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29th March Kevin Blackwell was disappointed by the performance of the referee during the 3-1 defeat at Preston. The Blades manager had led the Blades to four consecutive wins prior to the trip to Deepdale, a run which had built up hopes of a late surge for the play-offs. However, the loss now leaves them eight points adrift of the top six, and Blackwell feels that they did not get the rub of the green in Lancashire. "We gave it everything," he said. "It's just frustrating and disappointing that we didn't get anything. "I thought that whoever played at home today got the decisions that mattered. I wish we had been playing at home. "There were a number of decisions where we didn't know what was going on. If I say too much about the ref and officials, you get fined. "It was a great game, it was blood and thunder. We just could not nick that goal in the end and we were disappointed with the goals we let in. "The lads gave me everything they have got. That's all that I can ask for as a manager."It was a big game between two in-form sides. I felt both sides gave it a good go."
29th March Preston North End 3 Sheffield United 1 (Attendance: 14,647) Kenny, Halls, Kilgallon, Morgan, Naysmith (Beattie 67), Cotterill (Gillespie 84), Tonge, Speed, Carney (Quinn 58), Sharp, Hulse. Booked: Kilgallon 27, Morgan 72. Sent Off: Morgan 90+3 (second yellow card). Scorer: Beattie 87 (pen). Man of The Match: David Cotterill.
Preston Line-up: Lonergan, Jones, Mawene, St. Ledger, Davidson (Hill 46), Sedgwick, McKenna, Carter, Whaley (Chaplow 82), Brown, Mellor. Booked: Mellor 90+4. Scorers: Davidson 28 (pen), Mellor 63, 90.
Referee: Clive Oliver (Northumberland).
The Blades lost their five-match winning run as they lost out in a 3-1 defeat against Preston North End at Deepdale. United made just one change to the side that won at Barnsley last week. John Halls was given his full debut replacing Derek Geary who was struggling with a hamstring problem. For Preston, Neil Mellor started in place of fellow striker Tamas Priskin. It was a bright start from both teams though the blustery wind and rain were making life difficult for both sides. There were about 2,500 Unitedites in the stadium at the Shankly end, and they were out shouting their counterparts as the match kicked off. The first chance went to United when Michael Tonge’s pass was intended for David Cotterill, but Preston defender Sean St. Ledger almost embarrassingly sliced the ball over the top of his own keeper, the ball just clearing the crossbar. The Blades could have had the lead after 14 minutes, Paul McKenna lost the ball and Tonge made his way through a crowded midfield and found David Carney in plenty of space on the left, but his chip across goal went all the way out to Cotterill on the right side of the box, and he failed to get a shot in and Youl Mawene cleared for Preston. Preston went ahead in the 28th minute of the match. Simon Whaley sent a ball over the Blades defence and Matt Kilgallon dragged Mellor down and the linesman instantly flagged for a penalty. Callum Davidson sent goalkeeper Paddy Kenny the wrong way to give the home side the lead. Just before the break, Chris Morgan was forced to head over his own crossbar as Mellor delivered a cross from the right. At the start of the second half, the Lilywhites wasted two early chances, a Simon Whaley free-kick crossed from the left flank well blocked by onrushing Blades defenders, and moments later, Whaley was clear on the left again after stealing the ball off Cotterill, but with plenty of options his left-footed effort was found wanting. After 58 minutes, Gary Speed hit a rasping free-kick towards goal and Preston goalkeeper Andy Lonergan had to be at his best to palm the ball away. Kevin Blackwell then made his first substitution for United when Stephen Quinn replaced Carney. And seconds after his entrance, Quinn had the ball in the back of the Preston net. Rob Hulse found Speed and he nodded the ball into the path of Quinn who slotted the ball into the back of the net from about 12 yards out, but the linesman was flagging for offside. The Lilywhites went two up on 64 minutes. Chris Sedgwick on the left wing managed to direct the ball into the path of Mellor who beat Cotterill, and after several touches which took him into the Blades box he slotted the ball beyond Kenny into the back of the net. Preston could have had a third on just four minutes later. Mellor, who had cut in from the right, was brought down by Morgan. The ball fell kindly for Darren Carter and the referee waved play on giving the Lilywhites an advantage. Carter smashed the ball at goal and Kenny did well to save. Morgan was then shown a yellow card for his earlier challenge on Mellor. Five minutes from time, Speed was unhappy with the referee when the Blades midfielder appeared to have been held by Jones in the penalty area after Tonge had crossed. Soon after, the Blades were awarded a penalty after a long ball had arrived in the Preston box and Billy Jones manhandled Morgan. James Beattie on as a substitute and he immediately claimed the ball and then stepped up to smash it into the roof of the net to give the Blades some hope. United committed players forward looking for the equaliser and Mawene's poor pass allowed Quinn in to cross but Hulse with his back to goal turned and volleyed the ball over the bar. There was amazement when the fourth official indicated that six minutes were to be played, but the optimism was dashed when three minutes into the added time Morgan was sent off. The ball broke to Mellor on the right and he and Morgan collided as they battled for possession. Mellor went down easily and the Blades defender was harshly dismissed after receiving his second yellow card of the afternoon. With United piling forward they were always going to be hopelessly exposed at the back and Mellor seized his chance collecting the ball near the half-way line and easily turned inside Halls and stormed towards goal before firing the ball past Kenny to give the home side victory. Kenny 6, Halls 6, Kilgallon 6, Morgan 6, Naysmith 6, Cotterill 7, Tonge 6, Speed 6, Carney 6, Quinn 7, Sharp 6, Hulse 6, Beattie 7.
