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30th April Sheffield United 2 Barnsley 2 (Attendance: 22,366)
Simonsen, Lowton, Mattock (Cresswell 90), Maguire, Lowry, Montgomery, Williamson, Quinn, Riise (McAllister 71), Henderson, Slew (Evans 71).
Subs Not Used: Aksalu, Kozluk, Collins, M. Doyle.
Booked: Montgomery 78, Lowry 90.
Scorers: Lowton 39, Williamson 59.
Man of The Match: Matthew Lowton.
Barnsley Line-up: Steele, Hassell (Clark 78), Shackell, N. Doyle, Foster, Haynes, Trippier, Mellis (Noble-Lazarus 53), Butterfield, Gray, Hill.
Subs Not Used: McEveley, O'Brien, Preece, Arismendi, Rose.
Booked: Hassell 38, Butterfield 45+1, Clark 80, Trippier 88, Gray 90
Scorers: Haynes 15, 84.
Referee: Graham Salisbury (Lancashire).
Sheffield United have been relegated from the Championship after a 2-2 draw with Barnsley at the Lane. Micky Adams made one change to his side with the return of Harry Maguire in place of Neill Collins. United lined up in a 4-4-2 formation with Darius Henderson and Jordan Slew in attack. For Barnsley, Bobby Hassell was back in the starting eleven at the expense of Reuben Noble-Lazarus who was on the bench.
It was a lively opening with a good atmosphere at both ends of the stadium, Lee Williamson claimed the first shot of the match as he tested goalkeeper Luke Steele with a low drive and at the other end, Jacob Mellis blazed a golden opportunity over the bar after charging into the area from Andy Gray’s header. Maguire was next trying his luck on 11 minutes shooting over from the edge of the 18 yard box.
With 15 minutes on the clock, the visitors went ahead. Kieran Trippier played a forward ball and Danny Haynes broke through past Maguire, who slipped at a key moment, and the Barnsley striker calmly slotted past goalkeeper Steve Simonsen from 12 yards out. A scramble in the Barnsley area on 20 minutes was somehow cleared as the Blades looked to get a quick reply from three yards through Quinn. United were looking nervous at the back and confusion between Maguire and Simonsen almost allowed Gray in on 27 but his attempt lacked power. Hassell was booked for a foul on Slew and the resulting Williamson free-kick was whipped in and headed home in a crowded box by Matthew Lowton from a few yards. The goal galvanised the Blades and just before the break they had a shot from Williamson, which hit Nathan Doyle, and then Lowton fired over after combining well with Slew. A 25-yard strike from Mellis was the first attempt after the break but the midfielders' effort was always rising. Lowton saw another effort blocked by a sea of Barnsley defenders on 51 minutes. A minute before the hour and Reds keeper Steele failed to handle what looked like a tame effort from Williamson, but he could not hold on, and it squirmed over the line in front of the Shoreham Kop. Then after Jacob Butterfield was fouled. Tripper's free-kick, which was heading for the top corner, was spectacularly pushed over the crossbar by Simonsen. However, straight after the visitors got a equaliser. Matt Hill's delivery found the head of Haynes from 10 yards that nodded home at the Bramall Lane end much to the delight of the visiting fans. The goal coupled with Unitedites getting updates that Doncaster and Crystal Palace was drawing pretty much ended the encounter, still the Blades faithful on the Kop continued to boom out the songs to the final whistle and then applauded their team off.
Blades Player Performance Ratings v. Barnsley: Simonsen 7, Lowton 7, Mattock 6, Maguire 6, Lowry 6, Montgomery 7, Williamson 7, Quinn 7, Riise 7, McAllister 6, Henderson 6, Slew 6, Evans 6, Cresswell -
28th April Striker Darius Henderson claims he never once lost faith in his own ability after spending nearly a year on the sidelines. Henderson has struggled to find his feet in a team at the wrong end of the table since his return from a serious hamstring injury in March and has taken some flak from a section of Blades fans as the club have fought a long battle against relegation. But the 29-year-old, made captain by manager Micky Adams, struck twice in Monday's 3-2 win at Reading, where the Blades fought back from 2-0 down to extend their stay in the Championship. Henderson said: "In terms of my personal performances I've had to be patient, having been out for 11 months. "On top of that I only trained twice before my comeback at Watford which obviously didn't go to plan and I've missed chances since returning from suspension. "I always knew if the chances kept coming I could get myself in the right positions and luckily we managed to get the three points, which was the main goal in keeping alive our hopes of staying up.
