April 2012

Blades Line-up : Simonsen, Lowton, Doyle, Williamson, Collins, Taylor (Beattie 74), Maguire, Porter (Cresswell 54), McDonald, Quinn (Flynn 54), O'Halloran.

Man Of The Match: Richard Cresswell.

Stevenage Line-up: Day, Wilson, Laird, Ashton, Byrom, Roberts, Freeman (Long 84), Bostwick, Agyemang (Beardsley 78), Lascelles, Shroot (Mousinho 74).

Referee: Andy D'Urso (Essex).

Sheffield United came from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 at home to Stevenage but it was not enough to see them reclaim second spot in League One. Michael O'Halloran was given his full debut in place of the injured Will Hoskins. Andy Taylor also took over at left back from Matt Hill, who collected a hamstring injury at MK Dons.

The match kicked off with an ear splitting noise coming from the 30,043 fans inside the Lane. In the first minute Stephen Quinn crossed but neither O'Halloran and Chris Porter could direct the ball towards goal, whilst Quinn also whipped in a couple of further dangerous balls in the opening 15 minutes but Porter could not connect.

Midway through the half Stevenage carved out a real opening when Luke Freeman sent Robin Shroot clear, but the Blades defence did enough to drive him wide and force the shot into the side netting. Moments later it was Freeman himself with a shot from just outside the area the deflected inches with goalkeeper Steve Simonsen scrambling across his goal.

When the breakthrough came it was for the visitors with some counter attacking at its best. Shroot disposed Lee Williamson just outside the Stevenage 18 yard box, sprinted forward and fed Patrick Agyemang on the right. The forward bustled down the right flank and fed a low ball across the area that Joel Byrom got to, ahead Neill Collins to glance the ball into the far corner of the net.

United's aim to secure a win was made much harder when Stevenage doubled their two minutes into the second half. Scott Laird picked the ball up wide on the left, surged into the area and his low shot took a deflection that left Simonsen stranded.

The Blades were having the majority of the possession but wayward passing in their build up was frustrating the Lane faithful. On 63 minutes United made two substitutions. Porter and Quinn were withdrawn and Ryan Flynn and Richard Cresswell were their replacements, and they were both instantly involved. Flynn sent in a speculative cross from the left and Cresswell rose highest to head past goalkeeper Chris Day and start the fight back. Stevenage responded strongly moments later and once again Freeman was at the heart of the move. The midfielder collected the ball in his own half and got past Michael Doyle amongst others into the area. His weighted pass created the perfect shooting opportunity for Shroot, but he opted to bring the ball inside and the chance was smothered.

As time ticked on the Blades attacked in waves, laying siege to the visitors goal. Only last ditch blocks from first Jon Ashton and then Mark Roberts maintained their slender lead, but an equaliser appeared to be only a matter of time. O'Halloran was crowded out as he attempted to get a shot away inside the box. James Beattie was thrown on as the last change, Taylor was replaced and Doyle moved to left-back.

As the time ebbed away the Stevenage defensive line dropped ever deeper as the Blades piled forward backed by a deafening Shoreham Kop. Kevin McDonald took advantage of the acres of space to race forward a fire a stinging drive that flashed inches wide of keeper Day's right-hand post. The Stevenage resilience was it could not last and the inevitable equaliser eventually came and it was another substitute at the heart of the action, this time Beattie. The Blades hero rose above the Stevenage rearguard to head back across goal for Matt Lowton to fire home from close range. Beattie himself almost secured a victory for United moments later but his low shot was superbly saved by the legs of Day. But United could not find the winner, and now the fight for automatic promotion will go down to the last day of the season.

Blades Player Performance Ratings v. Stevenage: Simonsen 6 , Lowton 7 , Doyle 7 , Williamson 6 , Collins 7 , Taylor 6 , Beattie 7 , Maguire 6 , Porter 5 , Cresswell 8 , McDonald 6 , Quinn 6 , Flynn 7 , O'Halloran 5 .

Blades Line-up : Simonsen, Lowton, Hoskins (O'Halloran 61), Doyle, Williamson, Collins, Maguire, Porter (Beattie 77), McDonald, Quinn (Flynn 61), Hill.

