceded a corner. Martin sent over an accurate cross but the on-rushing Gary Speed failed to get sufficient purchase eight yards out and sent his header well wide. Wednesday went straight on the counter and Marcus Tudgay blasted over the bar from a tight angle. Then at the other end, Rob Hulse was inches away from heading in a David Carney free kick. As expected, tackles were flying in thick and fast on the muddy pitch, and both sides continued their frenetic approach to match. Johnson came close to breaking the deadlock in the 17th minute. The winger moved inside from the right flank in front of the South Stand, and hit a fierce drive that deflected to the diving Kenny, who palmed to the ball onto the top of the crossbar. Chris Armstrong threatened for the Blades a minute later when he robbed Sodje on the edge of the penalty area and cut inside, but his poorly hit shot failed to trouble goalkeeper Lee Grant. After 25 minutes, Wednesday grabbed the lead. Johnson had looked dangerous from the off, and he beat Armstrong down the wing again, and sent over a perfect ball for Sodje at the back-post, and he side-footed past Kenny from close range. The Blades had been used to having their own way in recent years, so the goal against us, was a sickening shock to the system. United had not looked convincing up front from the beginning. Unfortunately, Hulse is not the same player he was before his injury, and with only one striker everyone was starting to wonder how we would get back into the game. And while we were biting our fingers to the bone, Robson stood motionless and arm-folded. The frantic pace of the game continued as United went in search of an equaliser. Martin's cross found Michael Tonge, but the midfielder miss-timed his effort on goal. But although the Blades threatened in bursts, it was Wednesday that created the better of the chances. United had a chance when Armstrong dispossessed Johnson on the edge of the Wednesday 18 yard area, but after a foul on Martin, Grant punched an in-swinging into the air and gathered the rebound. Then, Matt Kilgallon did well to put Sodje under pressure, and this forced the Owls striker to shoot wide, and a minute later United were back on the attack after Carney stole possession from defender Tommy Spurr. The Blades winger laid the ball inside for Tonge, and he again mis-timed his shot and it bobbled wide. Sodje fired narrowly wide after play from Wallwork, moments before Burton O'Brien fired over Kenny's crossbar. Then, Whelan sent a looping ball over and Sodje flicked on for Tudgay, and the former Derby striker tried overhead kick that Kenny did well to push past his left post. United made a double substitution at half time in a hope they might have more chances in the final third of the field. Robson brought on Sharp and Keith Gillespie in place of Carney and Montgomery as the team switched from 4-5-1 to a more conventional 4-4-2. But, why we have to go a goal behind before we make the tactical change is not clear. Surely 4-4-2 from the start would have been more useful in a local derby match. Within a minute of the restart, Whelan side-footed a shot at Kenny after Sodje caused problems down the left. United went forward and only a stunning Grant save kept the Blades at bay. Sharp hit a rasping effort on the turn that looped high from the sliding foot of defender Spurr and Grant stretched to tip the ball over the bar. The change to 4-4-2 seemed to make the difference, and Martin showed a couple of useful touches. He delivered the corner on 54 minutes which Whelan had to kick off the line after Hulse had rose highest to win a header. Grant then claimed a Martin cross as the rejuvenated Blades continued to press as Derek Geary's throw was flicked on by Speed and Hulse but Martin's overhead kick was well over. Sodje was forced off on after 62 minutes, as Brian Laws introduced Clarke into the Owls attack. And he found space moments after his arrival, after work from Tudgay and Johnson, but the big striker could only scuff a tame shot straight into the arms of Kenny from 20 yards out. Sharp had the ball in the back of the net on 75 minutes but the referee's assistant had already flagged for offside. And a minute later disaster struck, Clarke's flick-on landed for Tudgay, who swivelled round expertly, to bury his shot past Kenny in front of the Kop. The Blades faithful now realised this was not to be their day and the Owls would be registering a rare league victory. In the closing moments, with Wednesday content to sit on their lead and the Blades unable to breakdown their defence, the referee added three minutes of injury-time but there was to be no way back. It was Wednesday’s first win over United since 2002. Wednesday can have their rare moment of glory, they will think the have won the world cup until the return fixture. United have not lost to the Owls at the Lane since 1967, so we all expect a victory at the Lane. Wednesday have not done the double over United since 1914, so defeat would be unthinkable.
