22nd March Cardiff City 0 Sheffield United 3 (Attendance: 17,942)

Blades Line-up: Kenny, Halford (Ward 41), Naysmith, Morgan, Kilgallon, Cotterill (Lupoli 84), Montgomery, O'Toole, Stephen Quinn, Naughton, Henderson (Beattie 70).
Subs Not Used: Howard, Bromby.

Booked: Halford 31, Naughton 74, Montgomery 81.

Scorers: Cotterill 25 (pen), Ward 46, Quinn 87.

Man of The Match: David Cotterill.

Cardiff Line-up: Taylor, McNaughton, Gyepes, Roger Johnson, Kennedy, Rae, Ledley, Burke (McPhail 31), McCormack, Chopra (Comminges 26), Bothroyd (Eddie Johnson 76).
Subs Not Used: Whittingham, Owusu-Abeyie.

Sent Off: Gyepes 24, McCormack 33.

Booked: Comminges 89, Rae 90.

Referee: Paul Taylor (Hertfordshire) .

Sheffield United eased to a 3-0 away win at Cardiff and extended their unbeaten away run to 14 matches. Blades manager Kevin Blackwell brought back Nick Montgomery and Nick Greg Halford for their last ever league visit to Ninian Park. Jamie Ward and Leigh Bromby were on the bench, along with Artuto Lupoli. David Cotterill moved to the left wing, and Kyle Naughton returned to his accustomed right-back position. Cardiff made a couple of changes with Mark Kennedy and Gavin Rae returning, while Jay Bothroyd and Michael Chopra led the line for the Bluebirds. American striker Eddie Johnson was also present on the bench. The first chance went to Cardiff when Bothroyd found Chopra, only for Naughton to recover with a superb sliding tackle at the edge of the box. The Blades responded in kind through Cotterill, who turned inside and out on the left looking for shooting room. He eventually lifted a ball into the box that evaded everyone. Goalkeeper Stuart Taylor mistakenly allowed the ball to bounce in the area, it skipped off the turf and struck the outside of the post. After 10 minutes, Cardiff won a corner and Joe Ledley crossed for Gabor Gyepe. The Hungarian defender rose through a crowd of players at the back post only to head wide. Nine minutes later, John-Joe O'Toole and Stephen Quinn's neat passing resulted in Darious Henderson laying the ball off for Halford, and his deft chip was pushed over the crossbar by Taylor. The game exploded into life after 25 minutes. Halford lofted a delightful long-ball forward that caught two Cardiff centre-backs out. Henderson brought the ball down with a wonderful first touch that sent him in on goal, and Gyepes scrambled back to make the challenge, Henderson went down under the outstretched leg, and the referee awarded a penalty. Gyepes was given his marching orders with a straight red card for a professional foul, and Cotterill tucked away the penalty to left of Taylor, and give United the lead. Cardiff manager Dave Jones was forced into a formation re-shuffle which saw Chopra withdrawn for Miguel Comminges. This meant midfielder Kennedy moving back into central defence. Still it was United that were full of confidence and another Halford ball over the top sprung Henderson once more who looked to lob Taylor only to be called back and then booked for a hand-ball. After 31 minutes the Bluebirds made another substitution when Stephen McPhail replaced Chris Burke. Things got worse for the home side when the referee produced another instant red card when frontman Ross McCormack was deemed to have elbowed Naughton in front of the dug-outs. Naughton had gone down clutching his face. The home fans were incensed when McCormack was dismissed for violent conduct. Gaps started to appear in the Cardiff defence, and Halford very nearly took advantage cutting in from the right of the box and hitting a firm shot straight at Taylor who palmed the ball away. Despite their two man disadvantage Cardiff had a chance to level things up when a Kennedy free-kick allowed Gavin Rae to head goalward, and forced Montgomery clear over his own crossbar. Four minutes before the break Halford was withdrawn from the fray and replaced by Ward. Halford had been arguably United’s best player of the half, and he was not too pleased at being taken off, and slammed the dug-out. He had already been booked, and with a card-happy referee overseeing proceedings, this was obviously a tactical substitution to protect the blades winger from another card. In the last moments of the half, Cotterill crossed, and Chris Morgan left the ball for Naughton, and he sliced his right-footer which goalkeeper Talyor pushed around the post. As the whistle blew for half-time it was met with a chorus of boos and jeers from the home fans as the referee trudged off. A minute into the second half and United killed the game off with their second goal when the diminutive Ward popped unmarked just a couple of yards out to nod home Cotterill's corner. Quinn then fired a curling effort wide and at the other end, Roger Johnson headed wide a corner, and Rae had a chance to bring the Bluebirds back into the match after 65 minutes when he collected a pass from McPhail before dragging the shot wide. Rae was again instrumental for Cardiff, playing the ball inside to Ledley who evaded two challenges before shooting just over the bar from about twenty yards out. After 70 minutes, Craig Beattie replaced Henderson for United, and he immediately swung the ball across goal and wide of the far post despite having supporting players advancing and ready to be played in. Cardiff were getting desperate, Eddie Johnson tried to con the referee into levelling the penalty count when he threw himself down in the Blades penalty box. With six minutes remaining, Lupoli came on for Cotterill. A minute later, United ended the home sides hopes of an unlikely comeback when Quinn was played into the inside left position, and finished nicely across Taylor slipping the ball under the keeper.