25th April Reading 2 Sheffield United 3 (Attendance: 19,165)
Simonsen, Lowton, Mattock, Collins, Lowry, Montgomery, Williamson, Riise, Quinn, Henderson, Slew (Tonne 76)
Subs Not Used: Aksalu, Roe, Kozluk, Doyle, Philliskirk.
Booked: Lowry 57.
Scorers: Henderson 29, 50, Williamson 45.
Man of The Match: Darius Henderson.
Reading Line-up: McCarthy, Griffin, Harte, Khizanishvili, Mills, Karacan (Howard 73), Leigertwood, McAnuff, Robson-Kanu (Antonio 65), Hunt (Manset 65), Long.
Subs Not Used: Federici, Pearce, Tabb, Church.
Scorers: Hunt 8, Robson-Kanu 17.
Referee: Kevin Wright (Cambridgeshire).
Sheffield United earn a valuable win to keep their slim hopes of avoiding relegation from the Championship alive thanks to two goals from Darius Henderson. Manager Micky Adams made two enforced changes to his starting eleven. Harry Maguire was suspended after his sending off against Bristol City, whilst midfielder David McAllister was out with a calf strain. Neill Collins came back into the side at centre-back and Bjorn Helge Riise had an attacking midfield role. Reading were unchanged from their previous game away at Leeds with Hal Robson-Kanu again starting on the left wing ahead of the injured Jimmy Kebe. Reading started the game on the front foot as you might expect, and Shane Long had an early strike over the bar after controlling a bouncing ball. The hosts were ahead soon after, Jobi McAnuff picked up control of the ball wide on the right, and Long made space for the pass into feet. The winger obliged, and Long played in his fellow Irishman Noel Hunt first time, and he finished high inside the near post. It was soon close to 2-0 after another good move from the Royals. Alex McCarthy found McAnuff with a throw, and the winger was in on goal. With defenders nearby he played in Jem Karacan, and United goalkeeper Steve Simonsen saved his shot well. Soon enough though it was 2-0. McAnuff carrying on even though the linesman's flag went up, and the advantage was played. He then put in a good cross that Robson-Kanu turned in from close range after a parry. It was one way traffic, and McAnuff had an excellent curling effort saved by the busy Simonsen following work by Long on the edge of the area. Then, well against the run of play, United found a way back into the game. Darius Henderson found space on the edge of the box and finished with a bouncing strike into the corner for 2-1. Striker Henderson then tried another effort but goalkeeper Alex McCarthy saved at the near post and United flashed a cross along the six-yard box. After being well out of the game, the Blades had found a foothold. Hunt was then close to a third, but Simonsen was out smartly at his feet for a good stop. The Blades' keeper was soon on hand to pull off another important save, this time denying Long from Ian Harte's free kick. Down the other end, Jordan Slew hit a decent effort, but it was wayoff target. Then, against the odds United got themselves on level terms with a good goal when Stephen Quinn made ground and Lee Williamson produced an excellent finish right into the corner of the net.
After ending the first half so well, United carried that momentum forward after the interval and had the lead with 50 minutes gone, completing the turnaround. Williamson took a free kick 25 yard out, and keeper McCarthy made a top save, but it fell for the United man again and he recycled it into the box for Henderson to nod home from a yard out. At this stage United were well in control of the game. Williamson shot wide from the edge of the box, and the hosts responded with a double substitution, bringing on both Mathieu Manset and Michail Antonio, then soon after introducing midfielder Brian Howard. Howard curled an effort over the crossbar after 74 minutes and late on McAnuff fired over. However, United held on for a win that gives them a faint hope of avoiding the drop.
Blades Player Performance Ratings v. Reading: Simonsen 7, Lowton 7, Mattock 6, Collins 6, Lowry 6, Montgomery 6, Williamson 7, Riise 7, Quinn 7, Henderson 8, Slew 7, Tonne 6.
23rd April Sheffield United 3 Bristol City 2 (Attendance: 18,151)
Subs Not Used: Aksalu, Collins, Doyle, Bogdanovic.
Booked: Mattock 32.
Sent-Off: Maguire 59.
Scorer: Williamson 40, McAllister 43, Slew 86.
Man of The Match: David McAllister.
