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29th Februaryheffield United 2 Scunthorpe United 1 (Attendance: 16,165)
Simonsen, Lowton, Jean-Francois, Maguire, Collins, Ertl (Quinn 45), Doyle, Flynn (Hoskins 75), Williamson, Evans, Beattie (Cresswell 45).
Subs Not Used: Howard, Porter.
Scorers: Williamson 54, Quinn 82.
Man Of The Match: Stephen Quinn.
Scunthorpe Line-up: Slocombe, Togwell, Mirfin, O'Connor, Parkin, Walker, Reid, Duffy (Byrne 78), Barcham (Thompson 71), Reckord, Ribeiro (Grant 88).
Subs Not Used: Robertson, Mozika.
Booked: Parkin 35, Mirfin 56, Slocombe 69.
Sent-Off: Togwell 38.
Scorer: Duffy 31.
Referee: Paul Tierney (Lancashire).
Sheffield United came from behind to beat a stubborn Scunthorpe 2-1 with goals from Lee Williamson and Stephen Quinn.
There was several changes to the Blades starting eleven, James Beattie replacing Richard Cresswell, Johnny Ertl was recalled for the injured Nick Montgomery and Ryan Flynn came in for Quinn. Cresswell and Quinn were both on the bench and United lined up in a familiar 4-4-2 formation. Scunthorpe named an unchanged side form their last match with Brentford. In attack they had the formidable figure of Jon Parkin, and he was supported by Andy Barcham and Mark Duffy, although Parkin was clearly out on his own from the start with Barcham and Duffy in wide positions in an apparent 4-3-2-1 formation.
The Blades started in a purposeful fashion, Williamson sent a through ball and Beattie back-heeled the ball into the path of Ertl who shot wide with just goalkeeper Sam Slocombe to beat. It was obvious even in the early stages that Scunthorpe had come to the Lane to defend and look to the counter attack at every opportunity. The visitors won a number of corners and a free-kick,but United held firm. In truth the early stages were a scattered with mistakes and general scrappy play, this contributed to the visitors cause as the home faithful began to get frustrated. Just after the half hour the Iron grabbed the lead. It started when Neill Collins became over elaborate in his own half instead of clearing the ball, Michael Doyle and O’Connor challenged in midfield and the ball found its way to Duffy. He went on a slalom run, beating three back peddling United defenders, and then coolly from the edge of the 18 yard box, slotted the ball low to the left of the diving goalkeeper Steve Simonsen.
Parkin was throwing his weight around, and was booked for a coming together with Jean-Francois. The Scunthorpe player was perhaps unfortunate to receive a card, but shortly afterwards it got worse for the Iron when they were reduced to ten men. Sam Togwell the Scunthorpe captain, challenged Doyle for the ball inside the Blades half and the referee adjudged it to be with excessive force and he was handed his marching orders with a straight red card.
The sending off changed the match, certainly for the visitors they reshuffled and implemented time wasting tactics. At every opportunity goal kicks took twice as long to take, and one Scunthorpe player had the referee hold up the proceedings while he spent a couple of minutes putting one of his boots back on. On the half time whistle the Blades faithful showed their disappointment with the first half performance.
Changes needed to be made and Blades manager Danny Wilson introduced Cresswell and Quinn on for Ertl and Beattie, the former had looked off the pace for periods in the first half. After 55 minutes those changes looked inspired, as Cresswell cut inside and fed the ball to Quinn who delicately chipped the ball across the United box, evading Paul Reid and David Mirfin and Williamson was well placed to volley home from six yards out.
The delaying tactics continued from the visitors. Mirfin was booked for time wasting and Parkin shot at Simonsen although Scunthorpe attacks were few and far between. The Blades were quickly back in the ascendency and before the hour, Evans had a shot saved by goalkeeper Slocombe from close range after getting the better of Jamie Reckord, and Quinn fired wide from distance soon after.
After countless warnings the referee, he finally booked Slocombe on 70 minutes for taking too long over a goal kick. In another throw of the dice, Wilson brought on Will Hoskins with 15 minutes to go because, despite all of their efforts, the Iron's rearguard refused to crack.
Scunthorpe stalwart Cliff Byrne was then thrown on in place of Duffy to provide even more to the visitors defence. The pressure finally told with eight minutes remaining. The visitors could only half clear a corner and Quinn's long range shot took a telling deflection off Reid to beat Slocombe.
After all the time wasting the visitors were now rushing to get on with the game. But it was now the Blades turn to run down the clock with some neat passing and generally retaining possession at every opportunity. The Blades were still the attacking force and almost got a third goal when Quinn crossed and Cresswell's flick went just wide of the goal. Despite a late effort from Mirfin flying wide the Blades were comfortable and now move five points clear in second place in League One.