Blades Player Performance Ratings v. Cardiff: Kenny 6, Naughton 6, Naysmith 6, Morgan 7, Kilgallon 7, Halford 7, Cotterill 7, Montgomery 7, O'Toole 6, Quinn 7, Beattie 6, Henderson 7, Ward 7, Lupoli 6.

16th March Sheffield United and West Ham have reached an out-of-court settlement over the Carlos Tevez affair, but the amount paid has not been revealed. It is believed a settlement of between £10-£15million - to be paid over a five-year period - has been agreed by the clubs, with the Blades accepting significantly less than the £45million they initially demanded. That is the figure they believe represents the true cost of relegation to the Championship - a fate they insist they would have avoided were it not for Tevez's goals which helped keep the Hammers up. The Argentina striker, now with Manchester United, moved to Upton Park at the start of the 2006/07 season with compatriot Javier Mascherano but it was later ruled that the terms of their contracts breached rules on third-party ownership. West Ham were ultimately fined £5.5million by the Premier League but Sheffield United continued to pursue a separate claim. West Ham were originally willing to pay around £5million but their case was damaged when Lord Griffiths, whose independent tribunal has now been disbanded following this morning's agreement, favoured the Blades in his initial findings. Precise details of the deal have not been made available but both sides have declared their happiness at resolving the matter.

14th March Kevin Blackwell had nothing but praise for Darius Henderson following the striker's brace against Derby, while Rams boss Nigel Clough lamented his side's defensive frailties following the 4-2 defeat. Henderson, who has replaced the departed James Beattie as United's target man, was a persistent thorn in County's side and was deserving of his two-goal salvo. The goals were his first in a barren run stretching back seven games and his manager has now backed him for more between now and the campaign's close. "He's got a massive role," Blackwell said of Henderson. "He holds the ball up, he's a real threat and it was always going to be a very difficult job to fill Beattie's boots. "He looked a real threat today." David Cotterill set up first-half strikes for Kyle Naughton and Henderson before United held off a second-half fight back from County. The winger went on to lay-on another after the break and his performance also pleased Blackwell. "Strikers thrive on service so it's important that your wide men give it," he added. "They have got to take a kicking sometimes to go past people but their end product is to get crosses in so I'm pleased for Cotterill today - he worked his socks off.

14th March Sheffield United 4 Derby County 2 (Attendance: 27,565)

Blades Line-up: Kenny, Bromby (Halford 72), Morgan, Kilgallon, Naysmith, Cotterill (Beattie 83), Naughton, O'Toole, Quinn, Ward (Howard 90), Henderson.
Subs Not Used: Lupoli, Bennett.

Booked: O'Toole.

Scorers: Naughton 7, Henderson 21, 62, Beattie 90.

Man of The Match: David Cotterill.

Derby Line-up: Bywater, Albrechtsen, Todd, Nyatanga, Connolly, Teale, Eustace (Bannan 46), Savage, Barazite (Villa 78), Davies, Hulse.
Subs Not Used: Kazmierczak, Price, Sterjovski.