Bristol City Line-up: James, J. McAllister, Stewart, Elliott, Maynard, Woolford (Stead 45), Cisse (Campbell-Ryce 45), Nyatanga, Adamoh (Skuse 45), Spence, Pitman.
Subs Not Used: Johnson, Clarkson, Gerken, Wilson.
Booked: Skuse 72.
Sent-Off: Maynard 42.
Scorers: Simonsen (og) 10, Pitman (pen) 60.
Referee: Andy D'Urso (Essex).
Jordan Slew slammed home a late winner to keep alive Sheffield United's hopes of avoiding the drop after a 3-2 home win over Bristol City.
Manager Micky Adams made three changes to his side. Joe Mattock and Lee Williamson were recalled and there was a debut for David McAllister. Neill Collins, Michael Doyle and Bjorn Helge Riise dropped to the bench. The formation was 4-4-2 with Shane Lowry moving back inside to a central defensive position to accommodate Mattock at left-back. The midfield was Williamson, Nick Montgomery, McAllister and Stephen Quinn and the front two was Slew partnering Darius Henderson. It had been a warm sunny day, but just after the start of the match there was light rain. United looked lively in the early exchanges and a shot from Quinn was a good sign. Then City had a chance when a long ball forward by Jamie McAllister was controlled by Brett Pitman, he set Nicky Maynard through on goal but he was denied by a good save by Blades goalkeeper Steve Simonsen.
Unfortunately, from the resulting corner the Robins took the lead. The ball was whipped in by Pitman, and at the far post goalkeeper Steve Simonsen punched into his own net before tying to claw it back out. It was the second time this season that Simonsen had been beaten straight from a corner against Bristol City. The rain increased and midway through the half and eventually tuned into a torrential hailstorm, still United kept plugging away. A section of the Kop continued to jeer Simonsen at his every touch. It is a pity these people have to come to football matches to hound their own players, the rest of us do not want this type of support (or lack of support). After 20 minutes, Henderson should have equalised when he was unmarked at the back post, but his tame header went wide of the post.
United got their deserved equaliser after 40 minutes, a punt into the box resulted in the visiting Jamie McAllister whacking his attempted clearance against Williamson and the ball looping up and over City goalkeeper David James, and into the net. Just one minute later the visitors were reduced to ten men when striker Maynard was dismissed for a scything late tackle on Matthew Lawton in the Blades half.
At the other end United were pushing at for another goal and they did not have to wait for long for it to appear. A venomous strike by David McAllister from 25 yards beat James and nestled into the back of the net. Just seconds later another David McAllister shot looked destined for the back of the net but this time a superb fingertip save by James denied the midfielder.
At the start of the second half the sunshine had returned and City manager Keith Millen made his three substitutions with Jon Stead, Jamal Campbell-Ryce and Cole Skuse coming on to replace Martyn Woolford, Kalifa Cisse and Albert Adomah. With 52 minutes played the visitors struck the woodwork. A surging run by Skuse ended when he was fouled by Lowry, resulting in a free-kick 30 yards from goal. Striker Pitman stood over the ball and struck a curling effort towards goal beating the scrambling Simonsen, but came back off the post and went away to safety.
Then Quinn fired just wide and Williamson scuffed across the penalty area, before an error handed City a chance to draw level. Montgomery's back pass was mis-placed and with Stead bearing down on goal, he was challenged by Maguire. The Referee immediately pointed to the penalty spot and produced a red card for the United defender, as he was the last man. Pitman coolly stepped up and put the ball right in the bottom corner, even though Simonsen dived the correct way. Williamson was withdrawn from the fray after 62 minutes, much to the disapproval of the United faithful. He was replaced by Rob Kozuk to cover the position vacated by Maguire and Lowton moved to centre-back to partner Lowry.
Mattock's shot from the left was pushed away by James and then Henderson hit the side-netting after a good ball from David McAllister. At the other end, Stead went close with 15 minutes left, but his shot was superbly parried around the post by Simonsen. Riise was introduced and with less than five minutes remaining the Blades scored what proved to be the winning goal when Henderson, who was being stupidly booed by some so called home fans, chested the ball down to the feet of Slew and he hammered the ball home from 12 yards.