25th March Manager Kevin Blackwell will not be adding any new loan signings to his squad before this week's deadline. Football League clubs have up until Thursday evening to sign players on loan, but Blackwell is in no hurry after seeing the Blades win their last four league matches. Blackwell commented on the situation saying: "I'm not really looking to do something at the moment, there are still five or six players I haven't seen play in the first team, so I haven't assessed everybody. "When I came I needed to build an understanding on the field so I had to field a more or less settled team, just making the odd change when I had to. "The players have done such a good job that it has made my job easier - how can I change a team when it has done well?"
22nd March Kevin Blackwell believes Billy Sharp came of age with the winner that gave United a first win over Barnsley at Oakwell in 19 years. Lifelong Blades fan Sharp rammed home an angled shot low into the bottom corner in the 77th minute to clinch resurgent United a fourth straight Championship win. The 22-year-old has now hit three goals in as many games to help catapult the Blades up the table and end a drought which stretched back as far as September following his summer move back to his hometown club from Scunthorpe. Blackwell said: "I thought it was a terrific goal. People say to me: 'Billy Sharp, £2million - I'd have paid £4million.' You look at that and you realise why. "Goals like that, the kid now is looking like whenever he gets in there he can finish and you have to pay money for players that can finish. "With a game as tight as it was today, it's proven to be a terrific finish. "Billy will get the plaudits today and when you look at what's happened to him over the season I think he richly deserves it."
22nd March Barnsley 0 Sheffield United 1 (Attendance: 15,798) Kenny, Geary (Halls 37), Morgan, Kilgallon, Naysmith, Cotterill, Speed, Tonge, Carney (Gillespie 71), Sharp, Hulse (Beattie 62). Booked: Sharp. Scorer: Sharp 77. Man of The Match: Billy Sharp.
Barnsley Line-up: Steele, Foster, Nyatanga, Souza (Van Homoet 36), Kozluk, Devaney, Howard, Hassell, Leon (Ferenczi 83), Macken, Odejayi (Nardiello 72).
Referee: Lee Probert (Wiltshire).
A late Billy Sharp goal secured another three points for United, this time at the expense of Barnsley in a 1-0 victory. Kevin Blackwell named an unchanged team for the short journey to Oakwell. James Beattie had recovered from a groin problem and was named on the substitute’s bench. For Barnsley, Bobby Hassell, Martin Devaney and Diego Leon came back into the side. In freezing conditions and with a strong swirling wind making conditions difficult, it was Barnsley who created the first opening as Jon Macken chased down Kayode Odejayi's flick on. Odejayi then caused problems in the Blades area after two minutes as the striker looked to control a loose ball but Chris Morgan cleared the danger. David Cotterill brought save from Barnsley goalkeeper Luke Steele five minutes later, as he smashed a bouncing ball at goal but the Reds keeper was down quickly to smother his shot. A minute later, Martin Devaney pounced on a loose ball after being supplied by Leon. Devaney chipped the ball to the back stick to give Odejayi a chance but the big striker lost his footing his opportunity was gone. Midfielder Leon had the United defence on the back foot five minutes later as he raced through the centre of midfield before his effort cannoned away off defender Matt Kilgallon and out to safety. Then, Macken brought the ball down and fired from the edge of the area but his effort was easily blocked by Blades goalkeeper Paddy Kenny. After 23 minutes, David Carney was fouled by Devaney. In the scramble that followed the free kick, Sharp saw a shot blocked, and at the other end Brian Howard brought a save from Kenny with a volley. United should have been in front on 24 minutes, Barnsley full-back Rob Kozluk conceded a free-kick and following a neat move involving Sharp and Michael Tonge, the ball went to Cotterill and the Blades winger got in behind Lewin Nyatanga to deliver a superb cross but somehow Rob Hulse headed wide of the target from six yards out. Four minutes later, Leon almost broke the deadlock when he let fly from the edge of the area but Kenny was again alert and dived full-length to palm the ball out. Barnsley suffered a blow on 36 minutes when Dennis Souza clashed with Hulse on the edge of the area. Souza was unable to continue and was replaced by Marciano Van Homoet in defence. Straight after, United were forced into an early change when right-back Derek Geary departed with a head injury. He was replaced by John Halls who slotted into his favoured position. Just before the break, Macken found Devaney in the Blades area but lashed his shot high over the top of