Simonsen 6, Lowton 6, Jean-Francois 7, Maguire 7, Collins 6, Ertl 5, Doyle 6, Flynn 6, Hoskins 6, Williamson 7, Quinn 8, Cresswell 7, Evans 7, Beattie 5..
26th Februaryheffield Wednesday 1 heffield United 0 (Attendance:36,364)
Simonsen, Lowton, Jean-Francois, Collins, Maguire, Doyle, Montgomery (Flynn 79), Williamson, Quinn (Beattie 86), Cresswell (Hoskins 85), Evans.
Subs Not Used: Howard, Ertl.
Man Of The Match: Richard Cresswell.
Owls Line-up: Bywater, Buxton, Batth, R Jones, R Johnson Semedo, Prutton (M Jones 64), Lines, Antonio (Llera 90), Lowe (Madine 59), O'Grady.
Subs Not Used: Weaver, Morrison.
Scorer: O'Grady 73.
Referee: Mark Halsey (Hertfordshire).
A second half goal from Chris O'Grady gave Wednesday victory in a close fought contest at Hillsborough. A result that still leaves United well placed in the second automatic promotion place.
Lee Williamson was back in the United side in place of the unfortunate Ryan Flynn who dropped to the bench. Nick Montgomery continued in midfield in place of the injured Kevin MacDonald. It was the Blades kicking toward the Owls kop who carved the first opening inside five minutes. Matt Lowton darted into the area from the right before supplying Richard Cresswell, whose improvised strike was saved by goalkeeper Stephen Bywater from close range. A Wednesday corner presented them with their first chance of the afternoon as Chris Lines sent over a corner, picking out Reda Johnson who headed over the bar.
United went within inches of taking the lead after 16 minutes. Williamson's free kick from 20 yards came canned back off the upright before Bywater was able to gather from the rebound, with Cresswell lurking inside the six yard box. At the other end, Michail Antonio sent in dangerous low ball into the area that was just too far ahead of Ryan Lowe to make a connection at the back post. Lines then saw his free kick stopped by Blades goalkeeper Steve Simonsen before O'Grady could adjust his body to have a shot from David Prutton's rebounded strike. Williamson thought he should have had a penalty after Jose Semedo's challenge. The Blades were on top as the half came to a close, Ched Evans' snap-shot volley from 30 yard went wide before the referee brought an end to a lively first half.
After a slow start to the send half, winger Antonio delivered an cross into the area which harry Maguire headed wide with O’Grady lurking close. Then, O'Grady then held off Michael Doyle as the Blades midfielder stormed forward before shooting just wide.
Wednesday made two attacking substitutions around the hour mark. Lewis Buxton made an burst down the wing and managed to get away from Stephen Quinn before centring the ball for O'Grady to head past the diving Simonsen and give the Owls the lead. The Blades had to issue a response to falling behind, having offered little in the final third since the restart, a 35-yard free-kick from Evans was straight at the keeper. Substitute Will Hoskins tested Bywater with a close-range header but the keeper pushed the ball behind for a corner. In the final minute of normal time, Flynn crossed and an unmarked Hoskins saw his header tipped over the crossbar by Bywater. More than 14,000 Unitedites had watched the 114th league derby with 4,700 at Hillsborough and 9,317 via a beam back at Bramall Lane. And although it was not United’s day, they are still in a prime position for promotion. Promotion is the target this season.
Simonsen 7, Lowton 6, Jean-Francois 5, Collins 7, Maguire 7, Doyle 6, Montgomery 6, Flynn 6, Williamson 6, Quinn 6, Cresswell 7, Evans 6.
21st FebruaryStriker Ched Evans has set himself an impressive new target of 30 goals this season. The 23-year-old Wales international struck his 20th and 21st goals of the season in the Blades' 2-1 win over Preston at the weekend, but remains hungry for more as Danny Wilson's side maintain their challenge for automatic promotion. Evans said: "My next target which I would like to hit is 30. I think it's possible, I set myself targets for inspiration and at the moment I'm enjoying my football. "I'm delighted with how my season has gone, having missed games at the start, and all the times I have hit the woodwork and, on Saturday, missing a penalty. "I've kept a count on how many times I've hit the post or crossbar and I believe it's about 14 times. If they had gone in I'd be looking at nearing 40 goals by February."
18th Februaryheffield United 2 Preson North End 1 (Attendance: 17,579)
Simonsen, Lowton, Jean-Francois, Collins, Maguire, Doyle, McDonald (Montgomery 25), Quinn, Flynn (Williamson 69), Cresswell (Beattie 81), Evans.