Blades Player Performance Ratings v. Sheffield Wednesday:
Kenny 6, Bromby 4, Kilgallon 5, Armstrong 4, Geary 5, Carney 5, Sharp 6, Speed 6, Montgomery 5, Gillespie 5, Tonge 5, Martin 7, Hulse 5.
Ipswich Town have signed Blades midfielder Alan Quinn on loan with a view to a permanent move. Quinn had been at Bramall Lane since the summer of 2004 when he joined on a free transfer from Wednesday. He has not figured for the Blades since the start of November and has now signed for Championship rivals Ipswich.
United have completed the signing of defender Ugo Ehiogu from Rangers on a free transfer.
Bryan Robson moved to sign the 35-year-old after he was released from his contract at Ibrox. Ehiogu joined the Glasgow club in January 2007 from Middlesbrough, but made just one appearance this season.
He made an impact at Rangers in his first Old Firm match when he scored the only goal in at Celtic Park in March. Robson paid £8m in 2000 to take Ehiogu to from Aston Villa to Middlesbrough, where he stayed for seven seasons. Towards the end of his time at The Riverside he went on loan to Leeds United before joining Rangers on a free transfer.
Jon Stead believes flexibility is the key if he is to keep his place in United's starting XI.
Stead has been playing as a winger in recent weeks - a position which has enabled him to keep playing and try to help the Blades reach the Championship play-offs. Commenting on his positional change, he said : "I didn't get much of a run at central striker, but if I've got to do that wider role then I'm happy to do it. "Even when I was playing as a striker, a lot of my work was being done outside the box and in the channels. It's something that I'm comfortable doing. "It's just something that you have to do if you want to be in the starting XI. "It was weird running through the week and not having a game at the weekend. You've got to be ready for when your chance comes and hopefully I've shown that."
Bryan Robson hopes his side's battling 2-1 win over QPR at Bramall Lane will kickstart their Championship campaign. The Blades, who were 1-0 down to a Patrick Agyemang goal at half-time, fought back to claim only their second victory in eight league games. They benefited from a Damion Stewart own goal before Lee Hendrie claimed the winner. Robson said: "Everyone did a good job. The players showed a lot of character to come back in the second half. "2007 was a bad year for the club but we turned a corner and we've got to take it from here. A top-six place is still the target." Robson hailed the contribution of the fans who backed United even when they were behind. "I've said before that the crowd has a big part to play and the supporters were magnificent," said Robson.
Sheffield United 2 Queens Park Rangers 1 (Attendance: 28,894 )
Blades Line-up: Kenny, Bromby, Kilgallon, Armstrong, Geary (Gillespie 84), Carney, Hendrie (Stead 69), Speed, Tonge, Hulse, Sharp (Shelton 90).
Man of The Match: Derek Geary.
Q.P.R. Line-up: Camp, Barker (Blackstock 73), Connolly, Hall, Stewart, Mahon, Buzsaky, Rowlands, Lee, Agyemang, Vine.
Referee: Nigel Miller (Durham).