Blades Player Performance Ratings v. Bristol City: Simonsen 5, Kozluk 5, Lowton 7, Mattock 6, Maguire 5, Lowry 6, Montgomery 6, Williamson 7, D. McAllister 8, Quinn 7, Riise 7, Henderson 7, Slew 8, Philliskirk -
18th April Sheffield United chairman Chris Steer has saluted the fans following the sale of nearly 10,000 season-tickets for the 2011/12 campaign. Micky Adams' side appear to be on course for the third tier next season, currently bottom of the table with only four games left to make up an eight-point gap between them and safety. Steer said: "We've had great support throughout this disappointing season and will receive great support again next season. "To sell just under 10,000 season tickets for next season before deadline day is nothing short of amazing. Our loyal support makes me very proud to be a Blade."
16th April Preston North End 3 Sheffield United 1 (Attendance: 12,076)
Simonsen, Lowry (Bogdanovic 75), Lowton, Collins, Maguire, Montgomery, Doyle (Williamson 66), Quinn, Riise (Philliskirk 66), Slew, Henderson.
Subs Not Used: Aksalu, Kozluk, McAllister, Harriott.
Booked: Doyle 5, Maguire 38, Quinn 62.
Scorer: Slew 72.
Man of The Match: Jordan Slew.
Preston NE Line-up: Turner, Morgan, Khumalo, Brown (Russell 83), Nicholson, Treacy (Ellington 79), Hume, Jones, Ashbee, Johnson (Coutts 73), Carter.
Subs Not Used: Lonergan, Hayes, Wright, Devine.
Booked: Carter 65, Coutts 83.
Scorers: Treacy 55, 68, Ellington 90.
Referee: Steve Tanner (Somerset).
Preston moved four points ahead of Sheffield United in the Championship as a Keith Treacy double helped them to a 3-1 win at Deepdale. It is a defeat which virtually consigns the Blades to League One next season barring a miracle. Micky Adams gave debuts to Harry Maguire and Jordan Slew, both started whilst Chelsea loanee Danny Philliskirk was on the bench. United began with a 4-4-2 system with Maguire alongside Neill Collins in central defence, Matt Lowton continued at right-back and Shane Lowry at left-back, while Darius Henderson partnered Slew in attack. The first half started with a really high tempo with the hosts dominating the opening few minutes, Chris Brown heading Treacy's shot just wide before the Irishman directed a low drive straight across the face of goal. Iain Hume then shot over the bar before Treacy had another effort, this time from a 30 yard free kick.
Slew tested Preston's goalkeeper Iain Turner for the first time just before the half hour mark, as he found space in the left hand corner of the box and hit a low shot. Stephen Quinn got on the end of a Henderson ball but was unable to find the target and then two more crosses failed to find their intended target. At the other end, Eddie Johnson fired over after a Brown’s chest down and then Hume threaded the ball through for striker Brown, who was forced slightly wide as he outpaced Blades' defender Collins, and as goalkeeper Steve Simonsen advanced Brown's shot went into the side netting.
Then, Henderson played in Slew, and he cut inside his marker and drilled a shot that was saved by keeper Turner. Johnson then drive toward the Blades' goal. He then fed Hume, who tried to step inside, but the ball just got away from his feet before he was able to unleash a shot.
With just seconds of the two added minutes remaining in the half, the Lilywhites' missed a real chance to break the deadlock. The ball fell to Ian Ashbee on the edge of the box, and his shot was deflected into the path of Brown on the edge of six yard box, but he was unable get a solid connection and the ball went straight at Simonsen.
As the second half started the hosts were given an unbelievable let off as Slew broke clear down the left and then slid the ball across to Bjorn Helge Riise unmarked two yards out with Turner stranded, but somehow the Norweigan blasted against the crossbar.
United were to pay a price for their profligacy a few minutes later, a free kick was awarded 30 yards out and Treacy wanted it taking quickly. Nobody took it and eventually the Irishman went back to take it himself and drifted across the box it beyond everyone and the ball crept into the net at the bottom left hand corner.
Treacy's set pieces were now causing problems, and he curled a superb 25 yard into the crossbar from the left hand channel after he had been fouled. At the other end Turner tipped over a 12 yard effort from Nick Montgomery.
Adams made a double change and handed Philliskirk a debut before Preston doubled their lead. A corner by Treacy was headed away, but it came back to him, and he easily went past Slew and from the left hand corner of the box, unleashed a right footed drive into the top right hand corner to give the home side a 2-0 lead.