Booked: Eustace, Todd, Hulse.

Scorers: Hulse 52, Bannan 69.

Referee: Iain Williamson (Berkshire).

Darius Henderson scored twice as United fought off a second-half comeback from Derby County to win 4-2 at Bramall Lane and keep the pressure on the other promotion chasers. Manager Kevin Blackwell named Jamie Ward and John-Joe O'Toole in his side, Leigh Bromby returned to right-back with the Blades lining up in a 4-4-2 system. Derby manager Nigel Clough named Steve Davies alongside Rob Hulse in attack, while Barry Bannan was amongst the substitutes.
The Rams forced a corner on the left side with less than a minute elapsed, though when it was played back in after United had cleared Gary Teale was caught offside. But back came the Blades to open the scoring with just six minutes on the clock. O'Toole's challenge won possession from Paul Connolly in midfield and he supplied David Cotterill, the Blades winger slipped a ball out to Kyle Naughton, who had advanced up the right to the edge of the box before turning inside and placing his shot beyond the dive of goalkeeper Stephen Bywater. Then John Eustace was in the referee’s book for a late challenge on Stephen Quinn in the middle of midfield. Derby's first shot arrived after 11 minutes through Davies, who turned well on the edge of the box to carve out the opportunity, but his shot was deflected safely into the arms of goalkeeper Paddy Kenny. And Kenny was then stretching as right-winger Nacer Barazite's cross looped dangerously across but ultimately just over the bar with the Rams pressing forward again.
But on 21 the Blades were looking comfortable with their lead doubled. Cotterill was again the provider from the left with a surging run and a pinpoint cross into the middle that was begging to be headed home, and Darius Henderson duly obliged from eight yards to bring the Lane to it feet in raptures of approval.
The Rams needed a quick response and almost found one through Rob Hulse, who scooped Paul Connolly's long throw just over the bar with Kenny out of position. The Ram’s striker had earlier received a fine reception from the Lane faithful. United were seemingly quite content to sit with what they had gained from their bright opening, safe in the knowledge they had two goals to play with, but whenever Derby did break forward they were in quick with some snapping challenges. A couple of harsh offside decisions went against the Blades as they sought to extend their lead before half-time. Though it was Derby left cursing Williamson's whistle two minutes before the break when Davies was sent away down the left and found himself in a good position, only for play to be pulled back to halfway for a foul on Robbie Savage. Frontman Hulse then turned a stoppage-time Savage delivery into the arms of Kenny. At the half-time whistle the Blades players received a standing ovation after possibly their best footballing display at home this season. Clough's response to his side's first half showing was to hand Bannan a debut at the expense of Eustace. Almost immediately Derby were pushing forward and they broke through down the left with Davies, who had time and space inside the box but only managed to blaze the ball over from a good position. And after a bright opening to the second period the Rams did get back in the game. Davies's low cross went all the way in front of goal and reached Gary Teale at the far post, where the Scottish winger turned and hammered his shot past Kenny. Blades defender Chris Morgan was back to scramble it off the line but the ball only rolled out as far as Hulse, who made no mistake from close-range with an emphatic finish.
For a time the Blades looked rocked but they did find themselves in a good position shortly before the hour through Ward, who got in behind Derby's defence on the United left only to waste a good crossing opportunity. The Rams had been on top but they were stopped in their tracks on 62 when they found themselves three-down. Cotterill created once more from the left as he pulled the ball back for Henderson, who held off his marker before turning eight yards out and stabbing his shot past Bywater.

However, just six minutes later, the Rams were back in it again Bannan hit back. Davies charged down the left and got into the box, beyond the challenge of Bromby, before pulling the ball back for the midfielder to power his shot into the roof of the net from 14 yards. With 71 minutes gone, United made a substitution as Greg Halford replaced Bromby. Halford forced Bywater into a save with his feet before Kenny was in action at the other end, diving to save Hulse's header from Barazite's cross. Tito Villa replaced Barazite's after 88 minutes, with Villa joining Hulse in attack and Davies dropping onto the right wing.
Henderson and Hulse exchanged long-range efforts as the shots continued to flow in what was becoming a very open run-in towards full-time. United were looking nervy as time went on, particularly with other scorelines going their way in the promotion battle. Craig Beattie was thrown on in the final ten minutes replacing Cotterill on the left wing. There were four added minutes and Gary Naysmith's challenge set up Beattie but he pulled his shot wide, and Ward's pace almost set up another goal for Henderson. With second remaining Brian Howard came on into the midfield in place of striker Ward. Then, Halford broke down the right side, and Beattie fired across keeper Bywater and into the goal to make it 4-2.  It had been a good performance from the Blades and, a deserved victory which keeps them in contention for an automatic promotion place.