Sheffield United came from behind against Q.P.R. to win 2-1 in an exciting match at Bramall Lane in front of the biggest crowd of the season. Bryan Robson made several changes from the side which beat Bolton last week. Gary Speed made his home debut and was given the captaincy. Michael Tonge was back in midfield after his suspension, and Billy Sharp partnered Rob Hulse up front. Q.P.R. manager Luigi De Canio handed full debuts to recent signings Kieran Lee and Patrick Agyemang, while wide-man Rowan Vine also started following the completion of his permanent transfer. United created the first chance of the match inside the opening three minutes, but Lee Bromby's stooping header from a Lee Hendrie corner kick flew over. Akos Buzsaky tried his luck from distance for the R’s the 13th minute, but Blades goalkeeper Paddy Kenny dived low to his right to save the midfielder's 25-yard drive. Buzsaky was a threat early on, picking up possession from Agyemang four minutes later, only to be denied by a superb last ditch tackle by the covering Derek Geary, the Blades defender somehow racing back and sliding in with an amazing tackle which brought a standing ovation from the Kop. After 18 minutes, Sharp conceded a free-kick and Buzsaky hit piercing effort through the wall which Kenny saved, pushing the ball over the bar to his left. Two minutes later David Carney let fly from distance and R’s goalkeeper Lee Camp turned the ball around the post, and moments later, the former Derby keeper was in action again saving from a Carney free-kick. And on the half hour, the busy Rangers keeper had to be at his agile best yet again to palm away Hulse's cross from an acute angle with Hendrie luring close by. Two minutes before the break, United thought they had made the breakthrough. From a central position, Hendrie played a ball through the R’s backline and Sharp fired the ball under Camp and into the net. Most in the ground through it was a goal, but the linesman on the John Street side was flagging for offside. Replays showed that Sharp was level when Hendrie played the ball. Seconds after, Q.P.R. snatched the lead. Gavin Mahon's cross-field pass found Matthew Connolly who sent an inviting cross into the Blades box. Leigh Bromby failed to clear his lines sufficiently, and Agyemang lashed an unstoppable strike into the roof of the net from close range. There was little action to report at the start of the second half, with many fans noticing the fourth official dashing up and down the touchline, before he eventually replaced the linesman who had been running the line in front of the south stand. Both midfields were dominating with Martin Rowlands leading the R’s and Speed conducting proceedings for the Blades. But after the hour mark, United began to take control, and backed by fantastic vocal support from the faithful, started to peg Q.P.R. back into their own half. And after 64 minutes, United found an equaliser. From a corner in front of the Kop, Tonge's shot from the edge of the box was blocked by Camp, but as Rowlands attempted to clear from about three yards in front of goal, the ball cannoned back off Damion Stewart and into the back of the net. Q.P.R. had been time wasting from the start of the second half, but with United now in the ascendancy and Rangers looking shell-shocked, the Londoners found it difficult to get out of the own half. It was only a matter of time before the second Blades goal would come along with the Kop roaring United forward. And after 69 minutes United went ahead. Sharp picked up the ball on the right side and crossed, initially it was blocked by Connolly in the six yard box, but he failed to clear and amongst the mayhem Hendrie tapped in to the empty net from a tight angle, before celebrating in-front of the Kop with the Blades players. Q.P.R. may be a moneybags side these days, but in front the Shoreham Kop at the Lane, any team would crumble under such constant pressure. R’s boss De Canio was panicking, and responded by introducing Dexter Blackstock at the expense of Chris Barker, the change was irrelevant, and the Blades continued to threaten, with Hulse heading against the top of the crossbar in the 77th minute, before the same player fired wide from four yards out. Hulse was unable to convert in the final ten minutes. Carney crossed twice more for Hulse but to no avail. But it was on the right where the Blades were having most joy. Geary was on top form today, with superb tackles and terrific attacking play all down the right side. With the fans chanting Geary’s name throughout the match, he was finally replaced after 84 minutes. He had literally run himself into exhaustion, and received a standing ovation when he left the field. United continued to have the better of the possession, but in the final minute, Hungarian Buzsaky shot from the edge of the Blades 18 yard box, the ball whistled past several players, and Matt Kilgallon headed off the line wide for a corner. Although the Q.P.R. players complained at the time that Kilgallon had used his hands, replays later showed this was not the case. The last chance of the match went to two of the Blades substitutes. Jon Stead in a wide left position, found Luton Shelton and he curled a shot wide. The final whistle was met by cheers of celebration from the Lane faithful and everyone went home with smiles. It is certainly a good start to the New Year and, United are now starting to play some good football and long may it continue.
Blades Player Performance Ratings v. Q.P.R.:
Kenny 7, Bromby 7, Kilgallon 8, Geary 8, Carney 7, Armstrong 6, Hendrie 7, Stead 7, Speed 7, Tonge 7, Sharp 7, Hulse 6, Gillespie -,Shelton -.
