Blades 2007/08 Season Review   The 2007/08 season began with a new manager at the helm. Former Middlesbrough and West Brom manager Bryan Robson was given the job following the departure Neil Warnock. For many, including myself, the appointment was greeted with a lack of enthusiasm and a feeling of “Well, we are not exactly thrilled with the choice but let’s give him a chance”.

Unquestionably, Warnock was always going to be a tough act to follow. He was always great value during his post–match interviews having a twinkle in his eye and often making a humorous jibe about the opposition or the referee. By contrast, it would become quickly apparent that Robson was completely different.

In the summer of 2007 United raised around 8 million pounds with the sale of Jagielka, Davis and Kazim-Richards and brought in Beattie and Naysmith from Everton while Billy Sharp returned to United at a cost of 2 million pounds having been sold to Scunthorpe for around £100,000 a couple of years earlier. With all the wheeling and dealing and despite the signing of a Premiership striker there was no disguising the fact which league the club were playing in with the opening fixture against Colchester. Twelve months early the season had began with Liverpool at Bramall Lane. Some how this first game would sum up much of what was to come. Beattie scored the first of his many goals of the 2007/08 season but United could only manage a 2-2 draw with Colchester’s equaliser coming in the last minute of the game. For much of the game United were largely in control but sloppy defending meant two points dropped. During the course of the season United would draw far two many games at home, games that they should have gone on to win.

Bryan Robson did little to ingratiate himself with the Bramall Lane faithful. His demeanour never seemed to change as he stood next dug out during the course of a game and his after match interviews gave the impression of a very dour figure who, on a number of occasions, would put the blame for the team's poor performances completely on the shoulders of the players.

Although the team produced two memorable victories in the F.A. Cup over Premiership opposition, Bolton away and Manchester City at home, a dreadful performance at Hillsborough in the Sheffield derby game brought things to a head. The final nail in the manager’s coffin was when Robson’s team failed to beat bottom of the table Scunthorpe at home in a game which saw the visitors play 80 minutes with 10 men. An after match car park demonstration followed and it seemed that Robson had nowhere else to go except the exit door.

With fourteen games to go United were in 16th place only seven points above the drop zone so it was important to find the right candidate to steady the ship and to survive. Kevin Blackwell was a popular replacement having been number two to Neil Warnock for a number of years and with his previous experience at Bramall Lane settled to the task in hand quickly. The Blades gained eight wins out of their remaining fourteen fixtures and eased the threat of relegation and only missed out on a play off place by five points finishing in 9^th place.

After a summer that has seen a change in the manager’s office, fruitless legal proceedings with the Premier League and United break their transfer record (around 4 million pounds) with the signing of James Beattie from Everton, the close season has been more than eventful.

Having raised around 8 million pounds with the sale of Jagielka, Davis and Kazim-Richards United have brought in Beattie and Naysmith from Everton while Billy Sharp has returned to United at a cost of 2 million pounds having been sold to Scunthorpe for around £100,000 a couple of years ago.

The scale of United’s demotion from the top flight was brought into perspective with the visit of Colchester. In contrast, the first day of the season last term it was Liverpool who came to Bramall Lane.

Although our English summers often brings mixed weather, particularly this summer, the first day of a new season has a habit of bringing warm sunny conditions, which is not always helpful as players try to find their full match fitness. This year was no different and as the players entered the fray at Bramall Lane in the August sunshine, it was a time for new beginnings renewed optimism and when what has gone before counts for very little, it’s all about today and the rest of the season.

With The Blades lining up with their three major signing including Beattie and Sharp up front the first half was a largely forgettable affair not helped perhaps with a rather negative centre midfield selection of Leigertwood and Montgomery. Although both players went about their business effectively enough, the game was crying out for a bit of creation and flare from the centre of the park.

The Colchester side which included 41-year old Teddy Sheringham went closest to breaking the deadlock five minutes into the second half when Jackson stuck a powerful 30-yard drive from a free-kick only for Kenny to produced a flying save high to his right.

Beattie went close to opening for The Blades on his debut when Gillespie produced a cross from the right only for the new striker to head onto the top of the crossbar. Midway through the second half Gillespie supplied again but this time Beattie headed home in front of a jubilant Shoreham Street kop. Joy was short-lived as the visitors equalised within seconds of the restart through McLeod.

Despite the disappointment of giving away a poor goal United were now playing with more belief mainly due to introduction of Michael Tonge who had replaced Leigertwood in centre midfield. It looked like and inspired substitution from Bryan Robson particularly when Tonge drove home what looked like the winner on 82 minutes. Sadly, it wasn’t to be as Colchester forced a second equaliser from Platt with less than two minutes on the clock.

If United are to justify their place as one of the favourites for going up we surely must be winning games like this. The team selection should have been a little more positive as the game clearly changed with the introduction of Tonge.

Overall though not a bad performance from United despite conceding two poor goals. Beattie and Sharp did well and it was good to see Beattie score on his debut.

Sheff Utd: Kenny, Naysmith, Kilgallon, Lucketti, Geary, Montgomery, Hendrie (Tonge 66), Gillespie, Leigertwood (Armstrong 66), Beattie, Sharp (Webber 87).
Subs Not Used: Bromby, Stead. Booked: Leigertwood.

Goals: Beattie 68, Tonge 82.

Colchester: Gerken, Duguid, Baldwin, Elokobi, Connolly, Jackson, Izzet (Guttridge 87), Yeates, McLeod, Sheringham, Platt.
Subs Not Used: Cousins, Granville, White, Wordsworth.

Goals: McLeod 68, Platt 89.

Att: 26,202

Tonge celebrates Blades' second goal

United showed six changes from the side that drew on the opening day including the selection of David Carney who made his debut in midfield.

After an edgy start United went ahead on 13 minutes after Danny Webber brought out a save from the Chesterfield ‘keeper and Jon Stead followed in to put the home side ahead.

The Chesterfield side, which included two former Blades Wayne Allison and Jack Lester, responded almost immediately with Lester producing a brave headed equaliser just three minutes after going behind.

In the dying moments of the first half United went in front again as Bromby supplied a cross for Stead who kept his composure to net his second of the night.

United confirmed their place in the next round when Danny Webber struck United’s third just short of the hour mark.

Good that we got our first competitive win of the season while David Carney impressed on debut.

Sheff Utd: Kenny, Geary, Bromby, Kilgallon, Armstrong, Leigertwood, Tonge, Carney, Naysmith (Alan Quinn 9), Stead (Horsfield 79), Webber (Shelton 79).
Subs Not Used: Bennett, Lucketti.

Goals: Stead 14, 45, Webber 56.

Chesterfield: Roche, Picken, Kovacs, Downes, Robertson, Ward (Smith 34), Niven, Winter, Leven, Lester, Allison (Lowry 66).
Subs Not Used: Gray, Fletcher, O'Hare.

Goals: Lester 16.

Att: 11,170

Sheffield United were beaten 1-0 at Vicarage Road by a Lee Williamson goal just short of the hour mark.

After an even first half it was Watford who went ahead on 56 minutes when Henderson delivered a cross from the left and Lee Williamson hit home from 12 yards. Marlon King, who this week has had a 60 million pound price tag put on is head by his reluctant to sell manager, always looks dangerous and produced a dipping effort that Kenny was relieved to see go over his crossbar by inches.

Henderson had a chance to double the home side’s advantage when he found himself in space in the box but a combination of poor finishing and a good save from Kenny denied the Watford striker.

Although The Blades side included Stead, Beattie and Webber chances were at a premium for the visitors. However United came close to pinching a point on a number of occasions late in the game. First Tonge hit a an effort from 25 yards which Poom pushed over the top and then moments later a Tonge free-kick was parried Poom and as both Beattie and Stead tried to get on the end of the loose ball it was Tommy Smith who reacted the quickest clearing the ball clear almost off the line.

