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30th January West Bromwich Albion 3 Sheffield United 1 (Attendance: 22,183)
Bunn, Stewart, Walker, Morgan, Fortune, Montgomery, Harper, Quinn (Yeates77), Ward, Cresswell, Henderson (Camara 73).
Subs Not Used: France, Evans, Williamson, Bennett, Geary.
Booked: Quinn 55.
Scorers: Henderson 48 (pen).
Man of The Match: Richard Cresswell.
W.B.A. Line-up: Carson, Olsson, Cech, Koren (Cox 66), Bednar, Brunt, Thomas (Mattock 88), Dorrans, Mulumbu, Tamas, Jara (Zuiverloon 70).
Subs Not Used: Kiely, Miller, Moore, Meite.
Booked: Jara 55, Brunt 87, Cech 90+5.
Scorers: Dorrans 18 (pen), Bednar 31, Thomas 50.
Referee: Mike Russell (Hertfordshire).
Sheffield United were cut down to size this afternoon after West Brom gave the Blades a footballing lesson with a convincing 3-1 at the Hawthorns.
Kevin Blackwell recalled Darious Henderson and Jordan Stewart to the side. Ched Evans surprisingly was dropped to the bench, prompting a switch to a 4-5-1 system with Jamie Ward and Richard Cresswell supporting Henderson. Mark Yeates again had to be content with a place amongst the substitutes.
The Baggies were boosted by Graham Dorrans and Roman Bednar shaking off knocks, allowing Di Matteo to name an unchanged team for the fourth successive game. Abdoulaye Meite and Luke Moore returned to the bench. Jerome Thomas carved out the game's first clear opening after eight minutes, the winger jinked his way past Jonathan Fortune and James Harper before pulling the trigger from 12 yards, only for United skipper Chris Morgan to deny him with a last-ditch block.
Two minutes later, the Blades recorded their first effort on goal when they caught the Baggies napping with a quick throw-in. Richard Cresswell surged into the box before firing an acute drive at goalkeeper Scott Carson, who blocked for a corner.
But the home side were soon forcing the issue again and got the breakthrough their persistence merited on after 18 minutes. Dorrans and Nick Montgomery challenged for a bouncing ball inside the box and the ball may have inadvertently touched the Blades midfielder's hand as it droped down, the ball was not traveling toward goal and the referee was not in the best position. But referee Mick Russell immediately pointed to the spot. Dorrans made no mistake, sending goalkeeper Mark Bunn the wrong way by firing to the left of the keeper. Albion keeper Carson was soon forced into a straight-forward save when he comfortably held Ward's 18-yard snapshot from Stewart's ball. The baggies were back on the attack and Thomas sent a ball to Gonzalo Jara down the right and his low centre was wastefully turned wide by Bednar from six yards, the Czech striker was undoubtedly put off by Chris Brunt’s attempt to slide the ball home. United were still struggling to get a foothold in proceedings as the game passed the half-hour mark and were being taught a footballing lesson in the middle of the park. United’s midfield was being exposed for the lack of creativity and was being totally outclassed. The frustration continued for the Blades fans when Harper was well off target with a ridiculously ambitious 30-yard effort. Bednar soon made up for his earlier miss when he polished off a wonderful Albion move after 30 minutes. The Baggies broke swiftly from a Blades free-kick played into their box and Brunt, Youssouf Mulumbu, Jara and Bednar combined to send Thomas clear down the left. Thomas found Bednar inside the box with a perfect through-ball and Bednar clinically slotted into the far bottom corner.
Albion were completely bossing the game, although Thomas and Brunt failed to trouble Bunn with two long-range efforts. But the home side almost made it 3-0 just before the interval when Stephen Quinn miss-timed a back-pass. Bednar seized on the mistake and rounded Bunn but the angle proved too tight for the former Hearts man who could only divert the ball into the side-netting. However, the Blades were back in the game within three minutes of the restart. Mulumbu was penalised for tripping Quinn inside his own box while the Blades midfielder was heading twords goal, Henderson blasted the resulting spot-kick past Carson. Incredibly, Albion's two-goal cushion was intact again within two minutes. Dorrans sent Thomas clear down the left with a well timed ball over the top and the former Arsenal player truned inside Fortune before seeing his drive deflect of Morgan and past Bunn to make it 3-1.
