Despite a number of injuries to the squad United’s fortunes did improve and by the turn of the year they were in seventh spot. To counteract the loss of key players such as Jamie Ward followed by the loss Kilgallon to Sunderland in the January transfer window, Kevin Blackwell brought in a number of loan players. In fact by the end of the season he had been forced to bring in around 17 players on loan meaning that the club had given an unprecedented 27 debuts during the course of the season.

United had a decent run to the end of the season only losing two of their last eleven games and completed their programme with an excellent 3-0 win at Ipswich. Considering all the problems with injuries and loan signing United finished eighth just five points behind Blackpool who eventually joined Newcastle and West Brom in promotion via the play-offs.

The Blades got the new season underway by picking up a useful away point at Middlesbrough in a 0-0 stalemate at The Riverside.

United showed five changes to the side that lost at Wembley just ten weeks ago in the play-off final with Bunn, Taylor, France and Treacy making their debuts. The Blades started brightly and Treacy had an early effort when he drove a shot through a crowded penalty area which Coyle in the Boro’ goal did well to save. United came close again in the first half when a left foot volley from Quinn was parried again from the Boro’ ‘keeper.

The home side's best effort came from Yeates who drove a shot from just outside the penalty area which appeared to be heading for the corner of United’s goal but Bunn turned the ball around the post.

The second half became something of a stalemate with goal chances at premium but United did manage to bring on their £3 million pound striker Ched Evans who made his debut from the subs bench on 68 minutes.

Middlesbrough: Coyne, Huth, Grounds, Williams, McMahon, Wheater, Yeates, Digard (O'Neil 42), Johnson, Aliadiere, Emnes (Lita 65)

Substitutes: Steele, Hoyte, Taylor, O'Neil, Arca, Lita, Franks

Sheffield United: Bunn, Morgan, Kilgallon, Taylor, Walker, France, Montgomery, Howard (Evans 68), Treacy (Cotterill 63), Quinn, Henderson

Substitutes: Bennett, Bromby, Reid, Little, Evans, Cotterill, Sharp

Ref: Lee Mason

Att: 23,541

The Blades crashed out of the Carling Cup at the hands of Port Vale.

United showed five changes from the side that drew at Boro’ on Friday night and with some members of the Blades squad on international duty (Ched Evans, Kyle Walker and David Cotterill) fringe players such as transfer listed Billy Sharp were named in the starting line up while Reid and Little were given their debuts. Ian Bennett took over in goal replacing on loan ‘keeper Mark Bunn.

This was a repeat of last season’s first round of the Carling Cup as these sides met at the same stage last year when United won 3-1.

The visitors went ahead on 20 minutes against the run of play when Marc Richards netted from close range. The Blades hit back just past the half hour mark through want-away striker Billy Sharp who turned on the proverbial sixpence in the box and from ten yards fired the ball into the top corner of the Vale goal.

The League Two side took the lead for the second time on the hour when Richards fired a free kick from the edge of the box goal bound. Bennett seemed to have it covered but spilled the ball out of his hands and the ball crossed the goal line.

Despite a late strike from Billy Sharp in the dying minutes who’s effort was tipped on to the bar by Vale ‘keeper Martin, United failed to find their way back into the game.

Sheffield United: Bennett, Kilgallon, Taylor, Bromby, France, Reid, Howard, Little (Treacy 68), Quinn (Montgomery 81), Henderson (Robertson 56), Sharp

Substitutes: Haber, Morgan, Roe, Montgomery, Treacy, Robertson

Goals: Sharp (33)

Port Vale: Martin, Stockley, McCombe, Collins, Owen, Taylor (Horsfield 79), Griffith, Loft, Fraser, Taylor, Richards

Substitutes: Lloyd-Weston, Yates, Morsy, Dodds, Horsfield

Goals: Richards (20, 61)

Ref: Hill

Matt Kilgallon’s headed goal was the difference between the two sides as United maintained their unbeaten run this season.

Keith Treacy’s free-kick from the left was met by the Blades’ centre-back who headed home the winner with just ten minutes remaining.

Derby: Bywater, Connolly, Addison, Barker (Leacock 90+2), Moxey, Green (Livermore 62), Croft (Commons 73), Savage, Teale, Pearson, Hulse
Substitutes: Deeney, McEveley, Leacock, Buxton, Commons, Livermore, Dickov

Sheffield  United: Bunn, Morgan, Kilgallon, Taylor, Walker, Montgomery, Harper, Treacy (Cotterill 81), Quinn (France 88), Henderson, Ward
Substitutes: Bennett, France, Reid, Little, Evans, Cotterill

Goals: Kilgallon (80)

Ref: D'Urso

Att: 28,441

Kevin Blackwell’s side lost for the first time this season as United went down 3-2 at Coventry.

The Blades were forced to make one change from the side that beat Derby at the weekend as Matt Kilgallon succumbed to a chest infection. With United playing with something of a makeshift defence they appeared shaky early on and conceded a goal on twelve minutes as Leon Best put the home side in front.