Man Of The Match: Michael Doyle.

MK Dons Line-up: Martin, Chicksen, MacKenzie, Williams, Lewington, Potter, Gleeson, Bowditch (O'Shea 75), Smith (Ibehre 69), Powell, MacDonald (Chadwick 69).

Sent off: Powell 66.

Referee: Dean Whitestone (Northamptonshire).

The Blades suffered their first defeat in ten games as the MK Dons secured a play-off place, courtesy of Alan Smith's first goal in five years. There was two changes to the Blades starting eleven with Chris Porter and Will Hoskins replacing Ched Evans and Richard Cresswell in a 4-4-2 formation. United were backed by an incredible 6,135 travelling supporters which made for an electric atmosphere inside Stadium mk as kick-off approached. Both sides showed great intent to play the game in an easy-on-the-eye style with some neat passing ensuring every inch of the pitch enjoyed a share of the ball. There were half-chances at either end of the pitch in the opening 10 minutes when a Dons corner was nodded back across the box by Gary MacKenzie and Dean Lewington's attempt to bundle the ball over was cleared on the line by Kevin McDonald.

At the other end Matt Hill had the space to race down the left flank to deliver a cross into the box which was intended for Porter but full-back Lewington did well to track back and ensure the Blades forward was unable to get on the end of it. The home side enjoyed a strong share of possession and when they took a second corner in quick succession. It was exactly what they did as Lewington nodded back Dean Bowditch's corner into the path of Smith, who was on hand to head the ball over the line for his first goal since 2007, being an ex-Leeds player he celebrated in front of the Blades fans.

It was clear the goal had knocked some of the confidence out of United as passes become misplaced and shots went wayward, in particular a half-volley from Porter from 18-yards blazed well over. United had a chance to pull level a minute before the break. Lee Wiliamson's corner was a good one but the header from Harry Maguire was a weak one as it fell into the arms of Dons goalkeeper Dean Martin. At the opposite end MacKenzie had the opportunity to double the lead when the hosts had their own corner, but the defender's free header from Shaun Williams' delivery fell wide.

The half-time team talk clearly inspired the Blades to come out with more attacking intent and the Dons were put under pressure as they began to push forward. Stephen Quinn, who had been quiet in the first half, looked lively as he delivered a cross to the edge of the box but as Maguire tried to control the ball Stephen Gleeson was able to charge down the chance. There was a real urgency about United yet without really troubling the home side in the final third of the field.

On the hour-mark the Blades made a double substitution with Ryan Flynn and Michael O'Halloran introduced. Their first duty though was to help them defend a Lewington free-kick, however the run of MacKenzie caught out United and he was able to plant a free-header on the ball only for the post to deny him before the Blades defence cleared for a corner. Dean Bowitch's corner found Smith at the near post and his header looked goal-bound until Michael Doyle headed clear on the line.

With momentum swinging back in the Dons favour they were dealt a blow in the 65th minute when Daniel Powell, booked 14 minutes earlier for unsporting behaviour, was shown his second caution for a high arm on Hill. United were desperate to make their one-man advantage count as O'Halloran turned easily on the edge of the area to advance into the hosts box, but Williams was excellent in his timing with a fine challenge to null the threat.

A poor kick from MacKenzie created another avenue of attack for the Blades when the cross from the left was picked up by Doyle inches inside the box, but keeper Martin stayed calm to make a comfortable save. As United committed men forward their defence was left exposed at times and Jabo Ibehre looked to make the most of it as he powered forward and forced a fingertip save from Blades goalkeeper Steve Simonsen.

Minutes later, the Dons striker caught United out on the counterattack, this time breaking through from the left flank beating Simonsen and his shot came off the base of the post to deny the hosts a second goal.

It was a tense final few minutes of the game as the Blades relentless pressure continued and when a fine cross from the right dragged across the goalmouth with Substitute James Beattie was unable to add the final touch, and United continued to press but could not find a way back. The final two games will now decide who will win the final automatic promotion spot.