Five minutes later United were given a lifeline, Slew ran at the Preston defence. His first tame shot was deflected, but it came back out to him, and he expertly hit a low shot into the bottom corner, past a diving Turner. Manager Adams used his last substitution to throw on Daniel Bogdanovic replaced Lowry and United continued to apply pressure on the hosts.
Lowton's run from the right presented a chance for Henderson after a melee in the box, but the striker's low shot struck the base of a post and rolled across the goalmouth. As the game entered the final five minutes, Henderson and Philliskirk both flicked on Maguire's delivery, and an attempted clearance struck Bogdanovic but still dropped kindly for the home side.
United were committing players forward and as the game entered the final minute Preston countered when Hume broke and caught Adam’s men with only one defender in his own half. Hume drew Collins towards him and then fed the ball into Ellington clear on the right, who drilled the ball past Simonsen and into the back of the net and seal the Blades' fate.
Blades Player Performance Ratings v. Preston NE: Simonsen 6, Lowry 6, Lowton 6, Collins 6, Maguire 6, Montgomery 7, Doyle 6, Williamson 6, Quinn 6, Riise 5, Philliskirk 6, Bogdanovic 6, Slew 7, Henderson 6.
12th April The Blades have won only two of the 18 league games played under manager Micky Adams since he replaced Gary Speed in late December. Not since 1983 have the Blades played their football in the third tier, but successive home defeats leave them rooted to the bottom of the table, eight points from safety. A dejected Micky Adams said: "We were second best, no doubt about that. Individually and collectively."
Teenage substitute defender Harry Maguire offered some hope in the second half, while Stephen Quinn and Matthew Lowton caught the eye.
Adams added: "It's not all doom and gloom from our point of view. It took an 18-year-old boy to come on and put Bellamy on his backside.
"It's not over. We've got to win our last five and go on a run we've not been on all season. Between now and Saturday we've got to sit down and have a little think about what we're going to do."
12th April Sheffield United 0 Cardiff City 2 (Attendance: 18,230)
Simonsen, Nosworthy (Montgomery 45), Mattock (Maguire 48), Lowry, Collins, Lowton, Doyle, S. Quinn, Riise, Bogdanovic, Henderson (Bent 78).
Subs Not Used: Aksalu, Kozluk, McAllister, Tonne.
Booked: Lowton 65.
Man of The Match: Bjorn Helge Riise.
Cardiff City Line-up: Bywater, McNaughton, Naylor (Blake 45), Whittingham, Bothroyd, McPhail (Emmanuel-Thomas 48), Burke, Keinan, P. Quinn, Olofinjana, Bellamy.
Subs Not Used: Rae, Gyepes, Koumas, Heaton, Matthews.
Scorers: Bellamy 21, Emmanuel-Thomas 71.
Referee: Michael Oliver (Northumberland).
Sheffield United suffered a devastating blow in their fight to avoid relegation losing 0-2 to Cardiff City at the Lane. Manager Micky Adams named an unchanged side from last weekend. Nick Montgomery returned to the bench along with youth team defender Harry Maguire. The formation was 4-3-3 with Bjorn Helge Riise and Daniel Bogdanovic supporting Darius Henderson in attack.
The first real effort of the game came after twelve minutes of play. Cardiff midfielder Seyi Olofinjana combined with winger Chris Burke, and it ended with the overlapping Paul Quinn crossing from the right to the centrally placed Jay Bothroyd. He flicked the ball with his head towards
Craig Bellamy at the far post, allowing the Bluebirds captain to cut inside and strike at United goalkeeper Steve Simonsen, and he parried the ball away. Ten minutes later the visitors went ahead. Left winger Peter Whittingham’s clever reverse pass caught United right-back Nyron Nosworthy square and the Bellamy cut in from the left to whip the ball right-footed past a helpless Simonsen into the far corner, the ball taking a deflection way past the keeper.
Bellamy came close to a second soon after. He showed more strength than Neill Collins to get on the end of Burke's pass but the subsequent shot was pushed away by Simonsen. The visitors were completely dominating possession, but Stephen Quinn was ever busy and Riise’s quallity stood out for United. The final chance of the half went to Cardiff with Bellamy firing a volley over following Bothroyd's deep cross from the left. Both managers made a change at the break. The Bluebirds brought on Darcy Blake for Lee Naylor, whilst for United, Montgomery was introduced at the expense of Nosworthy. Mathew Lowton switched to right-back, and Montgomery went into midfield.