Subs Not Used: Long, Hoskins.
Scorers: Evans 42, 83.
Man Of The Match: Ched Evans.
Preston Line-up: Stuckmann, Robertson, Nicholson (McLaughlin 61), Marrow (Murphy 87), Barton, Parry, Holroyd, Procter, Cummins (Douglas 81), Hunt, Brown.
Subs Not Used: Arestidou, McLean.
Booked: Marrow 2, Brown 27, Cummins 44.
Scorer: Cummins 38.
Referee: Mark Brown (East Yorkshire).
Ched Evans scored both the goals that earned Sheffield United won 2-1 against a tough defensive Preston side.
United named an unchanged team after the victory over Huddersfield Town, and James Beattie returned to the bench after his suspension. Preston made one change with Aaron Brown coming in for his debut in place of the injured Jamie McAllister in the centre of defence partnering Chris Robertson.
The game started with much of the play in the middle of the park, with Alex Marrow being awarded the first yellow card of the game with a strong tackle on Michael Doyle. Evans went close to breaking the deadlock inside the opening 20 minutes when he headed a Ryan Flynn corner over the bar. It was clear that were Preston adopting a resolute defensive approach did not have their first sight of goal until the 24th minute.
A deep cross from the right wing took a heavy deflection and allowed Graham Cummins a chance for the Lillywhites, but he could not direct his effort on target. A minute later Kevin McDonald picked up an injury and was instantly replaced by Nick Montgomery in the centre of midfield. Shortly after the Blades were awarded a penalty kick as Brown pulled down Evans, handing the referee no other option but to point to the penalty spot .
However with German Thorsten Stuckmann in goal, North End were always going to have a chance of the penalty being saved, and this turned out to be the case. The referee spent an irritating amount of time making sure everyone was outside the 18 yard box, perhaps itself a distraction for the penalty taker, the referee finally then blew his whistle and for a second stuck his arms out, was this distracting? Evans hesitated and hit one of his worse penalties and Stuckmann dived to his left and held onto the ball.
Richard Cresswell had a shot saved by the feet of Stuckmann before Preston perhaps undeservedly took the lead. The visitors for all the defending had kept making forays into the United half and grabbed a shock goal when Chris Holroyd knocked the ball back to Nicky Hunt to send over a cross into the box for Cummins and the striker sent a looping header into the roof of the net.
But, United's leveller was just moments away. Harry Maguire's forward ball was flicked on by Cresswell for Stephen Quinn to play in Flynn and although his shot was blocked by Stuckmann, Evans was ideally placed to poke home the rebound to make amends for his penalty miss. The second half started with no changes from either side as there was all still to play for. It was a quiet opening 15 minutes to play, with Evans having the only shot on goal with an ambitious 30 yard strike over the bar.
Preston had a chance when midfielder Adam Barton went close when he went on a run before unleashing a low strike across the bobbled surface and inches wide of the post. Lee Willamson replaced Flynn on the wing and Beattie was the last change, and he was involved as the Blades finally went ahead in the final ten minutes.
Matt Lowton's header was saved by Stuckmann and Beattie's follow up was headed off the line by Hunt for a corner. Evans was just inside the 18 yard box and hit a tremendous strike over players and into the roof of the net. Preston had defended and employed time wasting tactics all afternoon, but now found themselves having to come forward. But United defended well in the closing stages and held on for another valuable win.
Simonsen 6, Lowton 7, Jean-Francois 7, Collins 8, Maguire 7, Doyle 7, McDonald 6, Montgomery 6, Quinn 7, Flynn 7, Williamson 6, Cresswell 7, Beattie 7, Evans 8.
16th February Goalkeeper George Long has signed an extended contract which keeps him at Bramall Lane until 2016. Long, 18, has made four first-team appearances this season and has been on the bench as back-up for Danny Wilson's side in every other fixture.
"We're delighted that George Long has committed his future to the club for the next few years, which means we keep a fantastic prospect, who has a great future ahead of him," Wilson commented. "It's now down to him to keep working hard on the training pitch and learn from Steve Simonsen and Paul Crichton." Long, who progressed through the club's academy, has represented England at junior level and played for the Blades' under-18s side that reached the Youth Cup final last season.
15th February Danny Wilson claimed Sheffield United will "take some stopping" after their 1-0 victory at promotion rivals Huddersfield on Tuesday. The Blades have won 10 of their last 12 games in League One and fought all the way to claim a win at the Galpharm Stadium.