United looked a better outfit after the break but it was home side who went close again when only Harper's last-ditch interception denied Brunt a tap-in from Bednar had squared the ball. The Blades did not threaten again until the final quarter of the match when Ward was well off target with an acrobatic far-post volley from Harper's corner. At the other end, Brunt came within inches of sliding home after neat play from Simon Cox and Thomas.
United had a shout for a second penalty when Jonas Olsson fouled substitute Henri Camara. Camera then hit out at Olsson and should have been sent off without a doubt. This sort of petulant behviour is not what Unitedites want to see. We want to see goals a sportmanship not childish petulance.
In the final minute, Dorrans almost added more gloss to the final scoreline when he exchanged a one-two with Bednar and cut inside Fortune before seeing his right-footed curler brilliantly pushed away by keeper Bunn. Baggies defender Olsson had to produce a terrific last-ditch challenge to deny Ward a clear sight of goal. But the home side finished the half very much on top and only Fortune's block inside his six-yard box prevented Robert Koren converting a Thomas centre after another terrific run by the Baggies winger had set up the chance. So a very disappointing outing for the Blades today and based on today’s performance and the top class display from the opposition, United will need to improve greatly if they are to threaten the automatic promotion places. The predictable direct play was dissapointing, but more worring, the lack of creativity in the midfield and this was woefully exposed today.
Blades Player Performance Ratings v. W.B.A.: Bunn 6, Stewart 6, Walker 6, Morgan 6, Fortune 6, Montgomery 5, Harper 5, Quinn 5, Yeates 6, Ward 6, Cresswell 6, Camara 5, Henderson 6.
26th January Kevin Blackwell insists there is room for improvement despite seeing his side earn a 3-0 win over Reading. First-half goals from Jonathan Fortune and Richard Cresswell put the home side in control, but they required a string of saves from Mark Bunn to keep the Royals at bay. Bunn, on loan from Blackburn, superbly kept out a Gylfi Sigurdsson penalty and also denied Ivar Ingimarsson and Shane Long as the Blades kept another clean sheet at Bramall Lane. Chris Morgan stabbed home with 10 minutes left to put the game beyond doubt, but Blackwell admits the scoreline flattered his side. "If it was a school report, it would be 'could do better'," he said. "We started so well but I felt that we just took our feet off the pedal. It became too easy and we were too sloppy. "They are a team full of Premier League players but you have got to beat teams like that. In the end it was thoroughly professional but I would like to have seen certain things done better." The Blades have gone six games without conceding at home and with just one defeat in 11 Championship games, Blackwell is confident his side can maintain their promotion push if luck goes their way. "We have got nine games in February and loss of players has been our Achilles heel this season," he said. "I am aware that we are slightly short, but we are starting to get a settled unit. I think we have got a squad of 15 or 16 that is comparable to anyone else."
26th January Sheffield United 3 Reading 0 (Attendance: 24,009)
Bunn, Taylor (Stewart 45), Walker, Morgan, Fortune, Harper, Montgomery, Quinn, Ward (Yeates 85), Evans (Henderson 79), Cresswell.
Subs Not Used: Williamson, Bennett, Geary, Camara.
Booked: Montgomery 47, Morgan 54, Harper 62, Quinn 74,
Scorers: Fortune 12, Cresswell 42, Morgan 80.
Man of The Match: Mark Bunn.
Reading Line-up: Federici, Cisse (Howard 45), Mills, Long, McAnuff, Ingimarsson, Karacan (Kebe 74), Bertrand, Sigurdsson, Thorvaldsson (Rasiak 63), Griffin.
Subs Not Used: Church, Hamer, Pearce, Khizanishvili.
Booked: Griffin 35, Howard 79.
Referee: Phil Crossley (Kent).
Sheffield United moved back into the play-off picture after a 3-0 win over a poor Reading side at the Lane. Manager Kevin Blackwell recalled Lane favourite Richard Cresswell to the attack along with Ched Evans. Jonathan Fortune made his home debut and joined Chris Morgan in the centre of defence. Darious Henderson was again on the bench where he was joined by new signing Mark Yeates.
The visitors made three changes with Shane Long, Gunnar Thorvaldsson and Kalifa Cissé back in the starting eleven. Former Blades player Brian Howard was named on the substitute’s bench.