A few moments later there were more substitutions. Jay Emmanuel-Thomas took the place of Stephen McPhail, whilst Adams handed a debut to Sheffield youngster, Maguire, who took over from Joe Mattock and Shane Lowry moved out to left-back.
Then, Cardiff won a corner which United failed to clear, and it finally fell for Olofinjana 20 yards out, but the midfielder made a mess of his opportunity. However, as the hour mark approached, the Blades began to show more endeavours going forward. Cardiff seemed to be readjusting following the departures of Naylor and McPhail. Lowton’s effort after 59 minutes drifted high of goalkeeper Stephen Bywater's bar.
The Bluebirds had two half sights at goal through Olofinjana and then Dekel Keinan, and the United had perhaps their best chance of the game. Substitute Blake misjudged the run of Bogdanovic, but as the Blades' striker struck towards the goal, a last ditch Kevin McNaughton challenge kept the visitors in the ascendancy.
The Blades were really pushing for an equaliser but with nineteen minutes to play and a little against the run of play, conceded a second. Bellamy was afforded far too much space in the middle of the park and allowed to feed Burke on the right touch line. The Scot composed himself before delivering a perfect central ball, that substitute Emmanuel-Thomas attacked superbly to head home. From a Riise's corner, Lowton fired over late on, there was four minutes of added injury-time, but it was all over, and many of the Lane faithful had already started the journey home. Tonight’s performance was a disgrace, many of the players were just going through the motions, content to pick up their wage packets at the end of the day. It was devoid of method, application and a fighting spirit.
Blades Player Performance Ratings v. Cardiff City: Simonsen 6, Nosworthy 5, Mattock 6, Maguire 7, Lowry 6, Collins 5, Lowton 7, Doyle 5, Montgomery 7, Quinn 7, Riise 8, Bogdanovic 6, Henderson 5, Bent 5.
9th April Micky Adams felt as though United had been "mugged" after Marvin Emnes' late goal gave Middlesbrough a 2-1 win at the Lane.
Emnes raced clear in the 89th minute to net Boro's winner just when it looked like the points would be shared after United's Matthew Lowton first-half header had earlier cancelled out Matthew Bates' 18th-minute strike.
The result leaves the Blades bottom of the Championship table seven points from safety where as Middlesbrough are now 11 points clear of the relegation zone after they extended their unbeaten run to five matches.
Adams said: "It's a cruel game - I feel as though we've been mugged, really. There are a lot of disappointed lads in the dressing room.
"We had chances throughout the game and caused them all sorts of problems. We feel particularly hard done by regarding a couple of incidents involving the referee. There's no consistency there. I think he'll look back at it and think he should have done better.
"The lad (Marvin Emnes) who scored the winner shouldn't have even been on the pitch because he kicked out at Michael Doyle.
"We had enough chances and shouldn't have been chasing the game in the last five minutes."
On his side's chance of avoiding relegation, he added: "I think I'd look daft if I said we hadn't got a problem. We've got to believe that we can get out of it, starting with Tuesday's game against Cardiff, although it does look an impossible task.
9th April Sheffield United 1 Middlesbrough 2 (Attendance: 21,572)
Simonsen, Nosworthy (Bent 69), Mattock, Collins, Lowry, Lowton, Doyle (Tonne 85), Quinn, Riise, Bogdanovic (Yeates 75), Henderson.
Subs Not Used: Aksalu, James, Kozluk, McAllister.
Booked: Mattock 38, Lowry 80.
Scorer: Lowton 28.
Man of The Match: Bjorn Helge Riise.
Middlesbrough Line-up: Smith, McMahon, Hines, McManus, Bennett, Williams, Bates, Bailey (Arca 65), Taylor, McDonald (Halliday 87), Emnes (Tavares 90+2).
Subs Not Used: Coyne, Davies, Smallwood, Kink.
Booked: Williams 26, Bennett, 45+1.
Scorers: Bates 18, Emnes 89.
Referee: Andy Woolmer (Northamptonshire)
Marvin Emnes scored a late winner for Middlesbrough in a 2-1 victory at Sheffield United that leaves the Blades propping up the Championship.