Blades Player Performance Ratings v. Derby: Kenny 6, Bromby 6. Halford 7, Morgan 6, Kilgallon 6, Naysmith 6, Cotterill 8, Beattie 7, Naughton 7, O'Toole 7, Quinn 7, Ward 6, Henderson 8, Howard -

10th March Sam Ellis believes automatic promotion is still a possibility, while Blackpool manager Tony Parkes was disappointed not to take all three points.

The Blades missed the chance to close the gap on second-placed Birmingham, who drew 1-1 at Barnsley, after throwing away a 1-0 lead to drop two points at the Lane in a 2-2 draw with Blackpool. United took the lead through a Danny Coid own goal but, either side of half-time, Nick Blackman and DJ Campbell netted. David Cotterill struck an equalising penalty in the 72nd minute and Ellis still believes a top-two finish is achievable, despite the dropped points.

He said: "The result leaves us in the same position. It is still up for grabs although a few teams above us will be relieved we didn't pick up three points. "It is that type of league this season, it must be the hardest league in the world to get out of." Ellis added: "Great credit to the players after going 2-1 down. That is our strength, whether things are not going for us we still battle back to get something out of the game, and it is a good base to build a team from.

10th March Sheffield United 2 Blackpool 2 (Attendance: 25,273)

Blades Line-up: Kenny, Naughton, Morgan, Kilgallon, Naysmith, Cotterill, Montgomery, Quinn, Halford (Beattie 46), Henderson (Lupoli 90), Webber (Ward 59).
Subs Not Used: O'Toole, Bromby.

Scorers: Coid 5 (og), Cotterill 73 (pen).

Man of The Match: Kyle Naughton.

Blackpool Line-up: Rachubka, Coid, Baptiste, Barker, Crainey, Taylor-Fletcher, Southern, Adam, Owens (Jorgensen 79), Blackman (Martin 86), Campbell.
Subs Not Used: Broomes, Halstead, Fox.

Booked: Barker 37, Rachubka 72.

Scorers: Blackman 42, Campbell 50.

Referee: Russell Booth (Nottinghamshire).