Blades Player Performance Ratings v. MK Dons: Simonsen 6 , Lowton 6 , Hoskins 6 , O'Halloran 6 , Doyle 7 , Williamson 6 , Collins 6 , Maguire 7 , Porter 6 , Beattie 6 , McDonald 6 , Quinn 6 , Flynn 6 , Hill 6 .

Blades Line-up : Simonsen, Lowton, Doyle, Evans (O'Halloran 90), Williamson, Collins, Cresswell (C. Porter 24), Maguire, McDonald, Quinn (Flynn 76), Hill.

Man Of The Match: Ched Evans.

Leyton Orient Line-up: Jones, Youssef, Dickson, Chorley, Forbes, Cox, Lisbie, Spring (Reed 81), Taiwo (Campbell-Ryce 58), Leacock, Mooney (G. Porter 81).

Sent off: Dickson 61.

Referee: Anthony Bates (Staffordshire).

Sheffield United came from behind to beat Leyton Orient 3-1 at Bramall Lane to strengthen their grip on second place.

The Blades had an unchanged starting eleven from the last match with the same substitutes. There had been a downpour in the minutes before kickoff and the drizzle continued as the match kicked off, and it was United who looked the most lively early on. Stephen Quinn was unable to connect with a Lee Williamson cross then a Ched Evans shot deflected off defender Ryan Dickson for a corner and Maguire caused problems for the O’s defence. Goalkeeper Jamie Jones could only parry a powerful Evans shot and two more goal-bound shots were blocked, the first from Michael Doyle, followed up by Matt Hill.

But the visitors shocked the Lane faithful when totally against the run of play the went ahead, the ball was punted forward and the ball dropped the wrong side of Maguire. O’s striker Kevin Lisbie raced towards goal with the ball and fired a excellent volley into the roof of the net. United went straight back on the attack, the score from Colchester was flashed on the scoreboard showing that the side from s6 was losing again. This lifted the crowd and no doubt the players, a diving header from Richard Cresswell was off target and soon afterwards Cresswell was forced off with a shoulder injury, he was replaced with Chris Porter. Quinn hit a volley into the ground from inside the 18 yard box and keeper Jones was forced to tip over, then Evans had an effort blocked after the now familiar diagonal ball from Maguire had set him up. But Orient were looking a threat on the break and almost doubled the advantage on 29 minutes when Lisbie again found space on the edge of the Blades area but this time dragged his effort across goal. Four minutes before the interval Dean Cox fired just wide after being teed up by Lisbie from 12 yards out. United did not have to wait long after that for their leveller, as Williamson swept home from close range after Evans had collected a clearing header from Ben Chorley and then cut back and side-footed across the box for the Blades midfield man.

Nine minutes after the break when United took advantage of Solomon Taiwo conceding possession in midfield. Doyle took over, driving deep into the O's half and picking his spot in the bottom right corner with his 20-yard shot. If that was a hammer blow to the visitors, but worse was to follow seven minutes later when loanee Dickson flew into a tackle on Williamson and was sent for an early bath.

United were by now well in command and Evans hit the post on the turn as they looked for a third goal. Ryan Flynn curled inches wide not long after coming on from the bench and the Blades eventually settled it seven minutes from the end. Evans has been in irresistible form for the Blades this season and he powered through the visitors challenges to stroke home his 35th of the season before celebrating in front of the John Street Stand swirling his shirt in the air. Late on, Dean Cox just failed to get on the end of George Porter's drilled low cross for the O’s with two minutes remaining, but the game was long over and this win opens a four point gap between United in second, and third place.

Blades Player Performance Ratings v. Leyton Orient: Simonsen 6 , Lowton 6 , Doyle 7 , Evans 8 , Williamson 8 , Collins 8 , Cresswell 6 , C. Porter 7 , Maguire 7 , McDonald 7 , Quinn 7 , Flynn 6 , Hill 6 .

Blades Line-up : Simonsen, Lowton, Doyle, Evans (O'Halloran 69), Williamson (Flynn 45), Collins, Cresswell (Porter 64), Maguire, McDonald, Quinn, Hill.

Man Of The Match: Ched Evans.

Rochdale Line-up: Lucas, Widdowson, Amankwaah, Kennedy, Jones, Symes, Tutte, Holden, Obadeyi, Byrne, Akpa Akpro.