Micky Adams made two changes to the side which lost at QPR on Monday, Shane Lowry and Bjorn Helge Riise replacing Ched Evans and Nick Montgomery. Darius Henderson was named as captain in the absence of Montgomery, whilst on the bench there was a first appearance for 19-year-old Norwegian, Erik Tønne, signed from Strindheim IL in the January transfer window. United lined up with a 4-3-3 formation, Lowry partnered Neill Collins in central defence and Mathew Lowton joined Stephen Quinn and Michael Doyle in midfield. Daniel Bogdanovic and Riise supported Henderson in attack. The Boro side showed three changes from the team that which drew with Leicester as Matthew Bates, Nicky Bailey and Stephen McManus all returned to the starting eleven. United started the better of the two sides, Lowton was left with time to shoot from just over 20 yards but goalkeeper Paul Smith was not unduly troubled. Then, Stephen McManus blocked a half-volley from Lowton. But against the run of play the visitors went ahead after some poor defending. Seb Hines played a long ball forward and the ball was headed into the path of Andrew Taylor, who produced a touch to set up for Matthew Bates to finish left-footed from 10 yards. The Blades seemed to use the goal to spur them on and Henderson found himself unmarked but headed wide after meeting a left-wing cross. It proved to be the first of a handful of chances for Adams’ men, before they drew level. Henderson flicked on Lowry's ball out of defence and Riise held up his cross from the left allowing Lowton to attack at the back post, heading downwards past Smith from close range. The visitors almost regained the lead on 37 minutes when United goalkeeper Steve Simonsen seemed unsighted and could not claim McDonald's shot, somehow pushing it round the post for a corner. In added time, Joe Bennett was cautioned for diving in the penalty area for the visitors, and the last chance of the half went to United, when Riise crossed and Henderson headed over from close range.
United started the second period well, Mattock's powerful strike from 25 yards, was pushed away by keeper Smith. Boro’ broke and Marvin Emnes, one-on-one with Nyron Nosworthy, played in McDonald, who would have had a clear run on goal with a better pass. Back came United, determined, seeing more of the ball than Boro’, and looking much more likely to score and it took another excellent block from McManus to keep out Riise. Suddenly the visitors broke on the counter attack, McMahon was picked out entering the penalty area and his fierce drive brought a fine save from Simonsen. A top class save quickly followed from the resulting corner, as Rhys Williams volleyed from seven yards, Simonsen diving way to his left with a spectacular save. United's first change saw Marcus Bent replaced Nosworthy with positional changes for Lowton and Riise. Soon after, Henderson was gifted a chance but astonishingly headed over in front of an open goal from about two yards out. Marks Yeates came on for Bogdanovic and ten minutes later, Tonne was handed his debut in place of Doyle. United were having the better of the play with Boro virtually pegged back into their own 18 yard box, but disaster stuck, with United trying to find a way through the visitors broke on a counter attack and capitalising when Henderson failed to control on the halfway line. Boro substitute Julio Arca powering forward was allowed to progress unopposed through the midfield area before laying off for Emnes just inside the penalty area, and he drilled low into the net. There was five added minutes and despite trying to put the visitors’ goal under siege they resolutely held out. It’s a defeat which sends United to the foot of the Championship table.
Blades Player Performance Ratings v. Middlesbrough: Simonsen 7, Nosworthy 6, Mattock 6, Collins 5, Lowry 5, Lowton 7, Doyle 6, Quinn 7, Yeates 6, Riise 8, Tonne 6, Bogdanovic 7, Henderson 5, Bent 6.
7th April Sheffield United trio Richard Wright, Stephen Jordan and Jean Calve have departed Bramall Lane, the club have confirmed.
Goalkeeper Wright and defender Jordan have had their contracts terminated by mutual consent, while on-loan right-back Calve has returned to French parent club Nancy. Manager Micky Adams commented: "I would like to thank them for their efforts here and wish them all well in their future careers in the game."
Jordan, a former Manchester City and Burnley player, joined the Blades last year from Turf Moor. He made 15 appearances for the Blades, completed a one-month emergency loan at Huddersfield earlier this year.
Former Arsenal, Everton and West Ham keeper Wright, twice capped for England, arrived at Bramall Lane from Ipswich last year but made just two outings for the Blades, taking a backseat to No.1 Steven Simonsen.
French stopper Calve signed a one-year loan deal with United last summer and notched up 18 appearances during his stay.
4th April Queens Park Rangers 3 Sheffield United 0 (Attendance: 14,535)
Simonsen, Nosworthy (Riise 59), Mattock, Lowton, Collins, Montgomery, Quinn, Doyle, Evans (Bent 79), Bogdanovic (Yeates 65), Henderson.