Sheffield United climbed to fourth after sealing a late 2-2 draw in their encounter against Blackpool. Kevin Blackwell made just one change to his starting line up with David Cotterill recalled at the expense of Brian Howard. John-Joe O'Toole remained on the bench, hoping to make his home debut. Blackpool's Sheffield-born boss, Tony Parkes, was forced in to a late change after the team sheets were handed in. Graeme Owens was drafted in the place of winger Roy O'Donovan who pulled out in the warm-up. There was a problem with the floodlighting on half of the South Stand before kick-off. Match referee Russell Booth consulted both managers and it was agreed that the match would take place, but after five minutes of the game the Seasiders probably wished the game had been abandoned with the Blades taking an early lead. It came from a corner that proved the visitors undoing, winger Cotterill stepped up and whipped in a great cross from the Blackpool right, the Seasiders defence were at sixes and sevens and the ball somehow ended up in the back of the net, with Danny Coid being attributed with the last touch, although the goal was given to Cotterill. Two minutes after the goal Nick Blackman burst forward and fired low at goalkeeper Paddy Kenny from 20 yards as the visistors tried to hit back. The Bldaes then took charge of the game forcing a number of corner s. and the lack of height in the Blackpool side was evident with United's aerial bombardment causing all sorts of problems. From another Cotterill corner, this time from the right, Shaun Barker forced goalkeeper Paul Rachubka to catch under his own crossbar, whilst Matthew Kilgallon was forced to head clear a dangerous cross from Owens. On 33 minutes DJ Campbell went close from 20 yards, the livewire striker racing past two defenders before seeing his rasping strike fly just wide of the right post. This served as a warning for the Blades. Blackwell’s men had enjoyed long period of possession in the Blackpool half, and it showed that visitors were content to defend in numbers and the make the odd quick break. After 37 minutes the  lights dimmed once again and five minutes later the Seasiders got their equaliser when Blackman fired home after DJ Campbell had dispossessed Kilgallon, Campbell threaded a ball to Blackman who saw his first time shot deflected off the foot of Gary Naysmith  and lop over Kenny and in off the crossbar. Blackman then tried to taunt the United fans with some childish celebrations in front of the Shoreham Kop, which was met with a chorus of boos and derision it deserved. Two minutes of injury-time was announced but neither side came close before the half-time whistle. Blackwell's response was to introduce Craig Beattie for the second half, at the expense of Greg Halford, who was struggling with illness. United almost hit back when Danny Webber hit the post following a counter attack, Beattie then fired just over, but at the other end a free-kick  from Charlie Adam was almost deflected beyond Kenny by a scrambling Blades defence. Blackpool grabbed the lead on 50 minutes. A hopeful through ball saw Chris Morgan unable to free the ball from his feet and Campbell took advantage, slotting past Kenny from 12 yards.
The Blades continued with the pressure and the Seasiders were indebted to a fine save from Rachubka, the goalkeeper producing a reflex save to turn behind Darious Henderson's effort from a Kyle Naughton cross. Moments later Morgan fired wide following another wave of United pressure. The hour mark saw Kevin Blackwell make a second change when Jamie Ward replaced Webber in attack. DJ Campbell had a great chance for the visitors when he was sent clear of the Blades defence by a great ball from Charlie Adam, the striker skipped past his man to find himself one on one with Kenny but the Lane keeper produced a fine block with his legs to deny the Seasiders. With 17 minutes remaining, Stephen Quinn played neat ball through which put Ward in the clear and he tried to go around the keeper before being deliberately pulled down. The goalkeeper should be the letter of the law been sent off, but somehow got away with a booking. Cotterill stepped up to take the resulting spot kick and sent Rachubka the wrong way to put the Blades back on level terms.
Blackpool made their first change of the night on 79 minutes when Claus Jorgensen replaced Owens. Adam forced Kenny into a fine save with a free kick on 81 minutes, and moments later Adam surged forward again, this time Morgan and Kilgallon thwarted the Scottish midfield man. Frontmen Henderson and Ward linked up well before the latter shot at the goalkeeper, and the Ward tried his luck from range a moment later. Blackpool made their second change of the night on 86 minutes when Joe Martin replaced Blackman. In the final five minutes, United continued to force the visitors back with a wave of attacks. With full time approaching the Blades were nearly caught out when Adam burst forward once again and played the ball to Gary Taylor-Fletcher but as the Pool winger was about to pull the trigger, Naysmith cleared for a corner. Aturo Lupoli came on in the final minute and had a great chance when Naughton crossed, but the Italian headed the ball just wide.

Blades Player Performance Ratings v. Blackpool: Kenny 6, Naughton 7, Morgan 6, Kilgallon 7, Naysmith 6, Cotterill 7, Montgomery 6, Quinn 6, Halford 7, Beattie 6, Henderson 7, Webber 6 , Ward 7, Lupoli -

9th March United goalkeeper Paddy Kenny has been taken off the transfer list at Bramall Lane and is now in line for a new contract. Kenny was put up for sale by Blades boss Kevin Blackwell over Christmas after turning up late for training. He was also dropped from the team, but quickly reclaimed his place to play a key role in the Blades' push for promotion from the Championship. Blackwell has now confirmed Kenny is no longer on the transfer list and aims to offer the 30-year-old an extension to his contract, which expires at the end of next season. "We put Paddy on the list after he reported late for training," said Blackwell. "But he's shown that he wants to stay here and we want him to stay as well. "We are trying to sort out a new contract for him in the summer. I'm delighted because he's the best 'keeper in the Championship."