Centre-back Neill Collins headed the only goal after just five minutes and United thwarted Huddersfield with some stout defending.
Blades boss Wilson said: "Some of the football we played was fantastic, and if we keep this run going we will take some stopping.
"It's important that we have moved up to second but we need to be there in the last few weeks of the season."The boys can take a lot of confidence from this and the fans have been great. They have been with us all the way and there's a feel-good factor around the place now.
14th Februaryheffield United 1 (Attendance: 17,330)
Simonsen, Lowton, Jean-Francois, Collins, Maguire, Doyle, Flynn, McDonald, Quinn, Evans (Hoskins 90), Cresswell (Porter 82).
Subs Not Used: Long, Williams, Montgomery.
Booked: McDonald 40, Simonsen 57, Maguire 63.
Scorer: Collins 5.
Man Of The Match: Steve Simonsen.
Huddersfield Line-up: Smithies, Hunt, Naysmith, McCombe, Morrison, Roberts (Cadamarteri 64), Gobern (Woods 45), Robinson, Ward, Rhodes, Lee (Novak 74).
Subs Not Used: Bennett, Higginbotham.
Booked: Lee 58, Naysmith 64.
Referee: Kevin Friend (Leicestershire).
Defender Neill Collins scored his first goal for Sheffield United as the Blades emerged 1-0 winners from the clash with Huddersfield.
The Blades had one change to their side with the return of Ryan Flynn in place of injured Lee Williamson. Wes Hoskins was again included on the substitutes bench. Ched Evans and Richard Cresswell were again the starting front two in a 4-4-2 formation. Former Blade Gary Naysmith captained Huddersfield, Gary Roberts and Danny Ward returned from injuries, and up front Alan Lee was preferred to Kallum Higginbotham in a 4-4-2 formation.
United had 3,857 fans behind the goal which they were defending in the first half. The game began at a high tempo with both sides showing good attacking intent. In the fifth minute the Blades made a number of corners pay when Neill Collins headed home at the back post. Flynn's corner was well won by Harry Maguire and he headed back across goal for his centre-half partner to head home.
The Terriers created their first chance of the game when a quick throwing released Gary Roberts, he swung a deep ball to the back post and Ward got the better of Jean-Francois but headed the wide Then a Stephen Quinn pass for Cresswell slid through to Huddersfield goalkeeper Alex Smithies, and then Evans swung missed when Keven McDonald and Quinn had created a chance.
The home side then had a opportunity when Ward's fired a 30 yard dipping free-kick which goalkeeper Steve Simonsen cleared well form his goal. Simonsen was forced into a fantastic save with 25 minutes on the clock when Sean Morrison's long throw was flicked goal-wards by Oscar Gobern, forcing the Blades stopper to react quickly and tip the ball over. From the resulting corner, Gobern found himself unmarked at the back post but failed to hit the target from six yards out.
The Blades were playing some good football and almost doubled their advantage on the half an hour mark when Flynn crossed precisely for Cresswell, but he could not keep his header down from eight yards out.
From the resulting goal-kick the Terriers created an opening for Jordan Rhodes. Smithies long goal kick was well attacked by Lee and his flick on ran through for Rhodes who took the effort first time on the volley, but failed to work Simonsen in the Blades goal.
Smithies and Anton Robinson came to the hosts rescue with eight minutes of the first half-remaining. The keeper was forced into a low save when Evans drove hard and low from the edge of the area. Smithies fumbled the first shot and just as the Lane marksman went to fire home Robinson dived in and diverted the ball away from goal. Quinn then followed up the rebound, and looked certain to score, but somehow Smithies dived full length to divert the ball away for a corner.
Huddersfield responded and Lee’s shot on the turn forced Simonsen into a low save. The Terriers were within an inch of equalising in the 43rd minute when Rhodes received Jamie McCombe's chest back and rifled a volley at goal, which stuck the post.
The first shot of the second-half came from Cresswell, who fired well wide from 20 yards out. In a strange minute of play Simonsen was booked, while Lee was forced to change his shorts following an altercation with Maguire. Lee had done a large amount of complaining to the referee up to this point and was eventually booked following a late foul on Collins after 58 minutes. The hosts had found chances few and far between during the first twenty minutes of the second-half due to some excellent defending from United, but were within inches of a equaliser when Morrison rose highest from Ward's corner. The on loan Reading loanee powered a header at goal which was cleared by Michael Doyle on the line.
Then, Simonsen made another good save when Ward got beyond Matthew Lowton before pulling the ball back for Rhodes, whose low effort was collected well by the Blades keeper. United looked dangerous on the break and after some neat passing in Terriers 18 yard box, Maguire somehow missed the target when it looked easier to score from four yards out. United manager Danny Wilson made his first change of the game with ten minutes remaining when he replaced Cresswell with Chris Porter.