The match kicked off on a cold damp evening and despite some early United pressure and a succession of early corners it was the Royals who had the best chance of the opening stages. Irish international Long was picked out in the area by a probing right winger Jobi McAnuff, but was unable to bring the ball down in time to properly test goalkeeper Mark Bunn. The Blades responded swiftly and Reading were exposed on the left flank when a looping cross was headed over the bar by Evans. Moments later some quick thinking by Kyle Walker allowed Jamie Ward to latch on to his throw in and he saw his rasping half volley tipped around the post by goalkeeper Adam Federici. The Royal’s keeper was able to keep the United out on that occasion, but was powerless to stop United taking the lead after 12 minutes had elapsed. A corner was half cleared to James Harper, who headed into the path of Nick Montgomery to chip the ball into the Reading 18 yard box. Fortune was alert and controlled the ball before firing beyond Federici's left hand to give the Blades a deserved lead.
The visitors tried to hit back and McAnuff tested the reactions of Bunn three minutes later with a low drive from the right, but Bunn made a save by diving to his left. With 17 minutes remaining in the first period Ivar Ingimarsson slipped his marker to scurry onto Ryan Bertrand's chipped free-kick, but the Royals captain saw his header well saved by Bunn.
Brian McDermott's side were visibly growing in confidence as the half wore on, and had another opportunity to level proceedings ten minutes before the break. First up Gylfi Sigurdsson showed quick feet to slip the attentions of three Blades midfielders, before sliding a pass through to Thorvaldsson. But, the Icelandic international could not quite settle in time to get a shot away.
The Royals pressure eventually resulted in a dubious penalty award for the visitors as Long fell under a challenge from Morgan. Long made the most of the challenge and went down in a heap and the badly positioned referee obviously help by an inept linesman resulted in a penalty. It was clear from the Shoreham Kop that the striker had conned the referee.
Sigurdsson stepped up to take the kick and with boos and jeers rolling down from the Kop, the Icelandic midfielder fired to Bunn’s left and the Lane shot stopper made a excellent save before celebrating with the faithful on the Kop.
To add more misery to Reading’s half, United punished their opponents by doubling their lead. Walker showed pace down the right wing with one of his trademark ‘Len Badger type’ runs, before stinging the palms of Federici from a tight angle, and a deflection allowed Richard Cresswell to head beyond the keeper.
The second half began with a substitution from each side with Jordan Stewart on for United and Howard on for Reading in place of the ineffective midfielder Cissé. Thorvaldsson's immaculately timed through ball found Long, but again the Royals were wasteful as Shane saw his low drive palmed away by Bunn. Possession was very much in favour of the visitors at this stage, but despite a succession of corners and free-kicks they were unable force their way through in the opening minutes of the second half. Evans neatly controlled a Harper range finder before firing over the bar on 70 minutes, as the Reading boss used his final substitution to throw Jimmy Kebe into the fray. A foul on Howard in front of the Kop brought Quinn a booking, whilst the Reading substitute was the next to draw a yellow card from the referee, for holding back Montgomery. Reading's misery was further compounded with eight minutes left on the clock, as the Blades grabbed their third. Henderson replaced Evans who received a standing ovation for his contribution. Then straight after, a Stephen Quinn free-kick was flicked on by Ward, and was already dropping into the far post as defender Morgan got a final touch from about a yard out to seal victory for the Blades. Yeates was handed a debut in the final five minutes replacing the hard working Ward. Reading had a final scurry forward and Kebe attempted a consolation with a run and shot from the edge of the 18 yard box, but could only strike the ball into the small band travelling supporters at the Bramall Lane end.
Blades Player Performance Ratings v. Reading: Bunn 8, Taylor 6, Stewart 6, Walker 7, Morgan 7, Fortune 7, Harper 6, Montgomery 6, Quinn 6, Ward 7, Yeates -, Evans 7, Cresswell 7, Henderson 6.
23rd January Bolton Wanderers 2 Sheffield United 0 (Attendance: 14,572)
Bunn, Walker, Taylor, Morgan, Fortune, Williamson (Cresswell 75), Montgomery, Harper, Quinn (Ward 72), Henderson, Camara (Evans 80).
Subs Not Used: France, Bennett, Stewart, Geary.
Booked: Cresswell 90
Man of The Match: Nick Montgomery.