Three minutes of added time ensured and with United still pressing for an equaliser Gillespie crossed for the head of Kilgallon but his effort went wide of the mark

.It was good to see Bryan Robson selecting a team with a lot of attacking options but perhaps Watford’s physicality, particularly in the shape of King up front and Shittu at the back proved to be too much for United.

Watford: Poom, Doyley, DeMerit, Shittu, Stewart, McAnuff, Mahon, Williamson, Smith (Kabba 79), King, Henderson.
Subs Not Used: Lee, Hoskins, Mariappa, Priskin.

Goals: Williamson 56.

Sheff Utd: Kenny, Morgan, Kilgallon, Bromby, Armstrong, Stead (Geary 73), Montgomery, Tonge, Gillespie, Webber (Shelton 78), Beattie.
Subs Not Used: Bennett, Alan Quinn, Leigertwood.

Att: 16,414.

Ref: Andre Marriner (W Midlands).

Sheffield United gained their first league victory of the season thanks to a James Beattie header.

It was not until the 35th minute that the deadlock was broken when Armstrong's cross found Beattie in space at the back post and the ex-England striker made no mistake in re-directing his header back across goal and beyond the sprawling Dean Kiely.

Michael Tonge could have sealed the victory for the Blades in the 78th minute and should have done better when his half-volley from the centre of the area flashed wide of the West Brom goal.

Sheff Utd: Kenny, Bromby, Morgan, Kilgallon, Geary, Gillespie (Leigertwood 76), Tonge, Montgomery, Armstrong, Beattie, Sharp (Stead 78).
Subs Not Used: Bennett, Shelton, Lucketti.

Booked: Armstrong, Gillespie.

Goals: Beattie 37.

West Brom: Kiely, Hoefkens, Barnett, Albrechtsen, Robinson, Morrison, Greening, Pele (Gera 58), Filipe Teixeira, Beattie (Ellington 58), Phillips.
Subs Not Used: Steele, Clement, Chaplow.

Att: 23,491

Ref: Colin Webster.

Sheffield United needed extra-time to beat League Two’s M.K. Dons in the second round of the Carling Cup

Bryan Robson made six changes from the side that beat West Brom on Saturday but despite the changes United’s side still looked strong which perhaps shows the depth on the squad. David Carney was given a further opportunity following his debut against Chesterfield while Jon Stead partnered Billy Sharp up front.

It was the League Two side that went ahead after just tens minutes when Jude Stirling crossed from the left and Drewe Broughton netted from close range. The Blades wasted little time before equalising when a Nicky Law cross was headed home by Chris Lucketti on 20 minutes.

United raised their game in the second half and Nicky Law put the visitors ahead on 55 minutes but a deflected free kick from former Blade Jon-Paul McGovern brought the scores level forcing extra-time.

Milton Keynes Dons: Abbey, Diallo, Murphy, Swailes, Stirling, Edds (Wilbraham 86), Navarro, Carayol (Dyer 62), McGovern, Gallen (Wright 68), Broughton.
Subs Not Used: Gueret, Kelly.

Booked: Murphy.

Goals: Broughton 12, McGovern 78.

Sheff Utd: Kenny, Geary, Morgan, Lucketti, Kilgallon, Law (Horsfield 79), Alan Quinn, Leigertwood, Carney (Tonge 91), Stead, Sharp (Shelton 68).
Subs Not Used: Bennett, Ashmore.

Booked: Geary, Stead, Shelton.

Goals: Lucketti 20, Law 55, Horsfield 104.

Att: 7,943.

Ref: Phil Joslin (Nottinghamshire).

The Blades went down 3-2 at Glanford Park in a game which saw United second best for much of the 90 minutes but two goals from Danny Webber seemed to give The Blades a lifeline having been two down only for Scunthorpe to force a late winner.

Bryan Robson kept faith with the side that beat West Brom last Saturday while the Scunthorpe squad featured two former Blades academy players Kevan Hurst who started while Jonathan Forte had a place on the bench.

United were poor in the first half showing little in the way of width or creativity and the home side went ahead on 37 minutes when a Baraclough free kick eventually fell to the Iron’s skipper Andy Crosby who fired home with his left peg.

Forte appeared from the bench on the hour and made an immediate impact supplying Martin Paterson who fired past Kenny from twelve yards.

Last season’s top scorer for Scunthorpe Billy Sharp who was transfered back to Bramall Lane during the summer made a disappointing return to Glanford Park and was replaced in the second half as Robson made wholesale changes in personnel and formation with Webber playing just behind Beattie and Stead up front. It looked like an inspired switch as within four minutes The Blades had levelled with two goals from Danny Webber on 79 and 83 minutes both set up by James Beattie.

However, it was the home side that had the last word when former Blades were involved as Hurst’s free kick was headed down by Forte and Matthew Sparrow netted the winner from six yards.

Scunthorpe: Murphy, Byrne, Crosby, Butler, Youga, Sparrow, Goodwin, Baraclough, Hurst, Hayes (Forte 61), Paterson (Taylor 66).
Subs Not Used: Lillis, Cork, McBreen.

Sent Off: Byrne (90).

Booked: Byrne.

Goals: Crosby 37, Paterson 61, Sparrow 90.

Sheff Utd: Kenny, Geary, Morgan, Kilgallon, Bromby, Armstrong (Alan Quinn 76), Montgomery, Tonge, Gillespie (Webber 63), Sharp (Stead 76), Beattie.
Subs Not Used: Bennett, Lucketti.

Sent Off: Geary (89).

Booked: Geary, Beattie, Bromby.

Goals: Webber 79, 83.

Att: 8,801

Ref: Keith Stroud (Hampshire).

Sheffield United gained their second victory of the season with a 3-1 win over Wolves at Bramall Lane but perhaps the score line did flatter them somewhat as the visitors took the lead in the first half and for periods looked the more likely victor.

The game began with a tribute the former Blades manager Ian Porterfield who recently lost his fight against cancer. Ian Poterfield

United dominated the first twenty minutes and threatened to break the deadlock on a number of occasions but it was Wolves who took the lead on 24 minutes when Paddy Kenny could only parry a shot from Stephen Ward and Stephen Elliott stuck home.

The goal seemed to undermine United's confidence and changed the game on its head as for the remainder of the half and early in the second period the visitors looked likely to extend their lead. However, on the hour James Beattie got on the end of a Blades long ball into the Wolves box and produced a brave headed as the Wolves goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey challenged him. Both striker and 'keeper ended in a heap in the middle of the box as the ball trickled over the goal line.

Wolves continued to press as they dominated the centre of the park and came close to going ahead for a second time when Darren Ward headed against the bar.

On 82 minutes United were awarded a penalty after Gary Breen and James Beattie were involved in some pushing and shoving in the box. Often in these circumstances, the official would give the defender the benefit but on this occasion the referee pointed to the spot and Beattie converted with ease high to the 'keeper's left.

Jon Stead made an impressive impact from the subs bench midway through the second half and put the icing on United's cake when he fired home a third goal for The Blades on 90 minutes.

United seemed to have a number of frailties particularly in centre midfield but we will gladly take the three points with a hope to iron out some of the problems in the days to come.

Sheff Utd: Kenny, Bromby, Naysmith, Morgan, Kilgallon, Stephen Quinn (Alan Quinn 80), Armstrong, Gillespie, Tonge, Webber (Stead 66), Beattie.
Subs Not Used: Bennett, Lucketti, Sharp.

Booked: Naysmith, Stead.

Goals: Beattie 57, 83 pen, Stead 90.

Wolverhampton: Hennessey, Darren Ward, Neill Collins, Foley (Eastwood 88), Breen, Olofinjana, Kightly, Henry, Stephen Ward, Keogh, Elliott (Bothroyd 69).
Subs Not Used: Stack, Potter, Gray.