Referee: Eddie Ilderton (Tyne).

Sheffield United regained second spot in the race for automatic promotion from League One as they brushed aside Rochdale 5-2 at Spotland. United manager Danny Wilson named an unchanged starting eleven for the visit to Spotland. Rochdale three changes to the Their starting eleven with Neill Bryne, Dean Holden and Temitope Obadeyi returning.

Heavy rain proceeded the kick-off and in what was a lively start to the match, United put the Rochdale goal under pressure inside the first two minutes as Ched Evans struck the ball across goalkeeper Dave Lucas from inside the 18 yard box, his effort shaving the post of the way past the target. But it was the hosts who went on to take the lead a minute later, the goal coming through Jason Kennedy. He headed home past United goalkeeper Steve Simonsen after getting on the end of an inch perfect cross inside the six yard box from Jean Louis Akpa Akpro from the by-line.

But, in what was in an entertaining encounter, The Blades went on to equalise just two minutes later. Kevin McDonald's volley from the edge of the box being yet another stunning strike much to the delight of the 3000 Unitedites in attendance.

Obadeyi came close to re-gaining the lead for Rochdale on 17 minutes. The on-loan Bolton striker brought the ball down the right hand side of play before cutting back inside and striking the ball with his left foot on the turn. He watched on as his effort curled past the post.

And despite Rochdale enjoying a spell of pressure, it was United who went on to add a second and a third within minutes of each other. Evans netted his 33rd goal of the campaign on 22 minutes, before Lee Williamson gave the Blades a two goal cushion three minutes later. Williamson was on hand to slot the ball, which had bounced back into play following an initial save from Lucas, into the back of the net.

After the goal, United continued to keep possession and gave Rochdale very few opportunities to find a way through in the final third. The Blades were the ones who looked the most likely to add to their tally, and in the run up to half time the Blades again came close as Williamson’s low cross-come-shot across the face of goal crept past the upright, before Evans netted his second of the evening in stoppage time. The Lane striker tucked the ball into the back of the net from inside a packed 18 yard box to put the game beyond the reach of Rochdale.

The home side made a bright start to the second half, and Andrew Tutte forced Simonsen to pull off a save shortly after the re-start. Tutte's powerful drive from distance testing the keeper who tipped the effort past the post.

But as seen in the first half, despite an opening spell of pressure, the Blades went onto regain control. Evans, twisted and turned his way past the Rochdale defence before striking an effort from outside the area. Although he was always pressing, his effort did not post a strike on this occasion as it flew over the bar.

A minute later, Richard Cresswell's low hard drive hit the side netting, before Michael Doyle went on to extend the Blades lead on 57 minutes. His strike from distance at speed flew through the hands of keeper Lucas and into the back of the net.

Rochdale to their credit continued to keep their heads up and at the other end Obadeyi hit a scuffed effort goal wards following a cross from Akpa Akpro. The Frenchman then decided to go it alone as he charged forward from the middle of the park, his strike however going wildly over the bar.

And on 68 minutes Obadeyi netted a second for Rochdale as he got on the end of a ball which was squared across the area by Akpa Akpro. He took his time, finding space, before unleashing the shot. But United were never far away however, and despite already having the game wrapped up, continued to press for a sixth. And on 73 minutes Mat Lowton was denied only by the woodwork.His curling effort which dipped as it made it was goal-ward, had beaten Lucas who was at full stretch across his goal, and was kept out only by the crossbar. In the final minutes of the game Lucas came off his line to smother a shot from substitute Michael O'Halloran, before Tutte hit a scuffed effort which was collected by Simonsen. Obadeyi also had a half chance as he tested the Blades keeper at his near post. Simonsen spilled the effort and for a corner kick. The effort was the final of the match, and this outstanding victory puts United back into second spot in League One.

Blades Player Performance Ratings v. Rochdale: Simonsen 6 , Lowton 7 , Doyle 7 , Evans 8 , O'Halloran 7 , Williamson 7 , Flynn 7 , Collins 7 , Cresswell 7 , Porter 7 , Maguire 7 , McDonald 8 , Quinn 7 , Hill 6 .