United responded well with chances falling to Quinn and Taylor while Jamie Ward produced a spectacular equaliser on the half hour when his driven shot found the Coventry goal from the edge of the box.

The home side seem to take control of the game when Clinton Morrison put Coventry ahead five minutes into the second half and Martin Cranie extended the lead on the hour mark.

With fifteen minutes remaining James Harper gave the visitors a lifeline when he slotted home from close range but despite having the better of the latter stages of the game United failed to find an equaliser

Coventry: Westwood, Wright, Hall (Clarke 84), Cranie, Turner, Clingan, Osbourne, Cork, McIndoe, Best, Morrison (Gunnarsson 85)
Substitutes: Konstantopoulos, Ward, Grandison, Clarke, Gunnarsson, Cain, Eastwood

Goals: Best (12) Morrison (50) Cranie (60)

Sheffield  United: Bunn, France,  Morgan, Walker, Taylor (Stewart 72), Montgomery, Harper, Treacy (Cotterill 67), Quinn (Evans 61) Henderson, Ward
Substitutes: Bennett, Stewart, Reid, Little, Evans, Cotterill

Goals: Ward (31), Harper (76)

Ref: Taylor

The Blades gained a victory over their city rivals but looked in danger of losing their half-time 3-0 lead after Wednesday fought back in the second half.

United went ahead early on with goals from Jamie Ward on 7 minutes and Henderson on the quarter hour mark and when Owls full-back Buxton headed through his own goal just before the interval United appeared to have an unassailable 3-0 lead at half-time.

At the start of the second half the visitors took to the field a good five minutes before United, clearly the Wednesday players had had a rocket from their manager in the dressing room and to some effect as Wednesday gained a foothold in the game when they scored within seconds of the restart when Tudgay volleyed home from the edge of the box. The introduction of Esajas at the interval gave United problems throughout the second half and it was the tricky winner who converted the Owls second goal from a free-kick on 65 minutes.

With United in danger of losing their first half impetuous they eventually they hung on to take the spoils in a classic derby game.

Sheffield United: Bunn, Walker, Morgan, Davies, Taylor, Montgomery, Harper, Treacy (Quinn 87), Henderson, Evans, Ward (Cotterill 33) (France 90+3)
Substitutes: Bennett, Stewart, France, Reid, Little, Quinn, Cotterill

Goals: Ward (7), Henderson (15), Buxton (og 42)

Sheffield Wednesday: Grant, Spurr, Buxton, Purse, Wood, Gray, Potter, O'Connor (Miller 78), Johnson (Esajas 46), Tudgay, Varney (Clarke 66)
Substitutes: O'Donnell, Simek, Miller, McAllister, Esajas, Sodje, Clarke

Goals: Tudgay (46) Esajas (65)

Ref: Wiley

United went down to a 2-1 defeat at Swansea in a game that they were arguably the better side.

The home side went ahead on 52 minutes when Montgomery was adjudged to have brought down Lee Trundle in the box. Trundle took to his feet and converted from 12 yards.

United had the better of the second half and deserved to find an equaliser when Harper supplied Quinn who produced a clever flick from close range that found the net. Swansea were reduced to ten when Lopez received a second yellow card 15 minutes from time which seemed to give United the edge. However, Swansea’s ten-men went ahead for the second time when Butler produced a strike from distance that beat Bunn.

The Blades came back from a 3-1 deficit against Ipswich to claim a point as Chris Morgan snatched a last minute equaliser.

With Roy Keane’s side still looking for their first win of the season, United got off to a good start when Henderson headed home from close range on just nine minutes. United’s defending looked all at sea when Ipswich took a first half lead with goals from Walters on 24 minutes and Leadbitter on 34 minutes.

The visitors looked assured of all three points when McAuley headed home from six yards from a corner with 20 minutes left, but following an inspired substitution Glen Little appeared from the bench and assisted in United’s second goal from Henderson on 77 minute and Morgan’s last minute equaliser.

Sheffield United: Bunn, Walker, Morgan, Kilgallon (Davies 34), Taylor (Cresswell 76), Montgomery, Harper, Quinn, Henderson, Evans, Cotterill (Little 63)
Substitutes: Bennett, Stewart, Davies, France, Reid, Little, Cresswell

Goals: Henderson (9, 77) Morgan (90+2)

Ipswich: Wright, McAuley, Rosenior, Smith, Leadbitter, Peters, Edwards, Quinn (Martin 71), Trotter, Priskin (Stead 58), Walters (Counago 86)
Substitutes: Lee-Barrett, Wright, Balkestein, Martin, Colback, Counago, Stead

Goals: Walters (24) Leadbitter (34) McAuley (70)

Ref: Ilderton

For the second time in four days United had to come back to salvage a point at home, this time against South Yorkshire rivals Doncaster as Richard Creswell, making his first start for The Blades, headed United’s equaliser midway through the second half.

United largely dominated possession during the course of the ninety minutes but James Hayter got the better of Kyle Walker in United’s box to put the visitors ahead on the stroke of half-time.