Subs Not Used: Aksalu, Kozluk, McAllister, Cresswell.
Booked: Montgomery 10.
Man of The Match: Daniel Bogdanovic.
Q.P.R. Line-up: Kenny, Orr, Hill, Derry (Buzsaky 86), Hall, Taarabt (Agyemang 71), Helguson, Faurlin, Gorkss, Routledge, Smith (Miller 81).
Subs Not Used: Cerny, Ephraim, Chimbonda, Shittu.
Booked: Hill 45.
Scorers: Routledge 29, 66, Faurlin 52.
Referee: Keith Stroud (Hampshire).
Wayne Routledge and Alejandro Faurlin netted as QPR beat Sheffield United 3-0 at Loftus Road to leave United seven points adrift in the relegation zone. Striker Darius Henderson returned to the starting eleven after his suspension. Neill Collins returned in the centre of defence in place of Shane Lowrey who was apparently injured with a thigh strain. The Blades lined up with a 4-3-3 system with Daniel Bogdanovic and Ched Evans on the flanks supporting Henderson in attack. QPR made one change as Adel Taarabt returned replacing Hogan Ephraim. Paddy Kenny was in goal for the R’s and Heidar Helguson was the frontman.
The first chance went to Tommy Smith who had the picked up possession on 25 yards before dragging his shot wide of the left-hand post. Then a passing move from the hosts eventually ended in Taarabt sending over a low cross for Alejandro Faurlin, whose curling effort flew just over the bar.
QPR were in control and moments later, they missed arguably their best chance to take the lead. Smith turned Taarabt's initial corner back out to the Moroccan on the right and, after he guided the ball back across the face of the target, Clint Hill miscued his shot, dragging an effort wide from close range. But the R's didn't have to wait too much longer for the opening goal, with more free-flowing football eventually carving open a first on 29 minutes.
Influential midfielder Faurlin was heavily involved, as he swept a pass out wide for Helguson on the right. The Icelandic international's delivery was to perfection, with his cross finding Wayne Routledge at the back post, who made no mistake to bury an effort into the bottom right-hand corner past Blades goalkeeper Steve Simonsen from 12-yards out. United hit back with a Bogdanovic shot from outside the box that was a comfortable save for Kenny. Bradley Orr almost doubled the R's lead soon after. The right-back picked up possession out wide on the right and a stunning effort from 30 yards curled inches over the left-hand upright.
Three minutes before the break Henderson and Bogdanovic flicked on to put Stephen Quinn clear with just Kenny to beat but the midfielder sliced his effort wide while under pressure from defender Fitz Hall. Just after the interval United could have grabbed an equaliser, Nyron Nosworthy's cross from the right fell perfectly for Bogdanovic, only for the striker to blaze high and wide of the target with the goal at his mercy from 10-yards out. However, play soon switched to the other end and, on 52 minutes, QPR doubled their advantage. Nosworthy conceded a corner and Taarabt delivered a from the left, Matthew Lowton could only clear as far as Faurlin on the edge of the box. The Argentinean playmaker made no mistake with his effort from 18-yards out that flew past Simonsen into the right-hand side of the net. Despite the two-goal deficit, the Blades continued to battle and Evans fired wide and Henderson could not direct a Joe Mattock cross towards goal. Blades manager Micky Adams threw on Bjørn Helge_Riise and Mark Yeates, at the expense of Nosworthy and Bogdanovic, switching to 4-4-2 formation, with Montgomery moving to right-back. However, soon after, the home side added their third goal. Faurlin, Smith, Helguson and Routledge exchanged passes before the ball eventually found its way out to the latter on the right-hand edge of the box, who drilled a low effort into the bottom left-hand corner of the net. And Routledge was denied of his hat-trick by only a spectacular piece of goalkeeping by Simonsen. Yeates was booked for a late foul on Kenny as he came out of his box to clear a ball. Soon after, Helguson headed over for the hosts and substitute Patrick Agyemang missed another chance for the hosts. The pressure from QPR continued and Simonsen had to save from both Faurlin and Smith. Late on, Adams made more substitutions but it made little difference to the outcome.
Blades Player Performance Ratings v. Q.P.R.: Simonsen 6, Nosworthy 5, Mattock 6, Lowton 5, Collins 5, Montgomery 6, Doyle 6, Quinn 6, Yeates 5, Riise 7, Evans 6, Bent 6, Bogdanovic 7, Henderson 6.
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