Bolton Wanderers Line-up: Jaaskelainen, Samuel (Basham 85), Cahill, Knight, Steinsson, Muamba, Ricketts, Chung-Yong, Cohen, Klasnic (Elmander 73), Davies (Riga 88)
Subs Not Used: Al Habsi, Robinson, O'Brien, Vaz Te
Scorers: Steinsson 48, Elmander 84.
Referee: Andre Marriner (West Midlands).
Sheffield United’s hopes of progressing in the FA Cup ended at the Reebok Stadium after a 2-0 defeat to Bolton Wanderers.
Blades manager Kevin Blackwell made three changes to his side Darious Henderson, Henri Camara and Jonathan Fortune was recalled. Bolton manager Owen Coyle took the opportunity to hand Jlloyd Samuel and Sam Ricketts first starts, while Ivan Klasnic also returned to the starting line-up.
Lee Williamson was the first to offer a shot on goal with an ambitious 30 yard volley just a minute into proceedings while Zat Knight was forced to make a timely clearance inside his own six-yard box for Bolton. Two early chances for the home side came from out wide as Chung-Yong Lee and Jlloyd Samuel delivered crosses that the Blades back-four did well to deal with.
It took until the 18th minute for the game to click into gear and when it did, Klasnic brought a smart save out of goalkeeper Bunn with an instinctive first-time shot from 12 yards out. The Croatian beat his marker after neat build-up play involving Kevin Davies and Tamir Cohen, however he was thwarted by goalkeeer Mark Bunn’s low save at his right-hand post.
Then, Nick Montgomery beat the offside trap and put Camara through but he wasted the Blades best opportunity, he opted to chip when in a one-on-one position with goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen. But the striker could only loft his finish over the crossbar, much to the frustration of the 5,800 travelling Unitedites.
Midway through the first-half, Chung-Yong picked out Samuel with a perfect slide-rule pass and he tried to twist and turn Kyle Walker inside the penalty box and was unable to get his shot away and any potential danger was cleared. Neither side managed to conjure up any further opportunities in what proved to be a rather tame first 45 minutes.
It was just two minutes after the restart when the home side nudged themselves ahead. Chung-Yong and Davies linked up well on the edge of the United box and when the ball was played out to the Gretar Steinsson's, he took his time before slotting through the legs of Bunn from a tight angle.
There was a another chance for a second Bolton goal but Fortune and Andy Taylor combined to block a shot from Gary Cahill, whilst United attempted to hit back but long-range attempts from Henderson and Williamson which barely troubled the Bolton defence.
The Blades did enjoy a short spell of possession as they sought a means of getting themselves back on level terms but could not find a way through the Bolton defence. With the tie drifting away from the Blades, Blackwell withdrew Stephen Quinn and Lee Williamson from the action and brought on Jamie Ward and Richard Creswell. Bolton also made changes in attack as Johan Elmander replaced Klasnic.
Ched Evans was also introduced with ten minutes remaining but the closest that the Blades could come to levelling was two long-range efforts from Ward that flew comfortably wide of Jaaskelainen's post. The match was effectively over after 84 minutes when Johan Elmander put the home side into a 2-0 lead from a counter-attack. Elmander fired into the same corner that his Scandinavian team-mate found earlier in the half showing great composure to slot past Bunn having been played in down the right by Chung-Yong. Now back to more important matters... the Championship..
Blades Player Performance Ratings v. Bolton Wanderers.: Bunn 6, Walker 6, Taylor 6, Morgan 7, Fortune 6, Williamson 6, Cresswell 6, Montgomery 7, Harper 6, Quinn 6, Ward 6, Henderson 6, Camara 6, Evans 6.
21st January Matt Kilgallon has become Sunderland's first signing of the January transfer window. The centre-half joins the Black Cats for an undisclosed fee from United and has penned a three-and-a-half-year deal at the Stadium of Light. The 26-year-old is a product of the Leeds United academy ranks and made his senior bow for the Whites while they were still a Premier League side. He signed for United in January 2007 and immediately became an established member of the Blades back four.
19th January Manager Kevin Blackwell has completed the signing of winger Mark Yeates from Middlesbrough for an undisclosed fee. Yeates, 24, put pen to paper on a two-and-a-half-year deal after a successful medical at the Lane. He will not be available for the FA Cup clash at Bolton on Saturday after appearing for Boro earlier in the competition. Blackwell said: "He's a player we have looked at before. I've had my eye on him for a year or two but we couldn't agree terms with Colchester. "I'm delighted to finally get my man, although I was surprised Boro would let him go."