7th March Kevin Blackwell labelled Paddy Kenny 'the best goalkeeper in the Championship' after his saves helped extend Sheffield United's club-record run in the 0-0 draw at Queens Park Rangers. Kenny made a number of top saves as the Blades made it 13 matches unbeaten away from home in the Championship.

Blackwell was full of praise for the shot-stopper, who was transfer-listed over Christmas after turning up late for training He said: "I didn't want Paddy to go anyway but sometimes you have to do certain things within your club. "He's been brilliant. I rate him as the best goalkeeper in the Championship and a capable Premier League goalkeeper. "If you are going to break records you need everyone to do something and he did."

United dropped a place to fifth but Blackwell is still targeting a top-two finish and automatic promotion. "We had chances at the end so it was a fair result," added Blackwell. "We've still go to play teams up there. I think the last 10 games will be exciting. "All you can do is keep doing your best. It's all to play for and if we go for automatic promotion and fall just short, we've still got the play-offs."

7th March Queens Park Rangers 0 Sheffield United 0 (Attendance: 13,718)

Blades Line-up: Kenny, Halford, Naysmith, Morgan, Kilgallon, Howard (Ward 59), Quinn, Naughton, Montgomery, Henderson (O'Toole 81), Webber (Beattie 68).
Subs Not Used: Lupoli, Bromby.

Man of The Match: Paddy Kenny.

Q.P.R. Line-up: Cerny, Connolly, Stewart, Gorkss, Delaney, Lopez, Leigertwood (Ephraim 81), Miller (Alberti 54), Routledge, Di Carmine (Balanta 76), Blackstock.
Subs Not Used: Mahon, Hall.

Referee: Neil Swarbrick (Lancashire).

Kevin Blackwell's men earned another point for their promotion bid, but Dexter Blackstock must be wondering how as QPR were held 0-0 at Loftus Road.
Rangers created a host of chances for Blackstock but each time Blades keeper Paddy Kenny kept the home striker at bay.

The Blades extended their club-record unbeaten run on the road to 13 matches, and although second-placed Birmingham won this was definitely a point gained.

Rangers boss Paulo Sousa had his players in for extra shooting practice this week in a bid to boost their flagging play-off hopes, but they drew another blank and have still not won at home since December.

Wayne Routledge had already blasted a shot high over the crossbar before, in the 10th minute, Blackstock raced onto Mikele Leigertwood's long ball only to fire too close to Kenny.

Blackstock came even closer moments later when he collected Liam Miller's pass on the edge of the area, turned and shot in one movement and saw Kenny tip an awkward, bouncing ball over the top.

Routledge then teased Gary Naysmith before crossing for Blackstock to volley at goal, only for Greg Halford to block the shot. The home fans shouted for handball, but Halford's bloody nose suggested otherwise.

At the other end, Kyle Naughton's free-kick was headed onto the top of his own crossbar by Blackstock, and Chris Morgan slid the loose ball into the side-netting.

The Blades did liven up after the break and Nick Montgomery's fierce strike from 20 yards forced a smart stop from Radek Cerny in the R's goal.

Goalkeeper Cerny was in action again in the 54th minute, beating away Danny Webber's angled shot, the resulting corner was cleared and from the subsequent Rangers attack, Leigertwood's cross was headed inches wide by Blackstock.

Rangers then missed two gilt-edged chances within a minute. First, Jordi Lopez's mis-hit shot found Samuel Di Carmine on the angle of the six-yard box and his sliced effort back across goal was met by Blackstock.

But Kenny kept out his header at point-blank range before referee Neil Swarbrick blew for a foul.

Moments later Blackstock crossed for substitute Matteo Alberti, but the midfielder snatched at his shot from 12 yards and the ball flew over.

The Blades finished the stronger, with Craig Beattie introduced from the bench, but could not find a late winner.

Blades Player Performance Ratings v. Q.P.R.: Kenny 8, Halford 7, Naysmith 6, Morgan 7, Kilgallon 6, Howard 5, Quinn 6, Naughton 6, Montgomery 7, O'Toole 6, Beattie 7, Webber 6, Henderson 6, Ward 7.

4th March Coventry City 1 Sheffield United 2 (Attendance: 16,300)

Blades Line-up: Kenny, Bromby (Beattie 80), Morgan, Kilgallon, Naysmith, Naughton, Stephen Quinn, Montgomery, Cotterill (Halford 79), Howard (O'Toole 75), Henderson.
Subs Not Used: Webber, Ward.