With United’s recent injury list growing Nick Montgomery failed to appear at the start of the second half after earlier twisting a knee that threatens to keep the midfield grafter out for some time. The home side continued to dominate the play but lacked a cutting edged in front of goal until Glen Little produced a cross that Creswell bravely headed home from close in on 65 minutes.

United came close to finding the winner when Henderson’s flying header beat Neil Sullivan in the Rovers goal but his crossbar came to his rescue and the points were eventually shared.

Kevin Blackwell Interview: Doncaster 

Sheffield United: Bunn, Morgan, Stewart, Davies, Walker, Montgomery (France 46), Little (Cotterill 82), Quinn, Henderson, Evans (Treacy 75), Cresswell
Substitutes: Bennett, Kilgallon, Taylor, France, Reid, Treacy, Cotterill

Goasl: Cresswell 65

Doncaster: Sullivan, O'Connor, Chambers, Shackell, Hird, Spicer (Dumbuya 90+2), Wilson (Roberts 37) (Heffernan 75), Woods, Webster, Hayter, Shiels
Substitutes: Smith, Roberts, Dumbuya, Elliott, Guy, Heffernan, Fairhurst

Goals: Hayter 45

Ref: Probert

The Blades recent poor form continued at Scunthorpe with a 3-1 defeat which means that United have just one win from eight games. Despite recent injury concerns to Evans and with Henderson suffering with a virus in midweek both strikers made it into United’s starting line up to face Scunthorpe.

The home side went ahead midway through the first half when Grant McCann struck a dipping volley from 30 yards that found the net. United thought they had found a way back into the game when Evans scored from a free kick from 20 yards on 51 minutes but two goals on 53 and 59 minutes from Hayes and McCann respectively sealed the points for Nigel Adkins’ side.

Scunthorpe: Murphy, Williams, Byrne, Jones, Mirfin, Togwell, McCann (Woolford 77), O'Connor (Thompson 90+1), Wright, Hayes, Hooper (Forte 84)
Substitutes: Lillis, Spence, Canavan, Wright, Thompson, Woolford, Forte

Goals: McCann 22, Hayes 53, McCann 59

Sheffield United: Bunn, Walker, Morgan, Kilgallon (Reid 61), Stewart (Taylor 70), Davies, Harper, Little (Treacy 62), Quinn, Henderson, Evans
Substitutes: Bennett, Taylor, Fortune, France, Reid, Treacy

Gaols: Evans 51

Ref: Bates

United slumped to a 3-0 defeat at Blackpool making it four away defeats in a row for Kevin Blackwell’s side.

The Blades showed four changes from the side that were beaten at Scunthorpe at the weekend with Taylor, France, Cresswell and Cotterill coming into the side at the expense of Stewart, Davies, Little and Evans.

After a uneventful first half Blackpool made two substitutions at the start of the second half which seemed to have the required effect as the home side went ahead just short of the hour mark when Marcel Seip’s stooping header put the Seasiders in front.

A Peter Whittingham hat-trick for Cardiff and some poor defending from United put paid to Kevin Blackwell’s side who went down to their first home defeat of the season. It’s their first home defeat since February of this year but more worryingly United have conceded an average of almost three goals a game from their last eight fixtures. In a game that ended 4-3, United had the better opportunities but poor finishing combined with some bad luck and some arguable decisions from the officials left United with just one win in ten games.

With half-time approaching a goalless score-line looked the most likely outcome at the interval but the game came to life in the closing stages of the first period when the visitors went ahead when a poor clearance from Morgan hit the backside of Kyle Walker and Bothroyd slotted home from close range. Henderson equalised immediately for United but Cardiff went ahead again after Bothroyd was fouled in the box. Whittingham scored from the spot but there was still time before the break for United as Henderson headed home to tie things up again at 2-2.

Whittingham put the visitors ahead on the hour and completed his hat-trick five minutes from time but United came close to taking a deserved point from the game when Harper fired home United’s third to make it 4-3 on the stroke of full time. In time added on Quinn thought he had scored the equaliser only to have it chalked off by the assistant on the line who waved his flag for offside.

		Kevin Blackwell Interview: Cardiff "It was a good performance and on another day it would have been enough to get us a point."
Henderson on target for Blades

Sheffield United: Bennett, Walker, Morgan, Kilgallon, Taylor (Stewart 33), Harper, Little (Cotterill 62), Treacy, Quinn, Henderson, Evans (Camara 67)
Substitutes: Bunn, Stewart, France, Williamson, Cotterill, Camara

Goals: Henderson 43, Henderson 45+3, Harper 90+4

Cardiff: Marshall, Kennedy, Hudson, Gerrard, Matthews, Whittingham, McPhail (Rae 74), Burke (McCormack 79), Ledley, Chopra, Bothroyd
Substitutes: Enckelman, Quinn, Comminges, Rae, Taiwo, Feeney, McCormack
 
Goals: Bothroyd 41,  Whittingham (pen) 45+1, Whittingham 60, Whittingham 85 

Ref: Kettle
Att: 25,021

The Blades poor run of results continued as they went down by a single goal to Newcastle but the result doesn’t tell the full story as United had a string of chances which they either failed to convert or were saved by the Magpies in-form ‘keeper.