Goals: Elliott 24.

Att: 26,003

Ref: Clive Oliver (Northumberland).

Sheffield United came away from Blackpool still looking for their first away win of the season but they were perhaps a little lucky to collect a point thanks to a James Beattie late equaliser after the Blackpool ‘keeper made a howling error with just two minutes on the clock.

Bryan Robson made just one changed from the side that beat Wolves on Saturday with Jon Stead coming into the side at the expense of Danny Webber.

At a blustery Bloomfield Road both sides started well while creating opportunities but it was the visitors who took the lead on 13 minutes when Jon Stead supplied a cross from the left that James Beattie headed home.

The goal helped to settle United to their task in a half which they largely dominated but the home side gained an equaliser on the stroke of half time when Stephen Crainey converted a 20 yard free kick after a disputed foul by Chris Morgan.

In the second half United were in danger of losing their way and it took 24 minutes into the second half before they created an opportunity when Jon Stead drove wide of the mark.

 The Seasiders appeared to be in the ascendancy as United’s midfield were in danger of being overrun it times although Chris Armstrong had a chance to put The Blades back in front only to fire just wide from 18 yards.

Blades’ substitutes combined on 85 minutes when David Carney crossed for Alan Quinn whose header missed the target.

Moments later Blackpool got what they thought was the winner when Welsh crossed for Burgess who headed passed Kenny to take the lead but a goalkeeper error from Blackpool’s Rachubka gifted United a point when he failed to hold a tame 30 yard effort from James Beattie.

Blackpool: Rachubka, Barker, Jackson, Evatt, Crainey, Hoolahan, Southern, Fox, Taylor-Fletcher (Welsh 82), Burgess, Morrell (Parker 85). Subs Not Used: Coid, Vernon, Gorkss

Goals: Crainey 45, Burgess 87

Sheff Utd: Kenny, Bromby, Naysmith, Morgan, Kilgallon, Gillespie (Alan Quinn 65), Armstrong, Tonge (Webber 73), Stephen Quinn (Carney 54), Beattie, Stead. Subs Not Used: Lucketti, Sharp.

Goals: Beattie 13, 88

Att: 9,512

Ref: Mark Halsey (Lancashire).

The Blades went down 3-2 at Selhurst Park as Crystal Palace claimed all three points thanks to a hotly disputed penalty 2 minutes from time.

With United signing Gary Cahill on loan from Aston Villa during the week Bryan Robson dropped Kilgallon from the side and gave Cahill his debut in the centre of defence.

After a dour, goalless first half the game came to life after the break and United seemed to take charge early on and went ahead through a Mark Hudson own goal on 48 minutes. However the introduction of Dougie Freedman appeared to change the game as the home side went ahead with goals from Soares on 60 minutes and Fletcher on 70 minutes.

United looked like they were on the way to taking a point after Beattie equalised on 76 minutes with an exquisite chip but they conceded a late penalty when Morgan was harshly adjudged to have fouled Fletcher. Ben Watson converted from the spot to take all three points.

United are clearly conceding to many goals but at least Beattie’s score tally is giving us a chance but something has to be sorted with both the centre midfield and at the back otherwise any chance of bouncing back to The Premiership will be over by the time we get to October.

Crystal Palace: Speroni, Butterfield, Hudson, Cort, Craig, Soares, Fletcher, Watson, Green (Freedman 55), Scowcroft (Idrizaj 86), Dickov (Hughes 83).
Subs Not Used: Flinders, Lawrence.

Goals: Soares 60, Fletcher 70, Watson 89 pen.

Sheff Utd: Kenny, Bromby (Webber 80), Morgan, Cahill, Naysmith, Gillespie (Stephen Quinn 74), Montgomery, Tonge, Armstrong, Beattie, Stead.
Subs Not Used: Alan Quinn, Lucketti, Sharp.

Goals: Hudson 48 og, Beattie 76.

Att: 14,131

Ref: Kevin Friend (Leicestershire).

The Blades comfortably swept away their League Two opponents beating Morecambe 5-0 at Bramall Lane with two goals a piece for Billy Sharp and Luton Shelton while Lee Hendrie also scored on his return from injury.

Sheff Utd: Kenny, Geary (Bromby 77), Kilgallon, Lucketti, Naysmith, Alan Quinn, Hendrie (Tonge 68), Montgomery (Armstrong 68), Stephen Quinn, Shelton, Sharp.
Subs Not Used: Morgan, Stead.

Goals: Sharp 18, 33, Shelton 52, Hendrie 67, Shelton 72.

Morecambe: Lewis, Yates, Artell, Bentley, Adams (Grand 76), Stanley, Baker (Hunter 73), Allen, Sorvel (Thompson 46), Twiss, Blinkhorn.
Subs Not Used: Drench, Newby.

Booked: Bentley.

Att: 8,854.

Ref: Steve Tanner (Somerset).

United suffered their first home defeat of the season against Southampton, a loss that saw them fall into 19th place in The Championship. The manner of the defeat gave cause for concern as United looked to play with a lack of confidence and ideas.

Despite going ahead on 12 minutes through Gillespie, Southampton equalised through Rasiak on 19 minutes and then went ahead on the half hour mark when Paddy Kenny failed to claim a cross from the right and Viafara found the net through a crowded penalty area.

The Blades found themselves chasing the game for the remainder of the match but were unable to make any impression on the Saints’ goal.

A small section of the Bramall Lane faithfully began to chant “we want our Warnock back…” although perhaps it’s probably too early to question Bryan Robson’s ability as a manager, though in the next few games it will be interesting to see how he deals with this situation. He will surely need to bring in some new faces on loan to freshen up the side and add balance to the squad, which at the moment seems top heavy with quality strikers but with little strength in depth in other areas.

Sheff Utd: Kenny, Geary, Morgan, Cahill, Naysmith (Armstrong 63), Gillespie (Shelton 71), Hendrie (Tonge 63), Montgomery, Stephen Quinn, Stead, Beattie.
Subs Not Used: Lucketti, Sharp.

Booked: Beattie.

Goals: Gillespie 12.

Southampton: Davis, Ostlund, Dailly, Thomas, Ifil, Wright-Phillips (Saganowski 65), Dyer, Viafara, Surman (Euell 78), Rasiak, Safri.
Subs Not Used: Bialkowski, Wright, John.

Booked: Thomas, Viafara, Ostlund, Dyer.

Goals: Rasiak 19, Viafara 31.

Att: 24,561.

Ref: Tony Bates (Staffordshire).

Bryan Robson came under increased pressure as his side could only savage a point at home to fellow strugglers Preston thanks to a James Beattie penalty ten minutes from time.

United dominated possession in the opening 30 minutes but created little to threaten the visitors’ goal and then succumbed to a Darren Carter free kick on 35 minutes. Carter delivered a cross from the right from the dead-ball which evaded everyone including Paddy Kenny as the ball drifted into the goal to the Blades’ ‘keeper’s right.

United looked distinctly out of sorts in the second half and it took a disputed penalty award to give them a chance for an equaliser. Luton Shelton made a run into the box tracked by Sean St Ledger who was adjudged to have handled the ball by referee Singh and James Beattie converted from the spot.

With just ten minutes on the clock United sensed an unlikely victory putting pressure on the Preston defence and in the dying moments St Ledger was involved again in another penalty appeal, as he appeared to bring down Danny Webber in the box but referee Singh appeared to bottle it.

With only two wins from eleven games United are fifth bottom and already the patience of the Blades fans is being severely tested. If things don’t improved soon you wonder how long the United board will keep faith in their manager.