Dublin-born Yeates, who started out as a trainee at Tottenham where he had loan spells at various clubs, joined Colchester for an undisclosed fee in July 2007. Former Boro manager Gareth Southgate signed Yeates in July last year for a reported fee of £750,000, but despite making 21 appearances this season he did not figure in new boss Gordon Strachan's plans.
16th January Sheffield United 1 Middlebrough 0 (Attendance: 23,974)
Bunn, Walker, Taylor, Morgan, Seip, Williamson (Ward 70) Montgomery, Harper, Quinn, Cresswell, (Henderson 89), Evans (Camara 70).
Subs Not Used: Bennett, Fortune, Stewart, Geary.
Booked: Cresswell 18, Quinn 33, Williamson, 51.
Scorer: Cresswell 56.
Man of The Match: Richard Cresswell.
Middlesbrough Line-up: Coyne, Hoyte, Wheater, Riggott, Killen, Flood (Franks 75), O'Neil, Robson, McMahon, Osbourne, Aliadiere (Johnson 63).
Subs Not Used: Steele, Bennett, Arca, L Williams, Bent.
Booked: Robson 33, O'Neil 34.
Referee: Andy D'Urso (Essex).
Richard Cresswell's second-half strike enhanced Sheffield United's Championship promotion hopes as the beat Middlesbrough 1-0 at the Lane.
The Blades made just one change with Kyle Walker returning in the right-back position and the unfortunate in-form Derek Geary on the substitute’s bench, where he was joined by Darious Henderson and Jamie Ward. Boro made five changes to the side that lost to Manchester City in the FA Cup two weeks ago. New signings Barry Robson, Chris Killen and Willo Flood all made their Boro debuts while Jeremie Aliadiere and Isaiah Osbourne returned from injury. The snow had melted from the previous week and in cold and damp conditions the match kicked off with United attacking the Bramall Lane end. Much of the first 20 minutes of the encounter was played in the middle of the park with little chances at either end of the field. There were plenty of competitive challenges and Cresswell picked up an early booking for a challenge on Tony McMahon and referee Andy D'Urso made himself even more unpopular on 25 minutes when he failed to spot that Robson had played the ball with his hand Boro penalty area after Walker had headed across the 18 yard box. The first time either goalkeeper had to make a save came just past the half-hour mark when from a Tony McMahon cross, Boro striker Osbourne got on the end of a deflection and fired low towards goal from about 10 yards out and it was well saved by Mark Bunn in the United goal.
On 33 minutes, a Stephen Quinn foul on Gary O’Neil gave the visitors a free-kick from just inside the United half. Robson delivered a ball which Chris Riggott met about 15 yards out and his header brought a good save from Bunn. Referee D'Urso was having a terrible match upsetting the fans of both teams with several crazy decisions, starting with a booking for Robson following his challenge on Quinn, who, along with Boro captain O'Neil, were also shown yellow cards for a disagreement which ended with them going nose-to-nose just inside the Middlesbrough half. The visitors had the better start to the second half when O'Neil brought a save from Bunn with a well struck 25-yard free-kick, before he sent another well over from a similar distance. Then Lee Williamson was booked for an alleged foul on Flood, even though the Lane faithful thought the free-kick should have gone their way. Walker was playing well for United and his centre beat everyone and flew across the face of goal and Williamson tried to find Ched Evans without any luck, The goal for United came after 56 minutes had elapsed. It started when Osbourne fouled James Harper just inside the Boro half. The free-kick was taken by Andy Taylor and after a one-two crossed and Cresswell beat Riggott and David Wheater to head in from six yards out. Middlesbrough had a penalty appeal waved away moments later when Jérémie Aliadière went down at pace under a combined challenge from Chris Morgan and Marcel Seip, but referee D'Urso was having none of it. It was clear that Morgan had won the ball. The glove wearing Aliadière, whose reputation somewhat precedes him in these matters, jumped up waving his arms around and the game continued. Boro manager Gordon Strachan was forced into a change after 63 minutes as Aliadiere limped off in front of the John Street Stand with what looked like an ankle problem and was replaced by Adam Johnson. Middlesbrough missed their best chance when Robson fired left-footed over the bar from close range after a good move and cross from full-back Justin Hoyte. After 68 minutes, Harper started a super move playing the ball to Evans and then the ball was sent wide to Cresswell. From the left flank Cresswell crossed and Evans tapped the ball for Harper but he could only shoot over. Shortly after there were several substitutions, with Blades manager Kevin Balckwell bringing on Henri Camara for Evans and Ward for Williamson. Quinn started another penetrative move and Harper was fouled on the edge of the box by Riggott but the referee played the advantage and Camara curled his effort against which hit the bottom of the post and the ball then popped up, and went straight to Danny Coyne in the Boro goal. In the final minutes Henderson made a welcome and he replaced an exhausted Cresswell who received a standing ovation for his efforts. Four minutes were added but United easily held on for another precious victory.