The home side had the better of the first half with opportunities falling to Henderson early on and Evans just before the break when both strikers had driven strikes both of which missed the target by inches.

Newcastle’s control of the game tightened after the interval with Nolan becoming more influential in an attacking midfield role. The former Bolton player set up the Newcastle goal after a tackle on Kyle Walker left the Spurs loanee injured. Although Nolan won the ball, the tackle appeared to be from behind but the referee allowed play to continue and Nolan set up Taylor who struck an effort that deflected off Morgan and agonising left Bennett in the Blades goal completely wrong footed.

The Blades had a late rally in the last ten minutes of the game when Henderson produced a great save from the Newcastle ‘keeper Harper from close range.

Another game of ifs, buts and maybes but this results means United have now gone seven games without a win. The luck must change soon but with Walker now out with ankle ligament damage for at least a month the injury crisis at the Lane that sees eleven players in the treatment room will not help the cause.

		Kevin Blackwell Interview: Newcastle "It was a foul on Kyle Walker and then it goes in off Morgan".
Nolan's tackle on Walker

Sheffield United: Bennett, Walker (France 60), Morgan, Davies, Kilgallon, Stewart (Cotterill 70), Harper, Quinn, Treacy, Henderson, Evans (Camara 76)
Substitutes: Bunn, France, Reid, Williamson, Little, Cotterill, Camara

Newcastle United: Harper, Coloccini, Jose Enrique, Simpson (Ranger 76), Taylor, Kadar, Smith, Gutierrez (Harewood 84), Butt, Nolan, Carroll
Substitutes: Krul, Tozer, Guthrie, Geremi, Harewood, Ranger, Donaldson

Goals: Morgan (og) 54

Ref: Friend

The Blades came back twice against South Yorkshire rivals Barnsley as Darius Henderson converted two penalties to gain a point at Oakwell.

Once again Kevin Blackwell had to juggle his squad to cope with United’s injury crisis that was further complicated with the one-game suspension of club skipper Chris Morgan. However, on a positive note Kyle Walker made a prompt recovery from his ankle injury that he sustained against Newcastle last week to be named in the starting eleven along with Jamie Ward who made a welcome return from his hamstring injury. Also long term absentee Derek Geary was named on the subs bench.

United came close to going ahead early on when Ched Evans fired a shot from the edge of the box which missed its target by a yard. That apart, Barnsley had the better chances in the first half with Ian Bennett in the Blades goal being called upon more than his counterpart. But United’s injury misery continued when Matt Kilgallon was taken off following a knock on his ankle just before half-time and Bennett failed to appear after the interval.

The home side went ahead when a shot from Anderson de Silva gave Bunn little chance. United came close to levelling immediately when Treacy dribbled his way into the box Barnsley box and hit an effort which struck the base of an upright. Barnsley came close to doubling their lead when Macken failed to direct a cross into Bunn’s goal from close range with the goal at his mercy. United levelled thanks to a generous penalty award from referee Clattenburg who adjudged that Evans was upended in the box by the Barnsley ‘keeper Steele who appeared to get a piece of the ball in the process. Henderson converted from the spot driving down the middle of the goal.

Barnsley looked on their way to taking all three points when Bogdanovic headed home fifteen minutes from time but a second penalty award from the referee after Walker was brought down gave United a chance to equalise again. Henderson kept his nerve dispatching his second from the spot on a night that should have belonged to the home side, though perhaps United were long overdue a bit of luck.

	Kevin Blackwell Interview: Barnsley

Barnsley: Steele, Kozluk, Moore, Dickinson, Shotton, Colace, De Silva, Hammill, Doyle, Bogdanovic (Gray 76), Macken (Hume 75)
Substitutes: Preece, Hassell, Thompson, Campbell-Ryce, Hallfredsson, Hume, Gray

Goals: De Silva 53, Bogdanovic 74

Sheffield United: Bennett (Bunn 46), Walker, Kilgallon (Geary 45+2), Davies, Fortune, Treacy (Camara 79), Harper, Quinn, Ward, Henderson, Evans
Substitutes: Bunn, Geary, France, Williamson, Little, Cotterill, Camara

Goals: Henderson (pen) 61, Henderson (pen) 83

Ref: Clattenburg

The Blades got their first victory in over two months with a 1-0 win over bottom of the table Peterborough, though the performance could only be described, at best, as workman-like as the visitors had the better of the second half and United had to thank Bunn in goal who saved a penalty.

Henri Camara and Lee Williamson made their home debuts for United and Camara, filling-in for the suspended Henderson, impressed in the first half. On 25 minutes United came close to going ahead when Ward’s corner from the right found Evans who produced a right foot drive that hit the underside of the crossbar. The home side went into a deserved lead shortly before the internal when Walker and Ward linked up well on the right and Evans brought out a save from the Posh ‘keeper Lewis but Camara followed in and found the net from close range.