Kenny's goal, and United had a half chance when Tonge cut out a pass intended for Leon. Two minutes into the second half, midfield man Howard brought an early save from Kenny. Seconds later Macken crossed for Odejayi but Morgan produced a good block close to the goal line. United had a good shout for a penalty on 48 minutes when Cotterill crossed and from Carney header the ball appeared to hit Van Homoet arm, but the referee waved play on. Hassell got on the end of a Howard corner and saw his shot cannon away in a crowded penalty area, and straight after, Stephen Foster could not direct the ball towards goal under pressure after another Howard cross. On 58 minutes, Cotterill got the better of Kozluk and crossed from the by-line but Carney could not get his volley on target at the far post. Barnsley fans had a laughable shout for a penalty when Morgan out-muscled Odejayi after Foster had played the ball back from a corner. The conditions were slowly deteriorating with snow now falling and this was being made even worse by a swirling wind. Beattie finally made his entrance into the action on 62 minutes when he replaced Hulse. A minute later, Hassell and Howard combined well to send Macken towards goal, but the striker saw his shot ricochet off Kilgallon and through to Kenny. United were slowly taking control, and were backed by a large following of Blades fans who had completely out sang the home supporters. Carney’s volley struck Van Homoet as it looked to be heading towards Steele in the Barnsley goal. The Reds had a lucky escape after 75 minutes had passed. A long ball from Tonge found Gary Speed who raced through on goal. The Barnsley defenders where caught out, and they appeared to be hoping for an offside decision but to no avail. Speed then left Nyatanga and Foster behind him and crashed a shot against the left-hand post, but it agonisingly hit the inside of the post and flashed across the goal-line and out of play on the right, much to the disbelief of the Blades fans behind the goal. But, the Blades supporters were right behind their side and the opening goal came just three minutes later. From a Barnsley goal-kick, Morgan's header downfield found Speed in the centre of the field and the Blades midfielder sent a through ball to Sharp on the right of the Barnsley defence. The Blades striker held off Kozluk and smashed the ball past Steele and into the bottom left hand corner before celebrated with the Blades faithful who were behind the goal. Unitedites were now in full voice and poking fun at their lowly rivals. Such was the sound coming from the Blades following anyone would have been mistaken for thinking it was United who were the home team. Chances were few in the closing stages. Beattie wasted a half chance after 81 minutes when Tonge and Sharpe had combined well. Howard woefully headed wide after Hassell’s cross, and Sharp had a curled effort deflected wide. United played out the three minutes of injury time for another memorable away victory and move us up to twelfth and now just six points from the play-off positions.
Kenny 7, Geary 6 , Halls 7, Morgan 7, Kilgallon 7, Naysmith 6, Cotterill 7, Speed 8, Tonge 7, Carney 6, Gillespie 6, Sharp 8, Hulse 6, Beattie 6.
15th March Blades boss Kevin Blackwell refused to rule out a late challenge for the Championship play-offs following a 2-0 victory over Norwich. United have been transformed since Blackwell's arrival at the Lane last month and have now climbed to 13th in the table after dropping dangerously close to the relegation zone. The Blades secured their third Championship victory in succession courtesy of second-half goals from Billy Sharp and Matt Kilgallon and Blackwell was impressed by their performance. Blackwell said: "All we can do is keep winning and, if we do that, then you never know where it might take us. "But this is a topsy-turvy division and so the first thing we want to do is get to 50 points. "When you look at results across the league then it might actually take a few more (points) than that but that was the best performance since I've been here by a country mile. "I was actually a little bit miffed to come in at half-time not winning and I was worried we might live to rue the fact. But we didn't and that was exactly the type of display I want. "The place was buzzing and so were the team."
15th March Sheffield United 2 Norwich City 0 (Attendance: 25,536) Kenny, Naysmith, Morgan, Kilgallon, Geary, Cotterill, Carney, Speed, Tonge, Hulse (Stead 78), Sharp (Ehiogu 90). Scoers: Sharp 52, Kilgallon 56. Man of The Match: Rob Hulse.
Norwich Line-up: Marshall, Otsemobor, Shackell (Doherty 68), Pearce, Bertrand, Huckerby, Fotheringham, Gibbs (Croft 62), Pattison, Cureton, Evans (Dublin 79). Booked: Shackell 33, Gibbs 59, Otsemobor 64.
Referee: Michael Oliver (Northumberland).