Blades Player Performance Ratings v. Middlesbrough.: Bunn 7, Walker 8, Taylor 7, Morgan 7, Seip 7, Williamson 6, Ward 7, Montgomery 6, Harper 7, Quinn 7, Cresswell 8, Evans 7, Camara 7, Henderson -
12th January Queens Park Rangers 2 Sheffield United 3 (Attendance: 5,780)
Bunn, Taylor, Geary (Walker 81), Morgan, Seip, Montgomery, Harper, Quinn, Williamson (Ward 67), Evans, Cresswell (Henderson 74).
Subs Not Used: Bennett, France, Stewart, Little.
Booked: Evans 9, Seip 58, Quinn 87.
Scorers: Williamson 19, Ward 68, Cresswell 70.
Man of The Match: Jamie Ward.
Q.P.R. Line-up: Cerny, Ramage, Stewart, Leigertwood, Routledge, Buzsaky, Agyemang, Gorkss, Faurlin (Taarabt 69), Simpson (German 80), Borrowdale.
Subs Not Used: McWeeney, Hall, Connolly, Balanta, Ephraim.
Booked: Gorkss 66.
Scorers: Buzsaky 71 (pen), Stewart 88.
Referee: Andy Woolmer (Northamptonshire).
Jamie Ward helped fire Sheffield United into the fourth round of the FA Cup as they beat QPR 3-2 in a third-round replay at Loftus Road.
Kevin Blackwell made three changes from the tie last week with Lee Williamson, James Harper and Marcel Seip coming in for Matt Kilgallon, Henri Camara and Ward. R’s manager Paul Hart had Radek Cerny goal in goal and Mikele Leigertwood partnered Alejandro Faurlin in the centre of the park.
The match kicked off in freezing conditions and it was the home side which had the first opportunity when Peter Ramage's long throw into the box caused confusion in the Blades defence, and Leigertwood fired wide of the target. Then a neat ball was played to Wayne Routledge down the left-hand side, he played a square pass to Faurlin just outside of the area, whose curling effort was superbly palmed away by Mark Bunn in the Blades goal.
In terms of chances created Q.P.R. were having the better start.Patrick Agyemang centred the ball in the Blades six-yard box, which cannoned off the legs of Andy Taylor towards goal. Thankfully for United, however, Bunn was on hand to get down low to his right to tip the ball wide.
But the home side were made to pay for their missed opportunities midway into the first half when Williamson fired United into the lead against the run of play. Nick Montgomery picked up the ball on the edge of the R’s 18 yard box and his cross field ball found Williamson at the back post, and he controlled the ball before firing low past Cerny and into the bottom corner with the keeper watching.
The Blades were now settled and eight minutes after the opening goal they might have had a penalty. Williamson left Quinn's cross and Evans look poised to slot home before he was bundled over by Ákos Buzsáky, but the referee was unconvinced after hesitating.
The home side had a couple more chances. First, Leigertwood received the ball in the United half before driving at goal and firing an effort just past the right-hand post. And Routledge and Faurlin combined to play Simpson in on the edge of the area blasted wide of the target. Moments later, a ball was played from deep to Buzsaky midway into the Blades half, and he did well to turn his marker before a driven effort missed just left of the goal.
Williamson had two shots blocked and then Harper sent a through ball for Ched Evans who raced forward in the clear and seem to rush his shot as it crashed up off the crossbar. At the other end, a corner was cleared and then Gary Borrowdale played the ball into the area onto the head of Kaspars Gorkšs, whose looping header was incredibly blocked off the line by Derek Geary. Just before the half-time whistle play switched to the opposite end, and when the ball fell kindly to Montgomery on the edge of the box his half volley flew just over the bar.