United have completed the loan signing of Manchester United winger Lee Martin until the end of the season. Martin has just completed a successful three-month loan spell at Plymouth, who wanted to keep hold of the 20-year-old. But Blades manager Bryan Robson moved quickly to conclude a deal with his former United boss Sir Alex Ferguson to land the highly-rated youngster. Martin said: "I spoke to Sir Alex on Wednesday and he told me of the interest. There were a few other clubs interested, but it is good to know a big club like Sheffield United is interested in me. "Plymouth wanted to extend my stay, but the decision was made by myself and Sir Alex. I will work hard but hopefully I can bring a bit of flair, pace and energy." Martin, who has appeared twice for Manchester United's first team, is suspended for Saturday's visit of QPR after reaching five bookings this season.
Bryan Robson has indicated Leigh Bromby has played his way back into his plans. Bromby has returned to the starting XI in the last two games after a spell out of the first team. Bromby has impressed at centre-back since his return to the side and Robson has been happy with 27-year-old impact. "I was pleased with Leigh Bromby," said Robson. "Since I put him in at centre-half he's had two cracking games and to be fair to him he said he would fill in at right-back, but he wants to play in the middle."
David Carney has his eye on the play-offs after his first goal for United propelled the Blades into the forth round of the FA Cup. While United might be off the pace in the Championship, Carney, 24, is convinced this victory can kick-start their season. Next up are improving QPR on Saturday and he said: "We can take confidence from this win. "If we can string four or five victories together then you should see us in the play-offs. That is where we belong." Carney got the all-important goal in the 42nd minute when he drilled a low shot beyond Ali Al Habsi into the corner following a glorious through-ball from Stephen Quinn. Carney said: "I was happy to get off the mark as it was my first game in the FA Cup." "I made a few runs in the first half but I did not get picked out. Then Stephen played the ball through and I got on the end of it."
Bolton Wanderers 0 Sheffield United 1 (Attendance: 15,286 )
Blades Line-up: Kenny, Geary (Gillespie 75), Bromby, Kilgallon, Armstrong, Stephen Quinn, Montgomery, Hendrie (Sharp 73), Carney, Shelton (Hulse 73), Stead.
Man of The Match: Matt Kilgallon.
Bolton Line-up: Al Habsi, Hunt (Dzemaili 46), Andrew O'Brien (Meite 78), Michalik, Cid, Guthrie, Joey O'Brien, Cohen, Giannakopoulos, Diouf (Wilhelmsson 64), Braaten.
Referee: Peter Walton (Northamptonshire).
David Carney steered United past Premier League opposition and into the fourth round of the FA Cup with a 1-0 win away to Bolton. Bryan Robson made several changes to the side which drew at Wolves, with Gary Naysmith, James Beattie and Danny Webber injured and with Michael Tonge was suspended. The Blades boss recalled Derek Geary, Luton Shelton, Nick Montgomery, David Carney and Stephen Quinn to the side. Gary Speed was ineligible for this match under the terms of his loan agreement. Bolton manager Gary Megson made several alterations from the match with Derby in midweek, with Tamir Cohen in the starting XI and Blerim Dzemaili included on the bench. The match started off very quietly with both defences on top. Very few attacking spells occurred. United were backed by fantastic support with a massive following. The Blades fans making it sound like a home match for Robson men. Daniel Braaten had his first chance for Bolton, after just six minutes only to head over the bar following a cross from El-Hadji Diouf. United took their time to settle but Lee Bromby did try to release Luton Shelton in the 14th minute, however Al Habsi came racing out of his goal to make the interception. Braaten again came close a minute later when his close range effort was blocked after Stelios Giannakopoulos had headed back a cross from Diouf. Shortly after that, a good left-footed cross by Chris Armstrong was met with a powerful head by Geary but in the end went well wide. United were finding Braaten a bit of a handful at this stage and he tried a spectacular overhead kick in the 20th minute that came to nothing. A few minutes later saw the best chance of the match so far. Nicky Hunt committed himself and allowed in Armstrong, his cross found Shelton unmarked six yards in front of goal but he inexplicably elected to stoop low and head the ball over the bar when a volley seemed on. Three minutes before