Sheff Utd: Kenny, Bardsley, Kilgallon, Cahill, Naysmith, Gillespie, Alan Quinn (Tonge 76), Stephen Quinn (Webber 46), Armstrong, Beattie, Stead (Shelton 46).
Subs Not Used: Morgan, Sharp.

Booked: Alan Quinn, Bardsley.

Goals: Beattie 80 pen.

Preston: Lonergan, Jones, Chilvers (St. Ledger 21), Mawene, Hill, Sedgwick, Davidson, Nicholls, Carter (Whaley 85), Hawley, Gallagher (Agyemang 66).
Subs Not Used: Chris Neal, Mellor.

Booked: Mawene, Davidson, Nicholls, Hill.

Goals: Carter 35.

Att: 23,661

Ref: Jarnail Singh (Middlesex).

Sheffield United produced their first away win of the season with a 1-0 victory at Leicester’s Walkers Stadium. Danny Webber’s strike early in the second half was the difference between the two sides and United also registered only their second league clean sheet of the season.

Leicester largely dominated the first half with United failing to produce any chances of note. Matt Fryatt went closest for the home side on the half hour mark when he had a run on goal, getting the better of Kilgallon, but fired wide of the target.

Blades ‘keeper Paddy Kenny went off injured in the closing stages of the first half following a collision with his own defender Gary Cahill and Ian Bennett took over in goal.

Ten minutes into the second half United took the lead when Phil Bardsley crossed from the right and Danny Webber’s right foot shot found the Leicester net.

United came close to doubling their lead midway through the second period when Chris Armstrong played a long ball in to the path of Beattie but the Blades leading scorer couldn’t direct his shot on target and fired over the top.

James Beattie thought he had scored his tenth of the season on 83 minutes but the assistant on the line raised his flag to rule out the goal then moments later with United finishing well Luton Shelton had an effort blocked from twelve yards when perhaps he should have squared to his strike partner Beattie.

After a disappointing run of games let’s hope this is the start of a major improvement.

The last time these two sides met was two years ago when Neil Warnock was tipped to take over the vacant managers job at Portsmouth. Warnock eventually turned down the position but his side seemed to be distracted by the speculation and lost the game 4-2. Currently Leicester manager’s Gary Megson is being linked with the Bolton job, I’m sure Neil Warnock will send his best wishes to his old adversary should he take up the role at The Reebok (or perhaps not).

Leicester: Fulop, N'Gotty (Porter 61), Kisnorbo, McAuley, Chambers, Clemence (Newton 18), Wesolowski, Sheehan, Stearman, Fryatt, Campbell (John 32).
Subs Not Used: Henderson, Kenton.

Booked: Stearman, Sheehan.

Sheff Utd: Kenny (Bennett 39), Bardsley, Kilgallon, Cahill, Naysmith, Gillespie (Stead 83), Tonge, Armstrong, Shelton, Webber, Beattie.
Subs Not Used: Morgan, Alan Quinn, Sharp.

Goals: Webber 56.

Att: 21,146

Ref: Andy Woolmer (Northamptonshire).

United made it four points out of six away from home in a week as they came away with a point at Hull’ s K. C. Stadium.

Bryan Robson’s side appeared to be in control for much of the first half and went ahead on 35 minutes when Alan Quinn supplied Jon Stead who slotted home through the Hull’s ‘keeper’s legs to take the lead.

The home side moved up a gear in the second half and equalised on 54 minutes through a Dean Windass penalty after Michael Tonge ‘s foul in the box allowed Hull back in the game.

Hull finished the game the stronger and appeared to be the most likely victor but United held on a for a share of the points.

Two games away from home and only one goal conceded gives Bryan Robson and his team something to build on. The Blades now have three games in seven days at home coming up starting with a Carling Cup tie on Wednesday with Arsenal.

Hull: Myhill, Ricketts, Turner, Brown, Delaney, Garcia (Featherstone 83), Ashbee, Livermore (Okocha 72), Hughes, Campbell (McPhee 77), Windass.
Subs Not Used: Duke, Dawson.

Booked: Livermore.

Goals: Windass 54 pen.

Sheff Utd: Bennett, Bardsley, Cahill, Kilgallon, Naysmith, Alan Quinn, Tonge, Armstrong, Stead, Beattie, Webber.
Subs Not Used: Gerrard, Morgan, Montgomery, Sharp, Stephen Quinn.

Booked: Tonge, Stead, Cahill.

Goals: Stead 35.

Att: 20,185

Ref: Lee Mason (Lancashire).

United crashed out of The Carling Cup as Arsenal’s young guns beat Bryan Robson’s side 3-0 at Bramall Lane.

The Blades were completely outclassed by Arsene Wenger’s second-string side and the manner of the defeat continues to give cause for concern. A section of the crowd vented its feelings towards the Blades’ bench and one supporter ran on to the pitch and threw his scarf at the United manager in protest at the poor performance.

The visitors went ahead on just eight minutes through Eduardo who found the top corner of Bennett’s goal and then doubled The Gunners' lead early in the second half when the striker made a nonsense of United’s attempted offside trap giving Bennett no chance. Arsenal completely dominated possession in the second half and a deflected shot from Denilson made sure of the victory on 69 minutes.

United had only two shots on target all night, an early effort from Billy Sharp that was saved by Fabianski and in the second half Lucketti had a shot cleared of the line following a Blades corner.

It is no disgrace losing to 3-0 at home to Arsenal, albeit against a young but extremely talented set of players. However, the game turned into a Halloween horror show as United showed little in the way of battling qualities that we have come to expect in recent years. So many players looked to be out of form, lacking in confidence and belief. You can’t take anything away from the high quality that Arsene Wenger appears to be producing with his youngsters but many of United’s players should view their performance with embarrassment.

Only Chris Armstrong, who played in what I think is his best position at left back showed anything to applaud as he tried to contain the emerging talent that is Theo Walcott. The striker who had come in for some criticism for his selection for the 2006 World Cup (not his fault) showed his tremendous pace at times and Armstrong had his hands full but he stuck to his task and came out with a lot of credit.

Bryan Robson has to take much of the blame for the poor performance played out in front of a disappointing attendance (16,971) but I still think it is too early to call for his head. Yes, the early signs are not good but he must be given a chance to turn things around. We are only just over a quarter of the way through the season and if the club can bring in this illusive quality centre midfielder who can supply the like of Beattie, Stead or Sharp positive results can come.

United have two home games to come in four days and Robson may be wishing these are away from home following the crowds reaction during and after the Arsenal defeat but the games against Burnley on Saturday and Ipswich on Tuesday should be viewed as a chance to put things right. Here’s hoping.

Robson Interview: Arsenal defeat 

Sheff Utd: Bennett, Bromby, Morgan, Armstrong, Lucketti, Carney, Montgomery, Tonge (Gillespie 74), Stephen Quinn (Webber 63), Sharp, Stead (Alan Quinn 63).
Subs Not Used: Gerrard, Kilgallon.

Arsenal: Fabianski, Justin Hoyte, Song Billong, Diarra, Gibbs, Diaby (Perez 88), Denilson, Silva, Walcott (Lansbury 83), Bendtner, Eduardo (Barazite 85).
Subs Not Used: Mannone, Gavin Hoyte.

Goals: Eduardo 8, 50, Denilson 69.

Att: 16,971

Ref: Mike Dean (Wirral).

Pressure continues to mount on Bryan Robson following a disappointing 0-0 draw at home to Burnley and to add to everyone’s frustration United were denied a late winner from James Beattie that was ruled out after the club’s leading scorer was adjusted to have climbed on the shoulder of a Burnley defender as he headed the ball goal bound.
 
United had the better of the first half and Beattie was denied from putting the home side ahead when Kiraly in the Burnley goal produced a good reaction save from the head of Beattie. Despite United’s dominance the visitors went close to scoring against the run of play twice when a Clarke Carlisle header went just over the top on 15 minutes and Robbie Blake shot just wide of the target on the half hour.