Booked: Montgomery 45.

Scorers: Bromby 45, Morgan 54.

Man of The Match: Chris Morgan.

Coventry Line-up: Westwood, Wright, Dann, Turner, Fox (Osbourne 46), Henderson, Gunnarsson, Doyle (Beuzelin 64), Bell, Eastwood, Simpson (Morrison 64).
Subs Not Used: Marshall, Ward.

Booked: Westwood 45, Gunnarsson 53, Dann 61.

Scorer: Dann 70.

Referee: Kevin Wright (Cambridgeshire).

Sheffield United set a new club record of 12 away league games unbeaten with a 2-1 win over Championship rivals Coventry at the Ricoh Arena.
Kevin Blackwell made tow changes to his starting line-up with Brian Howard and Leigh Bromby replacing Danny Webber and Greg Halford. John-Joe O'Toole was named on the bench. Tactically, Bromby started at right-back with Kyle Naughton moving further forward on the right wing, and Howard was the support man for Darious Henderson in a cautious 4-4-1-1 formation.

It was not until the fifteenth minute that a real chance of note arrived, Quinn's free-kick was only half-cleared and Chris Morgan managed to get a bit of power in his header, which forced Sky Blues goalkeeper Keiren Westwood to tip over the bar.
City had a couple of chances when Freddy Eastwood's 20-yard shot from the edge of the area forced goalkeeper Paddy Kenny to push the ball around the post. Then, Coventry midfielder Jordan Henderson half-volleyed wide from a corner and then completely missed the target after a nice flick on from Robbie Simpson.

United were having the better of the possession in the closing stage foe the half and went ahead a minute into injury time. The ball was crossed in from the left and Henderson’s header was tipped on to the cross bar by Westwood, Bromby was at hand inside the six-yard box, and his shot was scrambled away by the City keeper, but the officials indicated that the ball had crossed the line to give the Blades the lead at the interval.

It got worse for the Sky Blues five minutes after the break, half-time substitute Isaac Osbourne giving away a free-kick after a foul on Naughton on the left flank. David Cotterill swung the cross in, and Blades captain Morgan headed home past Westwood at the back post in front of the travelling Unitedites.

Scott Dann gave the Sky Blues a glimpse of hope on 69 minutes, heading Aron Gunnarsson's throw past Paddy Kenny. Coventry threw everything at United in the closing stages, Substitute Guillaume Beuzelin's delivered a corner after 73 minutes which caused panic in the United area, bodies blocking the ball on the line with Jordan Henderson's follow-up effort going just over the bar.

Blades manager Blackwell brought on O'Toole for his debut followed by Halford and Craig Beattie. O’Toole caught the eye immediately with several dogged tackles, which had the fans comparing him with former 70’s hero Trevor Hockey.

In the closing stages, O'Toole found the space to fire a shot just wide of Westwood's right post, and there was an appeal for handball against Isaac Osbourne in the penalty area. United again defended the lead well and held on for their record breaking victory which sees them close the gap on the top two in the chase for automatic promotion.

Blades Player Performance Ratings v. Coventry: Kenny 7, Bromby 7, Morgan 8, Kilgallon 8, Naysmith 7, Naughton 7, Quinn 7, Montgomery 7, Cotterill 7, Halford 7, Howard 7, O'Toole 7, Beattie 6, Henderson 7.

1st March Sheffield United 2 Birmingham City 1 (Attendance: 24,232)

Blades Line-up: Kenny, Naughton, Morgan, Kilgallon, Naysmith, Cotterill, Montgomery, Quinn, Halford (Bromby 79), Henderson (Beattie 72), Webber (Ward 77).
Subs Not Used: Lupoli, Howard.

Booked: Montgomery, Quinn, Naughton.

Scorers: Webber 44, Cotterill 83 (pen).

Man of The Match: David Cotterill.

Birmingham Line-up: Taylor, Carr, Jaidi, Queudrue, Murphy, Sinclair (McSheffrey 70), Carsley, Fahey, Bouazza, Bent, Costly (Jerome 46).
Subs Not Used: Doyle, Martin Taylor, Johnson.