the break United grabbed the lead. Carney made a run across the Trotters defence and he was spotted by Quinn. The Australian international beat the offside trap, and from the left calmly played the ball across Al Habsi into the corner of the net. Megson now realising he was under the cosh from Sheffield's top team, made a substitution with Dzemaili replacing Nicky Hunt. Bolton almost found a way back after 50 minutes, Danny Guthrie's break resulted in a weak but awkward shot, Paddy Kenny spilled the ball but was able to scoop it up before the advancing Stelios could get a touch. Lee Hendrie released Shelton in the 60th minute but his poor cross was deflected to safety. The unpopular Diouf made his last contribution by picking up a yellow card for taking the legs from Geary before being replaced by Christian Wilhelmsson after 66 minutes. After 85 minutes, and with the Blades leading, Robson unexpectedly brought on three forwards with Keith Gillespie, Rob Hulse and Billy Sharp replacing Geary, Shelton and Hendrie. This was followed by another tactical substitution by the desperate Megson. Andy O'Brien was replaced by Meite, and this allowed Michalik to go up-front and give Bolton another attacking threat. The change did not worry United who almost added a second in the 75th minute, Stead fired in a shot from a good position which rose just over the bar. In the closing stages, Bolton became more anxious and pushed forward, and from a Dzemaili free-kick, Stelios held the ball up for Michalik but he was blocked by Armstrong. Then a header from Michalik was comfortably for saved by Kenny. Four minutes of injury-time was added. United were killing time with Hulse and Sharp keeping the ball in the corner. Bolton goalkeeper Al Habsi spent most of the last four minutes in the Blades 18 yard box, but Bolton's late surge was to no avail, and Megson and his Trotters had been kicked out of the Cup by the Blades.
Blades Player Performance Ratings v. Bolton Wanderers:
Kenny 6, Geary 6, Gillespie 6, Bromby 7, Kilgallon 8, Armstrong 6, Stephen Quinn 6, Montgomery 7, Hendrie 6, Sharp 6, Carney 7, Shelton 6, Hulse 6, Stead 6.
Manager Bryan Robson is hoping to bring in two new faces in the next week. The Blades boss is also looking to sign on-loan Manchester United defender Phil Bardsley on a permanent basis. United have had an inconstant season, but Robson is hopeful that reinforcements will make for a positive second half of to the campaign. Robson said: "I've made some calls which are favourable and managers will make up their minds 100 per cent next week. "I think people want to get the third round of the FA Cup out of the way. Hopefully things can be sorted then and I remain positive over a couple of situations." On Bardsley's future Robson added: "We're in negotiations with his agent, so hopefully we can tie him down to a permanent switch to Bramall Lane. "Things overall are looking good on the transfer front, so I can go to the board with my list of players and let them decide if we can afford what I want."
Defender Leigh Bromby insists he has no intention of quitting Bramall Lane. The New Year's Day clash with Wolves was Bromby's first outing since October's League Cup defeat to Arsenal, but he has denied his days with the Blades are numbered. Bromby commented: "I have never wanted to leave Bramall Lane and I still have a year on my contract, but if you aren't playing games it makes things a bit more difficult. "I'm not a player who likes to sit around; I want to be playing week in, week out." The defender has also played down any talk of a rift with boss Bryan Robson, adding: "I went to see him on a few occasions and everything is fine between us. Hopefully I can take my chance and get a few games under my belt."
Phil Bardsley is confident United can kick-start their promotion challenge with some good results over the next few weeks. Defender Bardsley is expected to seal a permanent move to the Lane during the January transfer window and, with a couple more additions tot he squad, expects the Blades to "get the show on the road". Bardsley said: "We need to get a league run going again, starting against QPR. "We need a few home wins and we are looking to put that right as soon as we can. "The gaffer is looking to bring in one or two which will give everyone a boost and there is no reason why we can't get the show on the road."
Wolverhampton Wanderers 0 Sheffield United 0 (Attendance: 24,791 )
Blades Line-up: Kenny, Bardsley, Kilgallon, Bromby, Naysmith, Hendrie (Montgomery 84), Tonge, Speed, Stead (Gillespie 84), Armstrong, Hulse.