Sheffield United recorded their third consecutive victory in arguably the best home performance of the season beating Norwich City 2-0 at Bramall Lane. There was one change to United’s line-up with Rob Hulse replacing the injured James Beattie. Billy Sharp was partnering Hulse in attack. Norwich saw three changes with Ryan Bertrand and Darren Huckerby retuning to the side. Ched Evans partnered Jamie Cureton up-front. The Blades were again forced to kick towards the Shoreham Kop, and the first chance went to United. A corner after five minutes was met by Chris Morgan and then volleyed over by Matt Kilgallon. Three minutes later, a low cross from Gary Naysmith found its way into the six-yard area to Sharp, but with the goal at his mercy he mis-kicked from close in and the ball rolled to goalkeeper David Marshall. United continued the early pressure and after 15 minutes, David Cotterill crossed and Hulse headed down well, forcing Marshall to collect at his feet. Norwich finally had a chance minutes later when Kieran Gibbs ran 20 yards before blasting narrowly wide from the edge of the Blades 18 yard box. Then, Cureton managed to test goalkeeper Paddy Kenny with a drilled low drive from 25 yards out, after work from Jon Otsemobor and Ched Evans on the right. Another break on the right in the 29th minute saw Otsemobor's cross nodded down for Huckerby and his low shot was blocked by the out-stretched boot of Matt Kilgallon. Norwich defenders were finding the Blades front line difficult to handle and Jason Shackell was rightly a booked for persistent fouling after continually pushing and holding Hulse at every turn. After 35 minutes, a Michael Tonge free-kick was blocked by the Canaries wall, and Morgan fired just over. Hulse's curling effort from the left-hand corner of the box crashed against the foot of the post and bounced to safety and at other end, Cureton did well to line up Huckerby for a shot which went just wide of Kenny's post. Just before the break, Huckerby in his white boots was lurking on the left and cut in before rolling a pass into the path of Matthew Pattison, but the South African midfielder blasted his shot well over from 18 yards out and into the top tier at the Bramall Lane end. The last chance of the half went to United, and it was supplied by Cotterill who was proving a real menace on the wing for Norwich, and he delivered another fine cross for Hulse, but the Blades strikers’ firm header flashed wide of the post. For most of the season we had watched the Blades players struggling to play with any freedom of movement in defensive minded systems, so it was great to see them back to the Blades of old – taking the game to their opponents from the start, and United were straight on the attack at the beginning of the second half. And after a wasteful effort from Norwich’s Mark Fotheringham from 25 yards which went flying over, the Blades were quickly back on the front foot and Sharp did well to control and turn and fire in from a Derek Geary cross. After 52 minutes, United got their deserved opener. A poorly taken throw-in by Ryan Bertrand deep in the Norwich half had been taken far too quickly, and Shackell's clearance went straight to Cotterill. The United winger crossed and after bouncing unkindly off Alex Pearce went straight into the path of Sharp, and the Blades striker buried a low drive from ten yards past the helpless Marshall before celebrating in front of the John Street Stand. And three minutes later the Blades doubled their lead. Norwich conceded a corner and from David Carney’s delivery from the right, Kilgallon stormed in completely unmarked with a bullet header from six yards into the empty net. The second goal was a soft goal to concede and Norwich must have been desperate because soon after they resorted to trying to con the referee when Gibbs was booked for a dive in the penalty area in front of the Kop. In the 61st minute Glenn Roeder responded with the game's first substitution, Lee Croft coming on for Gibbs and immediately moving to the right wing as Huckerby trotted over to the left. But the change made little difference, and United continued to pressure for a third goal and came close again when Cotterill’s curling cross was met by Hulse, but the Blades front-man could only put it wide. A couple of chance then went the Canaries. First, from Evans when he met Cureton's cut-back with a first time effort which Kenny superbly saved palming the ball out low to his left post, this was greeted with rapturous applause from the Kop faithful behind the goal. And three minutes later Cureton had a go himself, testing Kenny with a 25-yarder which the Blades keeper collected well, after a potentially awkward bounce in front of the in-form Blades keeper. Roeder made his second change of the match on 67 minutes, Shackell who had been run ragged by Hulse all afternoon, was finally replaced by veteran Gary Doherty. A minute later Evans earned a free-kick for the visitors and then powered a rising shot through the wall which Kenny could only palm away. United made their first substitution of the afternoon on 78 minutes as Hulse made way for Jon Stead. Although Hulse had not found the net his contribution had been immense, and he received a standing ovation from the Lane faithful as he made his exit. This was followed by Dion Dublin replacing Evans in the Norwich attack. In the final stages United looked comfortable as Norwich tried to find a way back. The closest they came were two chances in the final minute, the first a header from Dublin which looped before dropping for Kenny and forcing him to tip it behind for a corner, and from the resulting corner Pearce’s close-range effort deflected off Cureton to safety. The final whistle was greeted by cheers and everyone went home with smiling faces. Three wins in a row - Happy days seem to back at the Lane again.
Kenny 8, Naysmith 7, Morgan 7, Kilgallon 7, Geary 7, Cotterill 8, Carney 7, Speed 7, Tonge 7, Hulse 8, Sharp 7, Stead 6, Ehiogu -
14th March The Blades have signed defender John Halls on a one month loan from Reading. The 26 year-old can play at right-back or as a central defender. Kevin Blackwell commenting about the new signing said: "Because of our problems with injuries I am delighted to bring in John Halls to the club. "Hopefully, he'll have a good stay and be able to put himself in the shop window as he is out of contract at the end of the season."
11th March Boss Kevin Blackwell paid tribute to Billy Sharp after the striker helped the Blades to a vital 2-1 victory over Coventry. It was Sharp's first league goal for United following his emotional return to the club from Scunthorpe in the summer. Gary Speed followed up to score after seeing his own penalty saved to make it 2-0 before Elliott Ward's late reply from the spot. "All credit to Billy," Blackwell said. "He's a Blade through and through and so I can only imagine the pressure he was under. "He's worked his socks off and even when things haven't been going right for him he's shown great bravery by continually getting in the box. "Hopefully that will be the first of many for him. I can't tell you how delighted I am for him." Blackwell added: "We've not won at home for a while now and we had to break that hoodoo. But that was more like it and it should do wonders for everyone's confidence."