With the Burnley squad featuring four ex-Blades Andy Gray, David Unsworth, Jon Harley (sub) and Ade Akinbiyi (unused sub) the game had more than a bit of edge about it particularly as David Unsworth’s penalty (for Wigan) effectively sent United down on the last day of the last season. Andy Gray had the visitors' best chance in the second half when he turned in the box only to have his effort deflected just wide of the mark.

The game seemed to follow a familiar pattern of many recent matches at Bramall Lane with United starting strongly but running out of ideas as their opponents began to take the initiative for much of the second half.

You wonder how severe the criticisms will be for Robson if United fail to beat Ipswich on Tuesday night. Unless The Blades under fire manager and his team can  put things right quickly I begin to fear the worst for him.

Sheff Utd: Bennett, Bardsley, Kilgallon, Cahill, Naysmith, Gillespie (Montgomery 63), Tonge (Alan Quinn 63), Armstrong, Beattie, Shelton, Webber.
Subs Not Used: Morgan, Stead, Sharp.

Burnley: Kiraly, Alexander, Carlisle, Unsworth, Jordan (Harley 58), Elliott, Spicer, McCann, Lafferty (Mahon 75), Gray, Blake.Subs Not Used: Jensen, James O'Connor, Akinbiyi.

Att: 25,306.

Ref: Richard Beeby (Northamptonshire).

Two goals from James Beattie, one from a penalty and a goal from Keith Gillespie helped Bryan Robson's side to a much needed home win.

Beattie put United a goal up on the half hour but Ipswich equalised early in the second half when Walters lobbed an advancing Bennett after a defensive error from Kilgallon.

The home side were then denied a clear penalty after Gillespie was brought down in the box and although the assistant on the line awarded a foul, after consolation with the referee a free kick outside the box was given. Moments later it appeared that the officials tried to balance up their earlier error when Montgomery was adjudged to have been upended in the box and a penalty was awarded to United which Beattie duly converted.

With just four minutes on the clock Gillespie produced the goal of the game when he cut in from the left and fired home with a right-footed curler that went into the top corner of the net.

Sheff Utd: Bennett, Bardsley, Cahill, Kilgallon, Naysmith, Gillespie, Montgomery, Carney (Tonge 88), Armstrong, Beattie, Webber.
Subs Not Used: Morgan, Stead, Alan Quinn, Sharp.

Booked: Webber.

Goals: Beattie 33, 72 pen, Gillespie 86.

Ipswich: Alexander, Wright, De Vos, Bruce, Harding, Legwinski (Garvan 73), Trotter (Counago 77), Walters, Miller, Roberts (Peters 85), Lee.
Subs Not Used: Supple, Casement.

Booked: Trotter, Roberts, Walters.

Goals: Walters 54.

Att: 25,033

Ref: Graham Laws (Tyne & Wear).

United gained their first ever victory at Stoke’s Britannia after man of the match Gary Cahill headed the winner just before half time.

United had to weather an early storm from the home side with strikers Fuller and Sidibe's ariel threat giving them problems but shortly before the break United came close to breaking the deadlock when Danny Webber made a run into the right hand channel and then supplied David Carney who's shot hit the outside of a post from a tight angle.

Moments later Keith Gillespie had a shot on target that was deflected away for a corner by the hand of a city defender but despite the Irishman’s appeals no penalty was given. However, justice appeared to be done when The Blades went ahead from the resulting corner which David Carney supplied from the right and Webber drilled a return ball from the left that Cahill headed home.

United should have gone fruther ahead midway through the second half when Naysmith supplied a deep cross but Beattie mistimed his header and Stoke cleared their lines.

Cahill came to United’s rescue when Stoke substitute Jon Parkin provided a defence splitting pass for Fuller but The Blades defender regained his ground and produced a vital well time tackle as Fuller looked to unleash a shot on United’s goal.

City put the pressure on in the dying minutes and Creswell headed goal bound but Bennett gathered easily and then Shawcross hit a deflected effort but Bennett saved again.

Stoke: Simonsen, Wright (Phillips 78), Cort, Shawcross, Wilkinson (Pericard 90), Cresswell, Delap, Eustace, Pugh, Fuller, Sidibe (Parkin 66).
Subs Not Used: Hoult, Zakuani.

Sheff Utd: Bennett, Bardsley, Cahill, Kilgallon, Naysmith, Gillespie, Armstrong, Montgomery, Carney (Tonge 90), Webber (Lucketti 88), Beattie.
Subs Not Used: Shelton, Stead, Alan Quinn.

Booked: Cahill, Gillespie.

Goals: Cahill 43.

Att: 12,158

Ref: Keith Stroud (Hampshire).

After a hugely disappointing week for all English football fans following the national team’s failure to qualify for next summer’s Euro Championship, Blades fans misery was compounded by a desperate performance and a 1-0 home defeat at the hands of Plymouth.

Halmosi’s 24th minute strike separated the two clubs after 90 minutes but the visitors came close to extending their lead twice either side of the interval when Ian Bennett’s crossbar came to his rescue following some poor defending from The Blades. United also hit the bar in the second half following a rare spell of pressure that also saw Argyle clear off their line moments earlier.

Bryan Robson’s side look outclassed by a side short of individual quality. The side from the South-West included two former Blades Nalis and Hayles who were transferred away from the Lane by Neil Warnock as they clearly weren’t up to the required standard. However, Nalis was allowed to control much of the midfield and Barry Hayles looked threatening up front alongside Ebanks-Blake who’s pace gave problems to United’s centre-back pairing of Gilgallon and Cahill.

In a number of recent interviews Robson has stated that he his trying to bring a new blend of quality football to the club but frankly I can’t see it. Surely, the priority must be to produce results and worry about pretty footaball second. The reality is that Robo is failing of both fronts and you wonder how long the patience of the Blades Board will hold out (not to mention the fans).

Following McClaren’s demise, how about Robson for England? Many Blades fans, including myself would be pleased to see him go.

Sheff Utd: Bennett, Bardsley, Cahill, Kilgallon, Naysmith, Gillespie (Tonge 58), Montgomery, Armstrong, Carney (Sharp 58), Webber, Beattie.
Subs Not Used: Kenny, Morgan, Stead.

Booked: Bardsley.

Plymouth: Larrieu, Connolly, Doumbe, Seip, Hodges, Halmosi (Sawyer 77), Nalis, Norris, Martin, Hayles, Ebanks-Blake (Easter 86).
Subs Not Used: McCormick, Fallon, Abdou.

Goals: Halmosi 24.

Att: 23,811

Ref: Mike Russell (Hertfordshire).

The Blades up and down season continued as they gained their biggest away win of the season at The Valley with an emphatic 3-0 victory over Charlton.

After such a dismal performance at home to Plymouth on Saturday it was vital that Bryan Robson lifted his players.They got off to a good start when James Beattie put The Blades ahead from the spot on the half hour mark after David Carney had been fouled in the box by Jerome Thomas.

Charlton: Weaver, Mills, Sodje, Fortune, Basey (Bougherra 66), Sam (Varney 46), Zhi, Semedo (Holland 46), Reid, Jerome Thomas, Iwelumo.
Subs Not Used: Randolph, Ambrose.

Booked: Mills.

Sheff Utd: Kenny, Bardsley, Cahill, Kilgallon, Naysmith, Gillespie, Armstrong, Montgomery, Tonge, Carney, Beattie.
Subs Not Used: Gerrard, Bromby, Stead, Webber, Stephen Quinn.

Goals: Beattie 34 pen, Cahill 75, Armstrong 89.

Att: 20,737

Ref: Mark Halsey (Lancashire).