Peterborough, with new manager Mark Cooper in charge for the first time, were the stronger in the second half and Bunn had to be at this best to deny Aaron McLean from the penalty spot after Davies had brought down Mackail-Smith. The lack of creative play from United was worrying in the second period with too many long clearances that appeared to be looking for an absent Henderson. However, after so long without a win the home crowd went home grateful just to get three points on the board and I’m sure Kevin Blackwell felt the same.

	Kevin Blackwell Interview: Peterborough

Sheffield United: Bunn, Walker, Morgan, Davies, Kilgallon, Quinn, Williamson (France 81), Harper, Ward (Reid 85), Evans, Camara (Treacy 68), 
Substitutes: Taylor, Geary, Fortune, France, Reid, Little, Treacy

Goals: Camara 42

Peterborough: Lewis, Zakuani, Lee, Bennett, Griffiths, Frecklington, Boyd, Diagouraga (Simpson 87), Whelpdale (Batt 64), Mclean, Mackail-Smith
Substitutes: McKeown, Martin, Coutts, Rowe, Batt, Green, Simpson

Ref: Hegley

A Darius Henderson hat-trick gave United the points at Bristol City. The home side thought they had gained a point late on with a 95th minute equaliser but The Blades claimed all three points with a late winner from Henderson.

United showed three changes to the side that beat Peterborough last week with Henderson returning following his one-match suspension along with Nick Montgomery returning from injury while Carl Ikeme made his debut in goal for The Blades following his move to The Lane on loan from Wolves.

Bristol City had the better of the first twenty-five minutes but United countered with a series of corners on the half hour mark that eventually produced a goal from Henderson. Within two minutes United doubled their lead when Jamie Ward took advantage of some poor defending from the home side and fed Henderson who slotted home his second of the afternoon.

City grabbed a foothold in the game early in the second half when a Louis Carey header cut United’s lead in half on 53 minutes. The home side put pressure on United and eventually produced an equaliser from Saborio in the fifth minute of added time but United forced a winner through Henderson on the 96th minute to claim all three points.

	Kevin Blackwell Interview: Bristol City

Bristol City: Gerken, McAllister (Fontaine 88), McCombe, Carey, Elliott, Johnson, Hartley, Skuse (Sproule 76), Sno (Saborio 84), Maynard, Haynes
Substitutes: Henderson, Fontaine, Nyatanga, Williams, Sproule, Clarkson, Saborio

Goals: Carey 53, Saborio 90+5

Sheffield United: Ikeme, Walker, Morgan, Davies, Kilgallon, Montgomery, Williamson (Stewart 59), Harper (Fortune 90+2), Quinn, Ward (Reid 88), Henderson
Substitutes: Bunn, Taylor, Stewart, Fortune, France, Reid, Evans

Goal: Henderson 30, 33, 90+6  

Ref: Hall

Att: 14,637

A late strike from James Harper gave United a hard fought win at Plymouth as The Blades made it three wins in a row which moved them into tenth place just two points off sixth place.

Toni Kalio made his debut at left back having joined last week from Fulham on loan while Darius Henderson missed out having suffered a hip injury that is likely to keep The Blades leading striker out for two to three weeks.

In a game played in wet and windy conditions the first half was a non-event with United failing to produce an effort on Argyle’s goal and the match only slightly improved in the second half with the home side largely on top. United almost went ahead when Montgomery produced a shot from distance that struck a post. Minutes later it was the home side’s turn to hit the woodwork when a cross into the box was struck with venom by Fletcher and the ball rebound off the inside of an upright.

With just two minutes left a Harper shot on goal was saved by the Plymouth ‘keeper and from the resulting corner it was Harper again who fired a 20-yard strike which this time found the Argyle net.

	Kevin Blackwell Interview: Plymouth

Plymouth: Larrieu, Sawyer (Gow 90+3), Lowry, Gray, Duguid, Fletcher, Kari Arnason, Judge, Fallon, Barnes (Sheridan 86), Mason (Noone 65)
Substitutes: Letheren, Noone, Rede Johnson, Blake, Folly, Sheridan, Gow

Sheffield United: Ikeme, Walker, Morgan, Kilgallon, Kallio, Montgomery, Williamson (Evans 67), Harper, Quinn, Ward, Cresswell (Stewart 85)
Substitutes: Naysmith, Taylor, Stewart, Geary, France,  Little,  Evans

Goals: Harper 88

Ref: Horwood

United kept their unbeaten run going with a 0-0 draw at home to inform Forest.

After an hour of play chances were at a premium but the game came to life for United after the introduction of striker Henri Camara. Lee Camp in the Forest goal produced a string of saves to keep the visitors in the game first from a Jamie Ward header and then from efforts from Camara and Quinn. Matt Kilgallon also brought out a save from the Forest ‘keeper when the centre-back found himself through on goal.

At the final whistle the visitors were clearly the happiest with a point, just a shame that United took so long to getting going after a very sluggish start.