Man of The Match: Jon Stead.
Wolves Line-up: Hennessey, Foley, Darren Ward, Collins, Gray, Gibson, Olofinjana, Henry, Stephen Ward (Eastwood 77), Keogh (Elliott 65), Bothroyd.
Referee: Lee Mason (Lancashire).
United gained a useful point against Wolves in a boring goalless draw at Molineux on New Year's Day.
Gary Speed was given his debut for United in midfield with Leigh Bromby and Lee Hendrie also returning to the starting XI. Wolves were unchanged from their weekend draw at Norwich. It was a scrappy opening to the game with the first shot going the way of the Blades. Rob Hulse found Speed who half-volleyed, and Wolves goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey turned the ball around the post. After 11 minutes, Wolves striker Andy Keogh tried to loop a shot over the Blades goalkeeper Paddy Kenny. Straight after, Keogh won a free kick outside the area which produced a chance for Neill Collins to head wide. At the mid-point of the half, Jon Stead back-heeled for Hulse and he flashed a ball across the face of goal but there was no one on hand to make a connection. Minutes later, Hendrie turned just inside the area and tried a shot but Hennessey gathered comfortably. Just before the half-hour mark, Darron Gibson crossed for Stephen Ward but the Irishman was not able to get a clean head to the chance, and it went wide. And Wolves midfielder Karl Henry had a shot from a central position that was blocked by Speed, before Michael Gray wasted the follow up ball. The game was scrappy with each side wasting half chances, and Wolves having the better of the overall possession. After good hold up play, Hulse supplied Stead who fired a left-footed shot which deflected over. At the other end Matt Kilgallon cleared from winger Jay Bothroyd. Three minutes before the break, Bothroyd sent in a corner and Collins headed just over the Blades crossbar. After 52 minutes, there was neat play involving Michael Tonge and Hendrie before the ball found its way through to Hulse. But, the Blades striker was not quick enough in the final third, and another good opportunity was missed. Two minutes later, the hard working Stead turned in the area but his shot went wide and, then, Hendrie won the ball just outside the box and weaved a path through to goal but Welsh keeper Hennessey made a save with his legs. On 64 minutes, Chris Armstrong found Hulse, and the Blades striker beat Darren Ward and shot wide from just outside the 18 yard box. A minute later, Wolves manager Mick McCarthy made a substitution with striker Stephen Elliott replacing Keogh in attack. After more wasted chances for both sides, Wolves had a good chance. Bothroyd found George Olofinjana in the United box. The big Nigerian appeared to foul Gary Naysmith much to the anger of the Blades fans. Under pressure from Bromby, midfielder Olofinjana found himself one-on-one with Kenny, but rushed his chance, and Kenny duly blocked. Neither team could find a breakthrough and chances were being missed at both ends. Olofinjana then had a long-range shot, which appeared to be heading wide, but just to be sure Kenny was down to make the save. After 77 minutes, Freddy Eastwood came on to replace Stephen Ward, and nine minutes later, Montgomery replaced Hendrie and Keith Gillespie was on for Stead. In the final stages Wolves were under increasing pressure from their fans, and tried to get forward, the best chance they could muster was when Bothroyd headed on for Olofinjana, but Kenny was quickest and made the save. At the final whistle the Wanderers fans’ made their displeasure known with much of the abuse aimed at manager McCarthy. And although United had not found the winner today, in retrospect, a point at Molineux should be considered a good result. And even though it has been frustrating recently, we must start to get behind the manager and players for the rest of the season and we will make the play-offs. There’s also big match in coming in mid-January, and we want ourselves, our manager and players to be positive and confident mood for our visit to S6. So, get behind the Blades in the next few weeks.
Blades Player Performance Ratings v. Wolverhampton Wanderers:
Kenny 7, Bardsley 6, Kilgallon 6, Bromby 7, Naysmith 6, Hendrie 6, Tonge 6, Speed 7, Stead 7, Armstrong 6, Hulse 6, Montgomery -, Gillespie -