Sheffield United made it three away wins in a row at Coventry’s Ricoh Arena with a 1-0 victory over Iain Dowie’s side with a second half winner from Chris Armstrong.

Bryan Robson kept faith with the winning line-up from midweek with James Beattie playing as a lone striker and five in the middle but it was the home side that looked the more likely victor in the first half but Blades keeper Paddy Kenny kept his side in contention, saving from Ellery Cairo and Michael Doyle.

The Blades went ahead through Chris Armstrong after 62 minutes, heading home James Beattie's cross from just six yards. Coventry were unable to respond after going behind and United went on to claim all three points.

The Blades manager is confounding his critics (including myself) with his side’s recent away performances. Let’s hope he can continue to do so and look to The Blades doing the business at home on Tuesday night against Stoke.

Coventry: Konstantopoulos, McNamee (Osbourne 46), De Zeeuw, Turner, Borrowdale (Andrews 80), Cairo (McKenzie 65), Stephen Hughes, Doyle, Gray, Tabb, Adebola.
Subs Not Used: Marshall, Ward.

Booked: Adebola, Borrowdale.

Sheff Utd: Kenny, Bardsley, Kilgallon, Cahill, Naysmith, Carney (Webber 84), Armstrong, Tonge, Montgomery, Gillespie, Beattie.
Subs Not Used: Gerrard, Bromby, Stead, Stephen Quinn.

Booked: Bardsley.

Goals: Armstrong 62.

Att: 20,355

Ref: Colin Webster (Tyne & Wear).

As we go into December the pantomime season has arrived at Bramall Lane as The Blades found themselves three goals down after less than 18 minutes on the clock. Sleepy and dopey defending from United saw Stoke go ahead on just two minutes and then United’s principal boy James Beattie put through his own goal on seven minutes. The game was virtually over just past the quarter hour mark when Cort headed goalbound and Shawcross got the final touch to force home the visitors' third goal.

United were decidedly bashful upfront as they started with Beattie playing as a lone striker although this was quickly changed with Stead entering the fray midway through the first half.

Sheff Utd: Kenny, Bardsley (Sharp 79), Kilgallon, Cahill, Naysmith (Stephen Quinn 55), Gillespie, Montgomery (Stead 23), Tonge, Armstrong, Beattie, Carney.
Subs Not Used: Gerrard, Lucketti.

Booked: Armstrong.

Stoke: Simonsen, Pugh, Cort, Wilkinson (Zakuani 52), Shawcross, Eustace, Delap (Dickinson 90), Lawrence, Cresswell, Fuller, Sidibe (Parkin 88).
Subs Not Used: Hoult, Pericard.

Booked: Pugh.

Goals: Cresswell 2, Beattie 7 og, Shawcross 19.

Att: 23,378.

Ref: Steve Tanner (Somerset).

Having won three matches in a row on the road, United’s recent good run away from home came to an end at Carrow Road with Norwich taking all three points with a 1-0 win but the game ended in controversy as The Blades had a perfectly good equaliser ruled out in the last minute.

After a miserable night last Tuesday night that saw United ship three goals in the opening quarter hour, Bryan Robson kept faith with the same side that was humiliated by Stoke. James Beattie was asked again to perform the role of lone striker and after ten minutes the pattern of play threatened to mirror the midweek nightmare as The Blades found themselves behind after just ten minutes. Darren Huckerby ran United’s defence ragged in the opening minutes and acted as provider as Ched Evans found the top corner of Paddy Kenny’s goal with a strike from twelve yards.

In the second half United looked vastly improved after a poor first half showing and created a host of chances particularly when Billy Sharp was brought on midway through the second period. The Blades thought they had gained a deserved equaliser when Keith Gillespie crossed for Matt Kilgallon who headed home from six yards in the last minute but United’s celebrations were cut short as the referee’s assistant raised his flag for offside. Replays suggested that the official had made an error, as Kilgallon was clearly onside.

Norwich: Marshall, Otsemobor, Shackell, Taylor, Camara, Huckerby, Fotheringham, Smith (Croft 63), Pattison, Cureton, Evans (Dublin 73).
Subs Not Used: Arnold, Spillane, Martin.

Booked: Fotheringham, Pattison.

Goals: Evans 10. Sheff Utd: Kenny, Bardsley, Kilgallon, Cahill, Naysmith, Carney (Hendrie 88), Montgomery, Tonge, Gillespie, Armstrong (Sharp 68), Beattie.
Subs Not Used: Gerrard, Bromby, Stead.

Booked: Cahill, Hendrie.

Att: 24,493

Ref: Darren Deadman (Cambridgeshire).

Sheffield United's first South Yorkshire derby of the season failed to live up to it's hype and billing as the game was a dour affair with the two teams separated by the odd goal in favour of The Blades.

After a largely forgettable first half the action did improve a little after the interval and the visitors produced a fine save from Paddy Kenny who reacted quickly to parry a close range shot from Istvan Ferenczi.

On 64 minutes United went ahead when Keith Gillespie delivered a free kick on to the head of Matt Gilgallon and the ball hit the net via a deflection. United probably did just enough to deserve the three points but there was little to warm up the crowd of 26,000 on a cold grey December day.

James Beattie was substituted on 72 minutes and looked disappointed to be withdrawn. He may have had an injury that we were unaware of but he didn't look too happy as he ran straight to the dressing room. United's leading scorer has been linked with a move to Middlesbrough, though United have stated that the player is not for sale. However, if The Blades are looking at likely mid-table finish the temptation for both club and player could be too great if a Premiership club comes in for the striker with silly money during the January transfer window.

Sheff Utd: Kenny, Bardsley, Kilgallon, Cahill, Naysmith, Gillespie, Montgomery, Tonge, Carney (Hendrie 66), Sharp, Beattie (Shelton 72).
Subs Not Used: Morgan, Stead, Armstrong.

Booked: Bardsley, Hendrie.

Goals: Kilgallon 64.

Barnsley: Muller, Nyatanga, Foster, Souza, Campbell-Ryce, De Silva, Howard, Devaney (Odejayi 73), Van Homoet, Ferenczi (Mostto 84), Macken.
Subs Not Used: Togwell, McCann, Christensen.

Booked: Nyatanga, Souza.

Att: 26,629

Ref: Phil Dowd (Staffordshire).

0-1

The Blades got their Christmas programme off to a poor start with a 1-0 defeat at Cardiff.

United arguably had the better of the first half hour as James Beattie volleyed over the top of the home side’s goal in the opening moments and Beattie was involved again when he headed just wide of the target on 25 minutes from a David Carney free kick.

Cardiff appeared to take control on the half hour mark when Peter Whittingham put Paul Parry through on goal and Parry facing a one-on-one with Kenny fired home from 12 yards. Within moments Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink almost doubled The Bluebirds lead when he drilled a shot just wide of the target and then Kenny produced a string of three saves to keep United in the game.

In the second half Chris Morgan was taken off through injury and was replaced by Lucketti. This was an all too brief comeback from the Blades’ skipper who has been left out in recent games due to the impressive form of Cahill who returned to Villa in the week following the completion of his three months loan. Other notable substitutions was that of Rob Hulse who came off the bench on the hour to make his first appearance since breaking his leg against Chelsea last March. Despite the changes in personnel Bryan Robson’s side failed to create anything of note as Cardiff claimed all three points.

More evidence that The Blades manager will need to make some much needed changes to the squad in January, as at the moment the team is simply not good enough.

Cardiff: Schmeichel, McNaughton, Loovens, Johnson, Capaldi, McPhail, Ledley, Whittingham (Purse 90), Rae, Parry, Hasselbaink (MacLean 80).
Subs Not Used: Oakes, Blake, Ramsey.

Booked: Johnson.

Goals: Parry 30.