11th March Sheffield United 2 Covnentry City 1 (Attendance: 23,864) Kenny, Geary, Morgan, Kilgallon, Naysmith, Carney (Gillespie 64), Tonge, Speed, Cotterill (Ehiogu 90), Sharp, Beattie (Hulse 57). Subs Not Used: Bennett, Stead. Booked: Sharp 70, Hulse 73, Morgan 80. Scorers: Sharp 69, Speed 78 (pen). Man of The Match: Billy Sharp.
Coventry Line-up: Marshall, Dann, Ward, Osbourne, Fox, Tabb, Hughes, Doyle, Thornton, Mifsud, Best. Subs Not Used: Ireland, Hall, Andrews, Simpson, Gray. Booked: Ward 63, Tabb 75, Hughes 76, Fox 77, Osbourne 88. Scorer: Ward 81 (pen).
Referee: Andy Hall (West Midlands).
Billy Sharp finally scored his first goal for United in an exciting 2-1 victory over Coventry City at Bramall Lane. Both teams were unchanged form their weekend wins. There was a one minute silent tribute to former Blades Chairman Derek Dooley, who passed away last week. Coventry must have won the toss because United were forced to kick towards the Shoreham Kop in the first half. There was a heavy cross wind blowing towards the John Street Stand and the Kop. The action was frantic from the start and the Sky Blues had the first chance after four minutes, Scott Dann saw his shot blocked by Paddy Kenny and then from the ensuing scramble the ball was cleared off the goal line by Gary Speed. A minute later, Sharp beat goalkeeper Andy Marshall but in a awkward position, he was unable to get any power on his shot and James Beattie was lurking in front of goal but did not add a touch to the ball obviously thinking he would be given offside, unfortunately Elliot Ward cleared from in front of the goal-line. Many on the Kop were bewildered why Beattie had not added a final touch, it could only have been the risk of offside as Beattie stood there and watched the ball before it was cleared away. Then, Beattie beat the advancing Marshall to the ball on the edge of the area and Daniel Fox was forced to hack the danger away as it bounced towards goal. The Blades had the ball in the back of the net on 19 minutes when Sharp turned in David Carney's cross but the flag was up and the goal would not stand. Coventry had a corner on 19 minutes, and Michael Mifsud's long range shot was deflected by Dann but Kenny was well placed and Leon Best fired woefully over the crossbar from 20 yards out. After 19 minutes, Sharp was caught offside, and a minute later David Carney crossed but Beattie lost his chance at the back post. Best curled his shot around the post with half an hour having elapsed, and Coventry defender Fox also tried his luck from distance as the rain poured down in a short lived storm. Just before half-time and with the rain having gone, Beattie fired a fired a free kick over from 30 yards out. The Sky Blues created an opportunity just before the break when Kevin Thornton's strike towards goal was deflected wide from a corner, but Dann's chance from the follow-up was superbly pushed around the post by Kenny to leave the match goalless at the interval. Both sides emerged for the second half looking likely, but it was Coventry who had the first opportunity with 49 minutes having gone when Mifsud’s shot deflected off Matt Kilgallon and into the side netting. The Blades made a change when Rob Hulse replaced James Beattie, before Ward went into the book for impeding Kenny four minutes later. After 64 minutes, Keith Gillespie was introduced to the action taking the place of Carney. The goal everyone had been waiting for finally arrived after 69 minutes, Derek Geary’s shot was initially blocked and David Cotterill wearing golden boots crossed to the far post, and Sharp rose above Ward from about six yards out to head past Marshall. Sharp reeled away in celebration removing his shirt and swirling it around in front of the South Stand. As he returned to the centre circle the Referee was gleefully waiting for him, and booked the celebrating striker for removing his shirt. After 78 minutes, United were awarded a penalty after the referee adjudged that Michael Hughes had pushed Sharp. The Blades were happy to accept the decision although it was a harsh decision against the Sky Blues and most one the Kop were unsure why it had been given. From the resulting spot kick, Speed saw his penalty saved by Marshall but he had no problem tucking away the rebound to make it 2-0. Then, Coventry defender Dann made a mistake and Sharp pounced, but through on goal and with only Marshall to beat, the Blades striker side-footed just wide. Referee Kettle had been whistling throughout the match and gave another dubious decision after 80 minutes when Coventry were given the chance to make it 2-1 minutes after they were awarded another penalty for Chris Morgan's alleged foul on Mifsud. It was obvious the referee had lost the plot, and realising he had made a mistake awarding the first penalty had decided to even the count, and Ward duly blasted the ball past Kenny to give the visitors hope. Late on, Hulse squandered a chance with an attempted lob and Gillespie crossed for Sharp but he was stopped by Fox. In the final few seconds Blades defender Ugo Ehiogu came on this time replacing Cotterill. There were cheers on the final whistle for the Blades victory which has helped us move clear of the relegation zone and maybe four more points should guarantee safety. Kenny 8, Geary 6, Morgan 7, Kilgallon 6, Naysmith 6, Carney 6, Gillespie 6, Tonge 6, Speed 6, Cotterill 6, Sharp 8, Beattie 6, Hulse 6, Ehiogu -
7th March Sheffield United chairman Kevin McCabe wants to bring former England manager Graham Taylor to Bramall Lane. Taylor could return to the game with the Blades where McCabe has indicated his No.1 priority is to employ a 'head of football' at the Championship outfit. "He'd be top of my list," McCabe told the Daily Mail. "He'd be diplomatic, he wouldn't step on toes and he has great knowledge. "We're looking for a younger Sir Bobby Robson." Taylor has previously hinted at a move back into football, and the role of working closely with manager Kevin Blackwell could be the perfect route back into the game for the former England boss.