Collins had his keeper to thank in the 83rd minute when he stuck a boot at Morrison's low shot, which rebounded goal-wards and into the grateful hands of Simonsen. In the final minute Hoskins replaced Evans. Four minutes were added by the referee, and United held on for a superb win which puts them back into second place in League One.
Simonsen 8, Lowton 7, Jean-Francois 7, Collins 7, Maguire 8, Doyle 7, Flynn 7, McDonald 8, Quinn 7, Evans 7, Cresswell 7, Porter 6.
13th FebruaryWill Hoskins wants to focus on playing regular football during his loan at Sheffield United rather than worrying about a potential permanent move. The striker joined the Blades from Brighton & Hove Albion on deadline day and marked his debut with a goal in Saturday's 3-0 win over Wycombe Wanderers.
Hoskins had started only two games in the Championship for Brighton this season after joining Gus Poyet's side from Bristol Rovers last summer.
Blades boss Danny Wilson has already hinted he may try to keep Hoskins in the long term if the club win promotion, but the 25-year-old is happy to take his time regarding his future. "I couldn't have wished for a better start," said Hoskins. "I want to be playing and scoring but promotion is the aim. You can see the quality here after training with the lads and United will be up there at the end of the season.
"It's not crossed my mind about moving here permanently. It's a great club but Brighton is a great club and I love it. "I just want to play and things will sort themselves out."
11th Februaryheffield United 3 Wycombe Wanderers 0 (Attendance: 17,165)
Simonsen, Lowton, Jean-Francois, Collins, Maguire, Doyle, Williamson (Flynn 45), McDonald, Quinn, Cresswell (Hoskins 61), Evans (Porter 87).
Subs Not Used: Long, Montgomery,
Scorers: Hoskins 66, Evans 73, McDonald 90.
Man Of The Match: Kevin McDonald.
Wycombe Line-up: Bull, Forster, Lang, Winfield, Johnson (McNamee 77), Bloomfield, Harper, Strevens (McClure 83), Basey, Beavon, Whichelow (Lewis 70).
Subs Not Used: McCoy, Grant.
Bookings: Bloomfield 30, Strevens 70.
Referee: Dean Mohareb (Cheshire).
Will Hoskins' debut goal helped Sheffield United to an easy 3-0 win over Wycombe Wanderers as Danny Wilson's Blades moved up to third in League One.
The United manager again named an unchanged team, meaning new loan signing Hoskins was on the bench, Ched Evans and Richard Cresswell were the front men in a 4-4-2 formation. Wycombe came to the Lane with the now familiar five-man defence with Danny Foster coming in at right-back, allowing Louis Laing to go into midfield and leaving Stuart Beavon up front in a 5-4-1 formation.
The match kicked off in sub zero temperatures and it was the Blades that dominated the early exchanges but found clear-cut chances hard to come by, even though the game was being played for most part in the Wycombe half of the field. The dominance continued, but for all the Blades possession, it was the visitors who came closest to breaking the deadlock when Dave Winfield's header was met by Beavon with his back to goal on the edge of the box, and the striker turned before sending a low shot narrowly wide of the post.
Kevin McDonald was again instrumental in midfield for United involved constantly, and he attempted a long-range drive which fizzed just past goalkeeper Nikki Bull's left-hand post on 34 minutes while Harry Maguire was further away with a similar effort as the half drew towards its close. You just felt that such was the poor quality of their opponents that United would still hit three or four in the second half. The United pressure resumed after the break, when Evans fired into the side netting after the ball bounced kindly for him eight yards out, but the Wycombe five-man defence was working overtime and something had to give as the pressure increased.
The breakthrough came on 67 minutes courtesy of substitute Hoskins, who marked the start of his loan spell with a simple finish from a low cross from the left to put United in front.
The lead was doubled shortly after when Matt Lowton escaped down the right and picked out Lecsinel Jean-Francois at the back post, who was able to feed Evans to convert from eight yards after some impressive footwork.
United snatched a third in stoppage time when McDonald's strike was heavily deflected en route to goal and left Nikki Bull flat-footed, finding the top corner and then celebrate down by the corner flag in front of the Shoreham Kop.
Simonsen 6, Lowton 7, Jean-Francois 6, Collins 6, Maguire 7, Doyle 7, Williamson 6, Flynn 7, McDonald 8, Quinn 7, Cresswell 7, Hoskins 7, Evans 8, Porter 6.
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