Sheff Utd: Kenny, Bardsley, Kilgallon, Morgan (Lucketti 58), Naysmith, Carney (Hendrie 60), Montgomery, Tonge, Gillespie, Sharp (Hulse 60), Beattie.
Subs Not Used: Stead, Armstrong.

Booked: Tonge.

Att: 12,869

Ref: Keith Stroud (Hampshire).

Sheffield United dropped another two points at home, this time to a Blackpool side that played 80 minutes with ten men.

The Blades missed a hatful of chances that included a James Beattie penalty miss. United gained the penalty after Ian Evatt brought down Biily Sharp in the box on 9 minutes and Evatt was shown the red card. Beattie stepped up to take the spot-kick but struck a poor effort which the Blackpool ‘keeper Rachubka held easily. Midway through the first half Beattie made up for his error when he headed home a Billy Sharp cross from the right.

In the second half United created a string of chances which included a header from Armstrong which fell tamely into the ‘keeper’s hands While Tonge, Gillespie and Hendrie all had great chances to put the game beyond doubt but in all cases they blazed wide of the target.

United paid the price for their poor finishing when Jorgensen stole a point for the visitors when his deflected free kick beat Kenny.

Rob Hulse, making his first home appearance since breaking his leg, came off the bench to replace Beattie who limped off with an injury following a collision with the Blackpool ‘keeper. Hulse almost got a late winner when he headed Naysmith’s cross just wide.

With United fans desperate for the three points, Bryan Robson made an unpopular substitution on 75 minutes by taking off Billy Sharp. Although you cannot blame the manager for all the missed chances, good management includes making key decisions during the course of a game but he appeared to get this one wrong.

Sheff Utd: Kenny, Bardsley, Kilgallon, Lucketti, Naysmith, Gillespie (Hendrie 75), Montgomery, Tonge, Armstrong, Beattie (Hulse 44), Sharp (Stead 75).
Subs Not Used: Bromby, Carney.

Booked: Naysmith, Lucketti, Tonge.

Goals: Beattie 23.

Blackpool: Rachubka, Barker, Evatt, Gorkss, Crainey, Taylor-Fletcher (Welsh 84), Jorgensen, Flynn, Hoolahan (Fox 75), Morrell (Jackson 13), Burgess.
Subs Not Used: Vernon, Slusarski.

Sent Off: Evatt (8).

Goals: Jorgensen 69.

Att: 26,409.

Ref: Stuart Attwell (Warwickshire).

Sheffield United’s dismal Christmas programme continued with a home defeat to Crystal Palace while Blades manager Bryan Robson looked under increased pressure not helped by the fact that his predecessor Neil Warnock was in the opposing dugout.

Since Warnock took over as manager at Selhurst Park in the autumn, Palace have enjoyed an unbeaten run of more than ten games. This didn’t look under threat early on from The Blades except for a shot for Hulse which was saved by the Palace ‘keeper and an effort from Jon Stead which he dragged wide of the target when he should have done better.

Seven minutes short of the interval the visitors went ahead when United failed to clear a Palace free kick and the ball fell to Scowcroft who netted from close range.

The game was less than inspiring for those who turned up to watch and it couldn’t have been much better for a wider Sky Sports TV audience watching a home. However United did create chances in the second half, the best falling to Hulse who hit the side netting from close range. Also Bardsley struck a free kick which the Palace ‘keeper managed to save albeit not too convincingly then late on Hulse had an overhead volley which the ‘keeper held and Sharp had a dipping effort from distance that went just over the top. However it was always going to be a tale of two managers. At the final whistle Neil Warnock wandered on the pitch to shake hands with all his former players while Bryan Robson quickly made for the tunnel amid shouts of “Robson Out”. I’m sure that Neil being a boyhood Blades fan would be unhappy to see the club and Robson struggling but on a professional level he clearly enjoyed the moment as both sets of fans chanted his name.

You begin to wonder how much longer Robson can survive, my hunch is that United’s board will stick by their man but things can change very quickly in football.

Sheff Utd: Kenny, Bardsley, Kilgallon, Lucketti, Naysmith, Gillespie (Sharp 53), Tonge, Montgomery, Armstrong (Hendrie 63), Hulse, Stead.
Subs Not Used: Bromby, Bennett, Carney.

Booked: Hendrie.

Crystal Palace: Speroni, Butterfield, Lawrence, Hudson, Hill, Watson, Soares (Ifill 90), Derry, Scowcroft, Morrison (Fletcher 73), Scannell (Hills 78).
Subs Not Used: Freedman, Fonte.

Booked: Derry, Soares, Butterfield.

Goals: Scowcroft 38.

Att: 23,982

Ref: Andy D'Urso (Essex).

United showed three changes from the Palace defeat with Hendrie and Bromby making a rare start while new signing Gary Speed took his place in the side in centre midfield.

With both sides enduring a poor run of recent form a scrappy first half ensued with United’s best opportunity falling to Speed who drove an effort goal bound which was saved by Hennessey in the Wolves goal.

Early in the second half Hennessey saved again this time from Lee Hendrie and midway through the second half Hulse drove wide of the target but with both sides low on confidence the standard of play was poor. Wolves’ best chance fell to Bothroyd who forced a good save from Kenny on 75 minutes.

On any other day a point away at Wolves for United wouldn’t be a bad result but two points from twelve represents a poor return from the Christmas/New Year programme.

Wolverhampton: Hennessey, Foley, Darren Ward, Collins, Gray, Gibson, Olofinjana, Henry, Stephen Ward (Eastwood 77), Keogh (Elliott 65), Bothroyd.
Subs Not Used: Ikeme, Edwards, Jarvis.

Sheff Utd: Kenny, Bardsley, Kilgallon, Bromby, Naysmith, Hendrie (Montgomery 84), Tonge, Speed, Stead (Gillespie 84), Armstrong, Hulse.
Subs Not Used: Bennett, Lucketti, Sharp.

Booked: Hendrie, Armstrong.

Att: 24,791

On a day of F.A. cup upsets, The Blades did their bit by knocking out Premiership opposition Bolton at the Reebok Stadium. David Carney’s first half strike just before the interval separated the two sides and gave Bryan Robson a much needed win.

Both manager’s fielded weakened teams with Bolton’s notable absentees being Anelka and Nolan plus the suspended Kevin Davies while United rested Hulse and Sharp to the bench and gave rare starts to Bromby, Shelton and Stephen Quinn along with a welcome return for Derek Geary after his recent injury.

The first half produced few chances but Luton Shelton should have made the breakthrough for United after 35 minutes but the Jamaican headed over the bar after Lee Hendrie had flicked on a cross from Chris Armstrong.

With United’s confidence building they went ahead three minutes before the interval when a Stephen Quinn through-ball beat Bolton’s offside trap and David Carney ran on goal one-on-one with the ‘keeper. The Australian kept his head and slotted the ball home passed the stranded advancing ‘keeper.

On 60 minutes Luton Shelton, playing the role of lone striker, ran onto a ball from Lee Hendrie but hit a deflected effort wide of the target and later Jon Stead ran through from the left but lifted a shot over the top.

The home side rallied and put pressure on Paddy Kenny’s goal late on but United defended resolutely with notable a performance from Leigh Bromby.

It was a great result for United. After a poor return over the Christmas period Bryan Robson and his team found a great performance from somewhere. Let’s hope we can build on this particularly with the next away day trip to Sheffield 6 coming up.

Bolton: Al Habsi, Hunt (Dzemaili 46), Andrew O'Brien (Meite 78), Michalik, Cid, Guthrie, Joey O'Brien, Cohen, Giannakopoulos, Diouf (Wilhelmsson 64), Braaten.
Subs Not Used: Bogdan, Teymourian.

Booked: Cohen, Cid, Diouf.