5th March Kevin Blackwell celebrated his first win as United boss but then turned the spotlight on to his side following the win at Plymouth. Striker James Beattie headed United's 63rd-minute winner but it was Republic of Ireland keeper Paddy Kenny and the Blades solid back four that ensured United ended their nine-game wait for a win. Delighted boss Blackwell admitted: "It's always nice to win games but we talk about the precursor to winning games is getting your performances right. "Other than Charlton last Saturday, I think our performances have involved hard work, been dogged and from there we maybe lost the cleverness of how to win games. "If you keep drawing games, you forget how to win games. Now we have got to learn how to win and this will go a long way to giving them that confidence." As for Kenny, who made four top-class saves, former keeper Blackwell added: "That's the capabilities of Paddy Kenny and that's why I said when the back four look behind and see this lad there, they have got to be confident - and I thought today proved it." Kenny denied Jermaine Easter at the start of the second half, a save which proved pivotal as United scored soon after. Gary Speed showed his class to find Beattie, who sent David Cotterill away down the right before meeting the winger's cross with a powerful header from inside the six-yard box. That was the signal for Argyle to use the swirling wind to their advantage and pour forward in search of an equaliser. But Kenny was having none of it and made superb saves to keep out a deflected effort from Russell Anderson, Peter Halmosi and substitute Jamie Mackie. Even when Kenny was eventually beaten in the second half, central defender Matthew Kilgallon made a magnificent clearance off the line to deny Halmosi, who had two first-half efforts cleared away by Blades skipper Chris Morgan and full-back Gary Naysmith. Naysmith also kept out Easter's shot as Plymouth looked for a way through.
8th March Plymouth Argyle 0 Sheffield United 1 (Attendance: 13,669) Kenny, Geary, Morgan, Kilgallon, Naysmith, Cotterill, Tonge, Speed, Carney (Gillespie 71), Beattie (Hulse 82), Sharp (Ehiogu 90). Booked: Naysmith, Morgan, Hulse. Scorer: Beattie 63. Man of The Match: Paddy Kenny.
Plymouth Line-up: McCormick, Connolly, Timar, Anderson, Sawyer, Teale (Clark 68), Nalis (Fallon 74), Abdou, Halmosi, Easter (Mackie 65), MacLean. Booked: Sawyer, Abdou.
Referee: Andy Hall (West Midlands).
United picked up a crucial victory down at Plymouth thanks to a James Beattie goal in the second half at Home Park. It was Kevin Blackwell’s first win after taking over at the Blades, and helps us move away from the relegation zone. Plymouth and Blades fans, players and management were united in a minute's emotional applause ahead of the kick-off as a tribute to Derek Dooley, who sadly passed away in midweek. David Carney returned to the starting line-up for United replacing Chris Armstrong on the left side of midfield in a 4-4-2 formation. This was the only change from the side which drew with Ipswich in midweek. Billy Sharp and Beattie were the strikers for the Blades. Plymouth boss Paul Sturrock stuck with the same team from their last match. Jermaine Easter and Steve MacLean led the forward line for the Pilgrims. Krisztian Timar was making his last appearance before a suspension kicked in. United had a small loyal following of possibly just over 500 supporters on the terraces. It was a match which was going to be severally hampered by the heavy wind and rain, and it was Plymouth who had the wind behind them in the first half. The Pilgrims made the better start to the game with Jermaine Easter’s shot an early test for the Blades defenders. Then Paddy Kenny had to be alert to thwart Peter Halmosi as the midfield man got the better of Derek Geary. Michael Tonge was again in top form in midfield for United, and he supplied David Cotterill to cross for Beattie. The Blades striker was hampered by the presence of defender Timar and his final touch was wayward. Gary Naysmith was unlucky to get himself booked for apparent time-wasting at a throw-in. Nadjim Abdou got forward for the Pilgrims on 25 minutes, and choosing to ignore his other team-mates in wide positions, his long range shot was easily saved by Kenny. Several corners followed for United but only Geary’s cross caused any problems for Luke McCormick in the Plymouth goal. United responded with their first threatening move, as Gary Speed's header forced McCormick to scramble the ball away for a corner at the foot of his post, and then straight after, Carneys free-kick was saved by the Plymouth keeper. As driving rain made conditions even more difficult on a poor quality playing surface, Plymouth suddenly came alive and put the Blades goal under pressure from both flanks. First, Halmosi linked with MacLean and he cut iniside and sent in a shot which Naysmith cleared off the goal-line. And then Gary Teale got in on the act, again freed by MacLean, for a cross which went all the way to Halmosi at the far post. This time, his shot was cleared from danger by Chris Morgan. United had a chance seven minutes before the break, when Carney laid off the ball for