The R's had the first chance of any note in the second half, as temperatures continued to plummet at Loftus Road. At the other end, Harper's drilled centre from a corner-kick which was met by the head of Richard Cresswell, whose headed effort went just wide of the left-hand post. Then for the home side, Routledge passed to Borrowdale and his cross bounced to Faurlin on the edge of the area, but the Argentinean shot over the crossbar.
The home side did make a comeback albeit starting with the referee giving a dodgy penalty decision in front of the baying hysterical home fans. The ball was crossed to the for side of the field level with the United 18 yard line and substitute Adel Taarabt drilled in an effort at goal, which allegedly struck the hand of Geary, the referee under pressure from the frustrated home faithful pointed to the spot. Buzsaky stepped up to take it, drilling his shot into the bottom left-hand corner and past Bunn.
With twelve minutes remaining the home side received another helping hand from the referee. Buzsaky was the architect, curling a free-kick into the area that was met by the head of Damion Stewart standing in front of Bunn and he headed the ball into the net. Late on, a long punt from a free kick found its way to substitute Antonio German. The big striker turned quickly and fired a low shot just past Bunn’s right hand post.
In the dying moments Bunn was in action again to save the game from extra time. The ball was put into the 18 yard box by Agyemang and Chris Morgan failed to clear. It then dropped for German and the young striker hit a fierce strike from about four yards out straight at the Blades keeper and he made a top quality instinctive save, palming the ball wide of danger. The reward of the victory is a difficult journey to Bolton on the 23rd January in Round 4.
Blades Player Performance Ratings v. Q.P.R.: Bunn 8, Taylor 6, Geary 7, Walker 6, Morgan 7, Seip 7, Montgomery 7, Harper 6, Quinn 7, Williamson 7, Ward 8, Evans 6, Cresswell 7, Henderson 6.
6th January Defender Matt Kilgallon has ruled out a move in January after pledging to stay with the Blades until the end of the season. Reports in the North-East suggested that Newcastle were ready to seal a move for the former Leeds stopper - who is out-of-contract at the end of the season.
But the 25-year-old has now confirmed that he will be staying at Bramall Lane until the summer at least. "We have spoken to Kevin Blackwell to say Matthew is fully committed to Sheffield United until the end of the season," Kilgallon's agent Paul Masterton confirmed. "We have also informed Newcastle United about the situation. "Matthew is keen to win promotion with Sheffield United, if that happens we will re-assess the options in the summer."
Masterton later told BBC Radio Sheffield that the defender could sign a new deal with the Blades. He added: "It's not something we've ruled out and it's not really about the money. "It's about picking the right club now for a defender who is coming hopefully to the peak of his career. He wants to be picking the right club to play at the highest level during the best years of his career. "Hopefully that will be with Sheffield United because, bar status, they are a Premiership club in every other part of the build-up and the infrastructure that they've got. We'll just have to wait and see what happens. Hopefully Sheffield United will be up there and we can sit down and discuss it then."
5th January The Blades have completed the permanent signing of Richard Cresswell from Stoke City for an undisclosed fee. The striker joined United on loan at the end of September 2009 and has proved his commitment to the cause by recently playing through the pain barrier after picking up a rib injury. Manager Kevin Blackwell who has fellow frontmen Darius Henderson, Ched Evans and Henri Camera either injured or suspended. The former Preston and Leeds man has managed three goals in nine games during his brief stint at the Lane including the equaliser in the 1-1 draw with QPR in the FA Cup third round on Sunday. Blackwell commented "You know what you get with Richard - it is 100 per cent every time he turns out and his experience of this division makes him an important presence for us" Meanwhile, Cresswell is already aiming to fire United back to where they belong in the Premier League. "The club is geared to the Premier League," he said. "I am sure we can mount a strong challenge for promotion in the second half of the season. We are still in contention despite all the injuries we had before Christmas, but they have all cleared up now and we are ready to push on. I will never forget the wonderful time I had at Stoke and I was delighted to play a key role in helping them to get where they are today.
3rd January Sheffield United 1 Queens Park Rangers 1 (Attendance: 11,461)
Bunn, Geary, Taylor, Morgan, Kilgallon (Seip 46), Montgomery, Quinn (Williamson 78), Ward (Little 87), Evans, Cresswell, Camara.