Sheff Utd: Kenny, Geary (Gillespie 75), Bromby, Kilgallon, Armstrong, Stephen Quinn, Montgomery, Hendrie (Sharp 73), Carney, Shelton (Hulse 73), Stead.
Subs Not Used: Bennett, Lucketti.

Booked: Stead, Armstrong.

Goals: Carney 42.

Att: 15,286

Ref: Peter Walton (Northamptonshire).

Sheffield United came back from a 1-0 half-time deficit to beat QPR 2-1 when Lee Hendrie’s 69th minute winner made sure of a Blades victory.

Agyemag put the visitors ahead on the stroke of half-time but United responded in the second half equalising through a Rangers’ own goal on 64 minutes and then took the lead five minutes later thanks to a Hendrie strike from close range.

Although overall United were worthy winners the game ended in controversy as the QPR players were convinced that Blades defender Matt Kilgallon had handled on the line from a Buzsaky shot from the edge of the box.

Sheffield United added another Premiership scalp to this season’s F.A. Cup collection after beating Manchester city 2-1 at Bramall Lane.

Blades’ under fire manager Bryan Robson made six changes to the side that lost at Hillsborough last weekend for a game that began as an old fashioned cup-tie with chances falling to both sides in the first twenty minutes. First Stead should have scored when he headed goal bound from a Shelton cross but the header lacked the required power and Joe Hart in the City goal made a comfortable save. Moments later United went ahead when Lee Martin produced a cross from the left that was slotted home by Luton Shelton. City defender Ball failed to clear Martin’s cross, as he appeared to be confused as the ball hit a number of visiting supporters balloons lying in the six-yard box.

City had chances to equalise first from Mpenza who headed over from a cross from Ball and then Elano hit the base of a Blades post from a shot from the edge of the box and moments later an Elano free-kick produced a good save from Kenny. United seemed to weather the City storm and then got their noses further in front on 24 minutes when Derek Geary crossed from the right and City cleared only as far as Jon Stead who drove home from 12 yards.

At half-time City boss Sven-Goran Eriksson seemed to have worked some managerial magic when he withdrew Elano in favour of Daniel Sturridge and within two minutes of the restart the substitute put City back in the game as he hit a left foot effort in off the underside of the crossbar from a Petrov corner.

Arguably, City had the better of the second half as they pressed for an equaliser but United held their ground and looked dangerous on the counter from Shelton and substitute Sharp.

This was a great victory for the Blades with good performances from Geary and Bromby. The last sixteen of the cup is represented by only six Premiership teams so with a helpful draw in the next round United have every chance to get to the latter stages of the competition.

Sheff Utd: Kenny, Geary, Bromby, Morgan, Naysmith, Gillespie, Speed, Martin, Quinn, Shelton (Tonge 76), Stead (Sharp 49).
Subs Not Used: Hendrie, Kilgallon, Armstrong.

Booked: Martin, Quinn, Morgan.

Goals: Shelton 12, Stead 24.

Man City: Hart, Corluka, Onuoha, Dunne, Ball, Elano (Sturridge 46), Hamann (Ireland 62), Gelson, Petrov, Mpenza (Geovanni 71), Vassell.
Subs Not Used: Schmeichel, Jihai.

Booked: Gelson, Corluka.

Goals: Sturridge 48.

Att: 20,800

Ref: Alan Wiley (Staffordshire).

Sheffield United came back from a goal down to take a point at home to Watford.

Following a great result just two days ago against Manchester City, United looked to be in danger of suffering an F.A. Cup hangover when they went a goal down on 20 minutes through Nathan Ellington. However, in a game that could at best be described as largely forgettable, the home side fought back in the second half and produced an equaliser on 67 minutes when Gary Speed’s throw-in was headed on by Morgan and Hulse did well at the by-line and David Carney found the net from close range.

Perhaps this game was always going to be "after the Lord Mayor show" but the be fair Watford would probably be the last team you would want to play against with players having little recovery time from Sunday.

Bryan Robson suffered more criticism when he took off striker Luton Shelton in the second half, replacing him with midfielder Chris Armstrong. Much of the crowd felt that United should have pressed for a win when Robson appeared to be happy to settle for a draw.

Sheff Utd: Kenny, Bromby, Morgan, Ehiogu, Naysmith, Hendrie (Carney 46), Speed, Quinn (Tonge 78), Martin, Hulse, Shelton (Armstrong 82).
Subs Not Used: Kilgallon, Sharp.

Booked: Shelton, Speed.

Goals: Carney 67.

Watford: Lee, Mariappa, Sadler, DeMerit, Doyley, Smith, O'Toole, McAnuff (Stewart 77), Williamson, Kabba, Ellington (Bangura 84).
Subs Not Used: Poom, Priskin, Ainsworth.

Booked: McAnuff, Williamson, Doyley.

Goals: Ellington 21.

Att: 23,161

Ref: Lee Mason (Lancashire).

United shared the points at Layer Road in a game that they would have hoped to win against bottom of the table Colchester.

United showed three changes from the side that drew against Watford in midweek with the notable absentee being Leigh Bromby who signed for Watford on transfer deadline day for a fee that could rise to £850,000. Bromby had an outstanding season during The Blades promotion season two years ago but the former Owls defender picked up a knee injury during United's promotion run-in and missed out on much off the Premiership year. This term Bromby's form has echoed United’s season putting in recent excellent performances against Bolton and Manchester City but he has also looked out of sorts particularly during the game at Hillsborough two weeks ago. Based on his lack of consistency the fee looks like good business but for the moment, Robson looks unlikely the get hold of any of the funds raised from the deal.

In a first half that wasn’t easy on the eye both sides had goal line clearances while Blades centre-backs Morgan and Ehiogu struggled to deal with the home side’s strikers of Lisbie and Platt. However, on the stroke of half-time Luton Shelton put The Blades ahead when the Jamaican got the better of Ifil and Shelton registered his first league goal for United.

The Blades’ joy only lasted until the opening moments of the second half when an error from Ehiogu let in Lisbie who found the top corner of Kenny’s goal from the edge of the box.

United went a goal down on 64 minutes when Johnnie Jackson's free kick was deflected past a helpless Kenny but within two minutes Carney equalised for United after the Australian looked in danger of being called offside but the goal was allowed to stand. James Beattie made a welcome return from injury making a substitute appearance for the last twenty minutes.

Colchester: Gerken, White, Coyne, Virgo, Ifil, Duguid, Jackson, Izzet, Yeates (Vernon 56), Platt, Lisbie.
Subs Not Used: Cousins, Watson, Sheringham, Balogh.

Booked: Lisbie, Ifil.

Goals: Lisbie 46, Armstrong 64 og.

Sheff Utd: Kenny, Geary, Ehiogu, Morgan, Naysmith, Carney (Beattie 72), Speed (Armstrong 46), Quinn, Martin (Tonge 81), Stead, Shelton.
Subs Not Used: Kilgallon, Gillespie.

Booked: Carney, Kenny.

Goals: Shelton 45, Carney 66.

Att: 5,695.

Ref: Keith Hill (Hertfordshire).

In a season of few highs and a lot of lows, this was the lowest point of the season so far as The Blades failed to beat second from bottom Scunthorpe United and to compound Blades fans frustration, Bryan Robson’s side couldn’t break down Nigel Adkins’ team despite having an extra man for 80 minutes after McCann received a straight red card for his foul on the Blades' new loan signing David Cotterill after just ten minutes.

After a dismal first half Billy Sharp came off the bench on the hour mark and had three opportunities to put the home side in front but failed to hit the target on each occasion. Sharp's best effort, playing against the side which he had so much success for last season, came after Speed delivered a free-kick from the right and Sharp’s header hit the outside of an upright.

The final whistle was met with shouts of “Robson out” and later a car park demonstration took place involving several hundred disgruntled fans.