Booked: Bouazza, Carr, Carsley.

Scorer: Morgan 74 og.

Referee: Lee Mason (Lancashire).

David Cotterill's penalty gave United a 2-1 home win over Birmingham on Sunday, moving the Blades up to fifth in the Championship. It was a massive result for United, who are now just six points off an automatic promotion spot themselves after this well deserved victory.

Manager Kevin Blackwell made four changes. Darious Henderson started in attack, whilst Danny Webber, Nick Montgomery and Matt Kilgallon returned. Birmingham had Gary McSheffrey back in their squad after a long lay-off.

The Blades wee attacking the Shoreham Kop in the first half. The fist real opportunity went to Birmingham after seven minutes when Stephen Carr made tracks down the right and was fouled by Stephen Quinn some 12 yards outside the area. Hameur Bouazza curled in a free-kick to the back post to Marcus Bent rose high and struck the bar with his header.
Three minute later, the Blades launched their first meaningful attack. Quinn swung a ball over from the right and Carr could only head clear as far as Webber, who was poised 12 yards out. Unfortunately his first touch let him down and the Blues were able to clear through Franck Queudrue.

Shortly after Bouazza touched the ball on to Carlos Costly and the giant Honduran brought the ball under control before firing a right foot half-volley well wide of target. Montgomery then became the first player to go into the referee’s book on 16 minutes for scything down Scott Sinclair in midfield.

Shortly after, the Blades had a scare when first of all Bent and then Costly held off their markers and the latter released Sinclair with a pass down the left. The winger skipped past his man and danced forward before spotting that goalkeeper Paddy Kenny had advanced off his line to the edge of the 18 yard box, and looped a chip over him that was just off target.

With 11 minutes remaining in the half, there was chaos in the Blues penalty area as first Greg Halford and then Henderson were gifted close range headers, the first of which was headed off the line by Carr and the second scooped up by the arms of goalkeeper Maik Taylor.

Bent created an opportunity for himself some 30 yards out with a touch that opened up the space for him to fire in a low shot which Kenny at first fumbled but then clutched onto at the second attempt and at the other end, Taylor produced a save to hang on to a fierce Henderson strike from the edge of the box as the game swung from goalmouth to goalmouth.

But just before the break United went ahead. Gary Naysmith launched a left-footed cross into the area from wide left and that allowed Henderson to head back across the face of the box to Webber who, with barely a challenge from Taylor, chested the ball down before firing home from close range.

The visitors made a change in time for the re-start, Cameron Jerome coming on for Costly. Halford's in-swinging cross on 57 found Henderson at the back post, the Blades man dropping his shoulder to sneak in past Queudrue and get a shot away which drifted wide by some eight yards.

The first quarter hour of the second half belonged to the Blades who pressed forward looking to double their advantage. Cotterill swung in a right-footed free-kick from a deep position and following a Henderson header that bobbled around in the box Morgan's swiped shot from close range somehow went over.

Birmingham made a substitution when McSheffrey's was introduced to the action in place of Sinclair, and Craig Beattie came on in place of Henderson, who had worked hard and received a standing ovation as he left the field.

But after 74 minutes, the Blues levelled after a huge contribution from McSheffrey. The Birmingham midfielder gained possession of the ball in a central position some 40 yards out, and made a decisive pass to the overlapping Murphy on the left wing. The left-back's sweeping low cross was charged down at the front post by Jerome and the ball came off Morgan before flying past Kenny in front of the Kop.
With 82 minutes gone Blades were given the chance they needed to go back in front. Kyle Naughton crossed from the right, and both Queudrue and Carr bundled Beattie over. Cotterill stepped up to do the honours and sent Taylor the wrong way with the spot-kick, burying it in the bottom right-hand corner.

The referee added five minutes injury time which came and went without any further action. An excellent all round performance by the Blades.

Blades Player Performance Ratings v. Birmingham: Kenny 6, Naughton 6, Morgan 7, Kilgallon 7, Bromby 6, Naysmith 7, Cotterill 8, Montgomery 8, Quinn 7, Halford 7, Henderson 8, Beattie 6, Webber 6, Ward 6.