Naysmith to cross and Speed won a header on the six-yard box which McCormick fumbled around his near post. After a period of sustained pressure from United it was Plymouth who had the last chance of the half. Halmosi stormed forward and left two Blades defenders behind him, but his cross was intercepted by Naysmith. And in the last minute of the half, Teale crossed and at the back post Halmosi was again blocked by Morgan who booted the ball off the goal line. The weather had worsened since the start of the half-time interval, but at least United had the wind with them in the second half. Lillian Nalis had been the conductor of many of the chances Plymouth had enjoyed in the first 45 minutes, and he again released Easter behind the Blades defence with an inch perfect pass, but Easter dithered, before firing at Kenny who parried his shot away for a corner. The home side then forced the play and were caught on the break after 63 minutes when Speed initiated an attack that saw the Pilgrims stretched. Cotterill made time for himself to measure a superb cross for Beattie to head home unmarked, from a couple of yards out. In a desperate attempt to get back level, Sturrock threw on tricky forward Jamie Mackie and the combative Chris Clark in midfield; this allowed Halmosi to move to a right wing position. Keith Gillespie replaced Carney for United. Rory Fallon came on minutes later, as Plymouth changed to a more attacking 4-3-3 formation, this allowed the big striker to try and cause aerial problems for the United defence. With 15 minutes remaining, Fallon supplied Russell Anderson and the Pilgrims defender fired a shot which deflected as it went towards goal. Kenny did magnificently to dive full stretch and palm the ball away, and Naysmith was on hand to clear the danger. With United now concentrating on defensive matters, Matthew Kilgallon and Naysmith somehow cleared the ball from the goal line when Mackie had supplied a short pass inside for Halmosi. Then Cotterill's long-range drive was tipped over by McCormick’s fingertips after United broke quickly from defence. Cotterill was on the receiving end of a nasty challenge just before the end of the match, and it resulted in the administration of three bookings, including Rob Hulse who had just joined the action as a late substitute and somehow managed to get involved in the melee which had ensued after the tackle. United made another defensive substitution in the final minute when Ugu Ehiogu came trotting on to replace Sharp. In added time, Kenny made yet another outstanding save this time stopping Mackie in a crowded penalty area from a close range postition. And on the final whistle the victory was greeted with cheers from the small band of traveling Lane faithful. It had made the 700 mile round trip in horrible conditions worth every minute. United need about six points to guarantee safety and should have good chance of claiming three points on Tuesday when Coventry visit the Lane. Kenny 9, Geary 6, Morgan 7, Kilgallon 7, Naysmith 8, Cotterill 6, Tonge 8, Speed 6, Carney 6, Gillespie 6, Beattie 7, Hulse 6, Sharp 6, Ehiogu -
5th March Derek Dooley, who was involved with both Sheffield United and Wednesday, has died at the age of 78. Dooley was a legendary football figure in the city and former sports minister Richard Caborn said: "Derek epitomised everything that was good about sport. "He was the only person I know who brought both Sheffield clubs together. He was respected by both sets of fans." Dooley played for and managed Wednesday while he worked in several jobs off the field at United.
4th March Ipswich Town 1 Sheffield United 1 (Attendance: 20,190) Kenny, Geary, Morgan, Kilgallon, Naysmith, Cotterill, Speed, Tonge, Armstrong, Sharp (Hulse 69), Beattie. Booked: Speed 19, Naysmith 79. Scorer: Beattie 32. Man of The Match: Michael Tonge.
Ipswich Line-up: Bywater, Wright, De Vos, Naylor, Harding, Haynes (Quinn 70), Norris, Sumulikoski (Garvan 70), Walters, Lee, Counago. Scorer: Lee 54.
Referee: Kevin Friend (Leicestershire).
A late equaliser by Alan Lee denied Sheffield United their first win under Kevin Blackwell. James Beattie ended a seven-game goal drought with a first-half header to put United in front in the Championship clash, but Lee struck nine minutes into the second half, to deny the Blades and earn Ipswich a point in a 1-1 draw.
Kenny 6, Geary 6, Morgan 7, Kilgallon 7, Naysmith 6, Cotterill 6, Speed 6, Tonge 8, Armstrong 6, Sharp 6, Hulse 6, Beattie 7.
1st March Boss Kevin Blackwell launched a scathing attack on his players after their 2-0 home defeat by Charlton. The Addicks had not taken three points on their travels since November and conceded five at Blackpool last weekend. But they easliy triumphed at the Lane with goals from Chris Iwelumo and Sam Sodje. Blackwell said: "It was insipid and it wasn't good enough full stop. That isn't the Sheffield United I know. You need courage and we didn't have any. "It's not good enough and it certainly won't happen again while I'm here. I won't allow it. "Managers get the sack and they're held to account. But sometimes the players have to take responsibility too and they definitely should after that."