Sheffield United: Bunn, Walker, Morgan, Kilgallon, Taylor, Montgomery, Harper, Quinn(Stewart 85),  Ward, Evans (Camara 62) Cresswell
Substitutes: Bennett, Stewart, Geary, France, Williamson, Little, Camara

Nottingham Forest: Camp, Shorey, Chambers, Morgan, Wilson, Gunter, Anderson (McCleary 59), Cohen, McKenna, Earnshaw (Tyson 84), Blackstock (Adebola 74)
Substitutes: Smith, McGugan, Majewski, Adebola, Tyson, McCleary, McGoldrick

Ref: Haines

It was an unhappy return to Bramall Lane for former United manager Neil Warnock as he watched his Palace side go down to a 2-0 defeat to The Blades. Palace’s preparations on the morning of the match were severely disrupted after a stomach virus hit a number of Warnock’s players leaving him with a depleted squad.

Lee Williamson put United in front midway through the first half when Quinn supplied the former Watford man who slotted home from six yards after the Palace ‘keeper had half saved and Claude Davis cleared from under the crossbar. Replays later suggested that the ball hadn’t crossed the line but the goal was given.

Palace offered little of note and United finally sealed all three points when Quinn’s left foot drive found the net in injury time.

	Neil Warnock Interview: Blades 2 Palace 0

Sheffield United: Bunn, Walker, Morgan, Kilgallon, Taylor, Williamson, Harper, Quinn, Ward (Camara 87), Evans (Stewart 80), Cresswell
Substitutes: Bennett, Stewart, Kallio, France, Reid, Little, Camara

Goals: Williamson 21, Quinn 90+1

Crystal Palace: Speroni, Hill, Fonte, Butterfield (Clyne 55), Ertl(Sears 66), Davis, Derry, Ambrose (Scannell 46), Danns, Moses, Lee
Substitutes: Clyne, Carle, Smith, N'Diaye, Scannell, Sears, Andrew

Ref: Webster

With QPR installing Paul Hart as their new manager in the week replacing Jim Magilton, this was always going to be a tough mixture for United. Hart’s team got the best possible start when Mikele Leigertwood fired home on just 88 seconds of the kick-off when the former Blade struck an effort from the edge of the box following a corner which was deflected in past Bunn in the Blades goal.

United responded well and equalised on eight minutes when Toni Kallio cut into the box from the left and found Richard Cresswell who guided the ball home from close range.

In an open game both sides came close to finding a winner with QPR’s Ben Watson coming closest when his header struck the top of United’s crossbar.

Another good away point making it seven games unbeaten.

	Kevin Blackwell Interview: QPR

QPR: Cerny, Ramage, Stewart, Gorkss, Williams, Leigertwood, Routledge, Watson, Taarabt, Agyemang, Simpson (Vine 68)
Substitutes: Taylor, Hall, Faurlin, Parker, Vine, Pellicori, Balanta

Goals: Leigertwood 2

Sheffield United:Bunn, Walker, Morgan, Kilgallon, Kallio, Stewart, Montgomery, Harper, Quinn, Ward, Cresswell
Substitutes: Bennett, Geary, France, Reid, Little, Evans, Camara

Goals: Cresswell 8

Ref: Swarbrick

The Blades suffered their first defeat in eight as they went down 2-1 to Leicester at The Walkers Stadium.

United started well but found themselves a goal down midway through the first half when Blades ‘keeper failed to collect a corner from the left and Morrison headed home from close range. The Foxes doubled their lead on 35 minutes when Nick Montgomery upended Matt Fryatt in the box and Fryatt converted from the spot.

Kevin Blackwell made an immediate change at the start of the second half by replacing Andy Taylor with Henri Camara. The veteran striker made an immediate impact when he scored from close range within a minute of the re-start. In a game which had a number of chances for both sides with United having the better of the last twenty minutes but the visitors were unable to force an equaliser.

Leicester: Weale, Neilson, McGivern, Morrison, Hobbs (O'Neill 46), Oakley, King, Dyer (Gallagher 90+3), Wellens, Howard, Fryatt
Substitutes: Logan, Berner, O'Neill, Adams, N'Guessan, Kermorgant, Gallagher

Goals: Morrison 26, Fryatt (pen) 35

Sheffield United: Bunn, Walker (Geary 49), Morgan, Kilgallon, Taylor (Camara 46), Stewart, Montgomery (Evans 73), Harper, Quinn, Ward, Cresswell
Substitutes: Bennett, Geary, France, Reid,  Little, Evans, Camara

Goals: Camara 46

Ref: Deadman

United grabbed a late winner from Jamie Ward to claim all three points and moved into seventh place in The Championship.

Kevin Blackwell selected the same team that finished the game at Leicester on Boxing Day including four strikers with Evans and Camara down the middle and Cresswell and Ward down each flank. The Blades dominated the first half and created a host of chances with Henri Camara giving the visitors problems but the home side lacked a cutting edge and Preston must have been relieved to be all square at the interval.

The second half was much closer but United eventually found a later winner when Ward struck a free kick from the left that evaded everyone and found the corner of the Preston goal.