Blades Line-up : Simonsen, Lowton, Doyle, Evans, Williamson, Collins, Cresswell (O'Halloran 58), Maguire, McDonald, Quinn (Flynn 83), Hill.

Man Of The Match: Michael Doyle.

AFC Bournemouth Line-up: Flahavan, Cook, Cooper, Pugh (McDermott 56), Arter (Fogden 45), Thomas, MacDonald, Francis, Malone, Hines (Taylor 77), Addison.

Referee: Andy Woolmer (Northamptonshire).

Ched Evans and Richard Cresswell netted to give United their fourth straight win as AFC Bournemouth were beaten 2-1 at Bramall Lane.

United had an unchanged team following the 1-0 victory at Hartlepool. The visitors had the first chance of note when Wes Thomas was denied by goalkeeper Steve Simonsen. United's first opening came from a Lee Williamson corner when Ched Evans’ shot was blocked. On thirteen minutes Kevin McDonald worked space and a one-two on the right flank with Cresswell before the United midfielder stormed into the box and shot over the crossbar from close range. The Blades came close to scoring after 30 minutes, but Stephen Quinn went into an offside position from Cresswell's pass. Shortly afterwards, Cherries midfielder Harry Arter was booked for deliberate handball. The first goal came straight afterwards when Matt Lowton crossed on the right, Cresswell challenged and the ball dropped kindly for Evans to volley home from 12 yards out.

Zavon Hines almost got on the end of a Simon Francis cross at the start of the second half, but the visitors were soon two behind. McDonald found Evans on the right wing and he crossed at his second attempt for Cresswell to turn the ball home from two yards.

United nearly got a third when McDonald made a storming run forward and saw his shot deflected wide. Michael O'Halloran wearing bright orange boots replaced Cresswell and was quickly involved using his pace to get clear, but right-back Steve Cook did well to make the tackle. Controversy followed when United keeper Simonsen attempted to bowl out to Lowton and was clearly impeded by Hines. The Cherries striker cheekily slotted the ball into the empty net much to the fury of the United crowd and Simonsen who ran to the linesman to argue about the goal. The referee, who had not seen the incident, consulted with his linesman, and to everyone’s amazement allowed the goal to stand.United responded with an Evans header being cleared off the line by Wes Fogden. But the visitors started to have more of the play and United sank back into their own half causing frustration amongst the United faithful. Donal McDermott had a shot deflected wide and substitute Lyle Taylor charged down a Simonsen clearance after Quinn had hesitated on the left wing, hanging on to the ball for too long and then playing the ball back to the under pressure keeper.

Evans had a shot from a tight angle saved whilst at the other end Scott Malone beat Lowton but sliced his shot wide. Then in injury time, Malone's set-piece was deflected wide and from the resulting corner Cook headed over. In the final seconds Evans to tried his luck with an audacious 50 yard effort. The victory meant United moved back into second place which they had relinquished for a few hours.

Blades Player Performance Ratings v. AFC Bournemouth: Simonsen 6 , Lowton 6 , Doyle 8 , Evans 8 , Williamson 6 , Collins 7 , Cresswell 7 , O'Halloran 7 , Maguire 7 , McDonald 7 , Quinn 7 , Hill 6 .

Danny Wilson is hopeful of keeping striker Ched Evans, but admits finances may make it hard. Evans, 23, has scored 31 goals in all competitions for the Blades this season but is out of contract in the summer.

Wilson commented : "We'll do our level best to keep him. The fact of the matter is the economics of the club had to be addressed this season.

"If we go up that'll ease slightly, but the fact is we need the club to be financially stable."

Evans is the second highest scorer in the division, seven league goals behind Huddersfield Town's Jordan Rhodes. After Evans' hat-trick against Chesterfield last week Wilson said he believes the Sheffield United man is the more complete player.

"There's no doubt about it for me, Jordan's a fantastic player but I just think there's one or two areas where Ched shades it," he said.

"He's got a trick in his locker, he's got pace and he's got power but he can also finish.

"Having said that it would be brilliant to have the pair of them together in the same team."

Evans joined the Blades for £3m in July 2009 and endured a difficult first two campaigns at Bramall Lane, scoring just 13 times, before finding form this season.