1st March Sheffield United 0 Charlton Athletic 2 (Attendance: 23,180) Kenny, Morgan, Kilgallon, Armstrong, Geary, Cotterill (Gillespie 64), Speed, Tonge, Quinn, Beattie (Hulse 75), Sharp (Stead 64). Sent Off: Quinn 93. Booked: Morgan 54, Armstrong 70. Man of The Match: Paddy Kenny.
Charlton Line-up: Weaver, Sodje, Youga, Halford, McCarthy, Zhi, Holland, Ambrose (Semedo 83), Varney (Scott Sinclair 71), Thomas, Iwelumo. Booked: Holland 43, McCarthy 54. Scorers: Iwelumo 45, Sodje 82.
Referee: Graham Laws (Tyne & Wear).
United are now without a win since January 12, after a poor showing against Charlton Athletic at Bramall Lane. Goals from Chris Iwelumo and Sam Sodje helped the Addicks to a 2-0 victory, and push the Blades closer to the relegation zone. The Blades made two changes from the FA Cup match at Middlesbrough with Chris Armstrong and David Cotterill returning to the side. Billy Sharp and James Beattie were the front-men for the Blades in a 4-4-2 formation. Charlton made four changes from last weekend with Iwelumo leading the line and striker Luke Varney moving out wide along with Jerome Thomas in a 4-5-1 formation. Kelly Youga returned from suspension and Sodje was back in the centre of defence. In the first few minutes, United created a couple of early corners which came to nothing. Sharp found himself in a couple of offside positions shortly afterwards. After six minutes, a Greg Halford's throw caused early problems in the Blades 18 yard box, but Thomas could only direct the ball wide of the right upright. And four minutes later, attacking midfielder Zheng Zhi connected with a curling Darren Ambrose free-kick but could only help the ball over the bar. Charlton were having the better chances, and Sodje’s defensive header was flicked on buy Iwelumo for Varney, and the Addicks striker gots in a low shot that was saved to his left by Blades keeper Paddy Kenny. Sharp was unable to react quickly enough a minute later, after Armstrong deliver a ball for the Lane striker. Stephen Quinn lost possession to Thomas after 20 minutes, and after the Charlton player was upended on the edge of the box, the ball broke for Ambrose, whose fierce drive is turned over the bar by Kenny. A minute later, Kenny kicks the ball to safety, and at the other end, Gary Speed fires over. There were plenty of chances, but the strong swirling wind was making ball control difficult. But still, United were unconvincing and several players looked less than interested. Half chances came and went in the final 20 minutes of the half. The Shoreham Kop was unusually quiet throughout. Maybe they were starting to wonder whether this performance was any different to those witnessed under Robson tutorage. In the final minute of the half Charlton scored the opening goal. A throwing on Charlton’s right in front of the South Stand from Halford, traveled about 30 yards with the aid of the wind, and amongst the panic in the Blades defence, Iwelumo stabbed at the ball from close in for the opener. The half-time whistle was greeted by boo’s from a minority of the Lane crowd – although these were probably the same people whom had hounded out our last manager. Four minutes into the second half and Charlton had a chance, right-back Halford supplied Iwelumo and he is blocked as United clear. Moments later, Halford and Varney tee up Thomas whose shot is stopped by Derek Geary. United had a chance after 51 minutes, when Quinn flicked on Cotterill's cross and Sharp headed straight at Charlton goalkeeper Nicky Weaver. There’s an altercation in the Blades box a few minutes later, and after some finger pointing, Paddy McCarthty and Chris Morgan are both booked after having earlier clashed near the corner flag. Then, Iwelumo put a free header over after McCarthy flicks on a Thomas corner. And just after Iwelumo's hard work leads to Zheng racing clear, and he jinks to edge of box sidestepping Matt Kilgallon and sees his drive beaten away by Kenny. After 64 minutes, Cotterill and Sharp make way for Keith Gillespie and Jon Stead. A minute later, Quinn sends a drive fizzing past the right upright from about 20 yards out. Shortly after, both teams make more changes. Scott Sinclair replaces Varney for Charlton, and Rob Hulse replaces a hugely ineffective Beattie for United. Gillespie's free-kick is headed over by Stead, and Michael Tonge’s shot from inside the Charlton box is blocked by McCarthy. After 82 minutes, Charlton get their second goal. Younga wins a corner off Morgan after beating Gillespie. Ambrose delivers from the left side, and Sodje rises completely unmarked to head the winner from about 10 yards out. A soon as the second goal went in Blades fans could be seen leaving in their thousands as the stadium began to quickly empty. Late on, Stead and Hulse combined well, before Hulse fired over. In the final minute, Kilgallon’s shot appeared to hit the hand of Matt Holland, and just to complete a miserable performance, Quinn was sent off with a straight red card for a reckless challenge on Jose Semedo. The Blades midfielder stormed off after he was upset by McCarthy’s actions. The Charlton centre-back appeared to attempt to influence the referee’s decision. Overall it had been a wretched performance lacking creativity and determination and, now more worryingly, we are now only four points from the relegation dogfight.
Kenny 6, Morgan 6, Kilgallon 6, Armstrong 5, Geary 6, Cotterill 6, Gillespie 6, Speed 5, Tonge 5, Quinn 5, Beattie 5, Hulse 6, Sharp 5, Stead 6. |
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