	Kevin Blackwell Interview: Preston

Sheffield United: Bunn, Geary, Morgan, Kilgallon, Stewart, Montgomery, Quinn (Williamson 71), Ward (Taylor 90+3), Cresswell, Camara (Little 75), Evans
Substitutes: Bennett, Naysmith, Taylor, France, Reid, Williamson, Little

Goals: Ward (80)

Preston: Lonergan, Davidson (Mellor 89), Collins, St. Ledger, Jones, Chaplow, Sedgwick, Parry (Shumulikoski 59), Tonge,  Parkin (Brown 46), Elliott
Substitutes: Henderson, Chilvers, Nolan, Shumulikoski, Carter, Brown, Mellor

Ref: Kettle

Despite having the better chances in the game, United had to settle for a 1-1 draw in the 3rd round of the F.A. Cup.

The Blades started well and should have gone ahead on nine minutes when Henri Camara provided a cross for Stephen Quinn but the Irishman’s strike from eight yards rebounded off the crossbar. The visitors went ahead six minutes before the break when Jay Simpson guided a cross from Wayne Routledge past Bunn. United responded and forced an equaliser on the stroke of half-time when Stephen Quinn’s cross was met by the head of Richard Cresswell.

In the second half Ched Evans came the closest to finding a Blades winner when his 35-yard free kick struck the Rangers’ crossbar.

Speculation on Matt Kilgallon continues. The Blades centreback was withdrawn at half-time with what Kevin Blackwell described as a tight hamstring. Kilgallon is thought to be at the top of a number of clubs shopping list with Newcastle favourites to sign the former Leeds defender in the January’s transfer window.

United have an away tie at Bolton in the next round of the competition if they are able to come through the replay at Loftus Road.

	Kevin Blackwell Interview: Q.P.R.

Sheffield United: Bunn, Geary, Morgan, Kilgallon (Seip 46), Taylor, , Montgomery, Quinn (Williamson 78), Cresswell, Ward (Little 87), Camara, Evans
Substitutes: Bennett, Seip, France, Reid, Williamson, Harper, Little

Goals: Cresswell (45 + 3)

Q.P.R.: Cerny, Ramage, Stewart, Gorkss, Borrowdale, Leigertwood, Routledge, Buzsaky (Ephraim 71), Faurlin, Agyemang (Helguson 85), Simpson
Substitutes: Taylor, Hall, Connolly, Ephraim, Parker, Helguson, Balanta

Goals: Simpson (39)

Ref: Hall

United gained a place in the next round of the cup with a 3-2 win at Q.P.R.

The Blades appeared to be in complete control of the tie leading 3-0 with goals from Williamson (19 minutes), Ward (68 minutes) and Cresswell (70 minutes) but within a minute of United's third goal the home side struck back from a Buzsaky spot kick. Then when Rangers pegged United back to 3-2 with a Damion Stewart header two minutes from normal time United found themselves hanging on.

In the dying seconds Q.P.R. came close to forcing extra-time but Bunn pulled off a brilliant save to deny sub Antonio German.

	Kevin Blackwell Interview: Q.P.R.

Q.P.R.: Cerny, Ramage, Stewart, Gorkss, Borrowdale, Leigertwood, Routledge, Buzsaky, Faurlin (Taarabt 69), Agyemang, Simpson (German 80)
Substitutes: McWeeney, Hall, Connolly, Ephraim, Taarabt,  Balanta, German

Goals: Buzsaky (pen 71), Stewart (88)

Sheffield United: Bunn, Geary (Walker 80), Morgan, Seip, Taylor, Williamson (Ward 67), Montgomery, Harper, Quinn, Evans, Cresswell (Henderson 74)
Substitutes: Bennett, Stewart, Walker, France, Little, Henderson, Ward

Goals: Williamson (19), Ward (68), Cresswell (70)

Ref: Woolmer

United moved up into sixth place with a 1-0 home win over Middlesbrough.

The visitors had the better of the first half as United failed to produce a save from the Boro ‘keeper while former Arsenal striker Jeremie Aliadiere gave problems for United’s defence.

The Blades looked stronger in the second half and went ahead just short of the hour when Andy Taylor supplied a cross from the left and Richard Cresswell headed home from six yards. United threatened to double their lead first when a good move involving Evans and Creswell found Harper who failed to direct a snap shot on target from close range. More pressure from the home side produced another good move and substitute Henri Camara fired an effort that struck the base of a post.

A good second half performance after an indifferent first helped United claimed all three points.

	Kevin Blackwell Interview: Middlesbrough

Sheffield United: Bunn, Walker, Morgan, Seip, Taylor, Williamson (Ward 70), Montgomery, Harper, Quinn, Evans (Camara 70), Cresswell (Henderson 89)
Substitutes: Bennett, Stewart, Geary, Fortune, Henderson, Ward, Camara

Goals: Cresswell (56)

Middlesbrough: Coyne, Hoyte, Riggott, McMahon, Wheater, Flood (Franks 75), O'Neil, Robson, Osbourne, Aliadiere (Johnson 63), Killen
Substitutes: Steele, Bennett, Johnson, Arca, Bent, Franks, Williams

Ref: D'Urso

The Blades fell at the 4th round hurdle of the F.A. Cup as Bolton beat Kevin Blackwell’s side 2-0.