Subs Not Used: Bennett, France, Reid, Harper.
Booked: Cresswell 35, Taylor 37, Geary 85.
Scorer: Cresswell 45+2.
Man of The Match: Derek Geary.
Q.P.R. Line-up: Cerny, Ramage, Stewart, Leigertwood, Routledge, Buzsaky (Ephraim 71), Agyemang (Helguson 85), Gorkss, Faurlin, Simpson, Borrowdale.
Subs Not Used: Hall, Connolly, Balanta, Taylor, Parker.
Booked: Faurlin 90.
Scorer: Simpson 39.
Referee: Andy Hall (West Midlands)
Richard Cresswell's equaliser at the end of the first half saw United set up an FA Cup 3rd Round replay with Q.P.R. after a 1-1 draw at Bramall Lane.
Manager Kevin Blackwell made just one change to the side which saw Andy Taylor took the place of the injured Jordan Stewart at left-back, whilst new signing Seip was on the bench. R’s Manager Paul Hart made three changes with Gary Borrowdale, Alejandro Faurlin and Patrick Agyemang all returning to the starting eleven.
The match kicked off in freezing conditions, and it was the Blades who had the opening chance to find the net. After the ball cannoned back into the path of Henri Camara on the edge of the area, he fired his shot off target past the left-hand post.
Soon after, Jamie Ward fired in a magnificent centre from a free-kick to Chris Morgan, who headed only inches wide of goalkeeper Radek Černý’s upright. Then some neat play from Camara down the left and he cut the ball back from the byline to Stephen Quinn 12-yards out and the Lane midfield man fired onto the crossbar.
Moments later and United were once again on the attack. Full back Taylor swung a cross into the area which looped over defender Kaspars Gorkšs to Camara who looked certain to score, only for Gary Borrowdale to prevent the striker from scoring with a superb tackle.
The visitors then had their first chance to find the opening goal of the tie. Ákos Buzsáky fired in a free-kick 30 yards from goal which went well wide of goalkeeper Mark Bunn's right-hand post. Soon after, Alejandro Faurlín won the ball in midfield before releasing Jay Simpson 20-yards out, whose stinging effort was saved well down to his right by Bunn.
QPR were now enjoying their best passage of play in the first period. Some good play involving Wayne Routledge and Patrick Agyemang on the right-hand side ended with the ball finding Mikele Leigertwood, who shot over from 20 yards out. Then the visitors came forward once more, Routledge's initial effort was blocked out only as far as Faurlin on the edge of the penalty box, and his stinging drive was tipped wide by Bunn in the Blades goal. Moments later, the R's were rewarded for their rewarded for their attacking play when Routledge pulled the ball back from the by-line into the path of Simpson, who despatched an unstoppable low drive into the bottom corner.
The R’s joy was short lived though, and moments before the interval the Blades drew level. From a set-piece the visitors failed to clear their lines and when Quinn swung in a ball from the right, it was met by Cresswell who rose highest to head into the top corner of Cerny's net. Cresswell was injured moments before netting and still looked in pain as his team-mates celebrated with him.
Matt Killgallon failed to re-appear at the start of the second half and he was replaced in the centre of defence by loan signing Marcel Seip. There was a lot on midfield possession early on with neither side able to make inroads. But ten minutes into the half and United created another excellent chance which the visitors did well to survive. A neat touch from Camara found its way to Jamie Ward and he curled the ball just wide of the post. Then Ward was involved again as he tried to run down a Cerny clearance and then Cresswell and Camara both had efforts blocked shortly after.
In the final ten minutes of the match with United having been unable to create any worthwhile chances, the manager sent on Lee Williamson. Shortly after his introduction United were awarded a free-kick about 30 yards out. Ched Evans stepped up and launched a superbly hit strike that crashed against the crossbar and then hit Cerny on the way out. That shot alone had brought the Shoreham Kop to its feet. With three minutes raining Glen Little was brought on in a desperate attempt to snatch the tie in the final moments. There was three minutes of injury time but to no avail and so we now face a long trip down to London on December 12 for the replay.
Blades Player Performance Ratings v. Q.P.R.: Bunn 6, Geary 7, Taylor 6, Morgan 7, Kilgallon 6, Seip 6, Montgomery 6, Quinn 6, Williamson 6, Ward 7, Evans 6, Cresswell 7, Camara 7, Little -
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