Sheffield United returned to the site of their third round victory when Bryan Robson’s side beat Bolton by a single goal two years ago.  For this fourth round encounter only Stephen Quinn and Nick Montgomery survived from that game while Chris Morgan made his 250th start for The Blades. In a week that saw Matt Kilgallon leave for Sunderland his replacement Marcel Siep pulled up in the warm and had to be replaced before the start of the game by Jonathan Fortune.

In an even first half United’s best chance came to Henri Camara when Montgomery and Williamson linked up well and found the Senegalese striker who chipped just over the top with just the ‘keeper to beat.

The home side went ahead after just two minutes of the second half when Gretar Rafn Steinsson slotted home from a tight angle. Bolton sealed their place in the fifth found of the competition five minutes from time when Elmander converted the home side’s second goal from a breakaway following a Blades corner.

	Kevin Blackwell Interview: Bolton

Bolton: Jaaskelainen, Samuel (Basham 85), Cahill, Knight, Steinsson, Ricketts, Muamba, Cohen, Lee, Davies (Riga 88), Klasnic (Elmander 76)
Substitutes: Al Habsi, Robinson, Basham,  O'Brien,  Elmander, Riga, Vaz Te

Goals: Steinsson (48), Elmander (84)

Sheffield United: Bunn, Walker, Morgan, Fortune, Taylor, Williamson (Cresswell 75), Montgomery, Harper, Quinn (Ward 71), Henderson, Camara (Evans 80)
Substitutes: Bennett, Stewart, Geary, France, Evans, Cresswell, Ward

Ref: Marriner

United registered their best score-line victory of the season with a 3-0 win over struggling Reading. However, it had to be said that the margin of victory did flatter the home side as Reading could easily have gone in at the interval with two or three goals had it not been for some good saves from Blades ‘keeper Bunn.

Although United started brightly it was the visitors who came close to going ahead early on when McAnuff put Long through on goal but as Bunn advanced the Reading striker failed to find the target.

United went ahead on 12 minutes when Montgomery lofted a speculative ball into the box and Jonathan Fortune volleyed home. Despite going behind the visitors produced a number of efforts and Bunn had to be at his best to repel helped by some good work from his defenders. However, shortly before the interval Morgan upended Long in the box and the referee awarded spot kick without hesitation. Sigurdsson stepped up but failed to convert from the spot as Bunn made a good save low to his left.

Kyle Walker looked in good form at the back and also going forward and the youngster created United's second on the stroke of half-time when he made a determined run down the right and supplied Richard Cresswell who nodded home from close range.

United completed their most convincing score-line of this campaign ten minutes from time when a Quinn free kick was headed goal bound by Ward and Morgan got the final touch before the ball crossed the line.

	Kevin Blackwell Interview: Reading

Sheffield United: Bunn, Walker, Morgan, Fortune, Taylor (Stewart 51), Montgomery, Harper, Quinn, Ward (Yeates 85), Evans (Henderson 79), Cresswell
Substitutes: Bennett, Stewart, Geary, Yeates, Williamson, Henderson, Camara

Goals: Fortune (12), Cresswell (42), Morgan (80)

Reading: Federici, Mills, Ingimarsson, Bertrand, Griffin, Cisse (Howard 46), McAnuff, Karacan (Kebe 74), Sigurdsson, Long, Thorvaldsson (Rasiak 63)
Substitutes: Hamer, Pearce, Khizanishvili, Kebe, Howard, Church, Rasiak

Ref: Crossley

The Blades went down to a 3-1 defeat at West Brom.

United made two changes to the side that beat Reading in midweek with Henderson and Stewart coming in for Evans and Taylor. The home side had the better of the early stages but it was the visitors who produced the best chance when Richard Creswell’s shot from distance was parried for a corner by Carson in the Albion goal. United were unlucky to go a goal behind when Montgomery was adjudged to have handled inside the box on 18 minutes. Replays suggested that the decision was harsh but Graham Dorrans took full advantage and scored from the spot.

West Brom commanded much of the remainder of the first half and doubled their lead on the half hour when Roman Bednar scored from the edge of the area. Bednar could have had a first half hat trick when he earlier put the ball wide from six yards following a flowing move from Albion and just before the break the Czech international failed to capitalise on an error from Stephen Quinn when the Irishman’s back pass to the Blades ‘keeper was intercepted but Bednar could only find the side netting.

United looked to make a positive start to the second half and within three minutes of the restart cut the deficit in half after Quinn was upended in the box by Youssouf Mulumbu. Henderson converted from the spot but within a minute Albion regained their two-goal cushion when Jerome Thomas scored from just outside the penalty area.

	Kevin Blackwell Interview: West Brom.

On a personal note, I was very sad to hear today of the sudden death of my friend Robert Stratford. Rob has been attending games with a group of us for the past five years and we not only enjoyed going to the games with Rob but we also enjoyed a pre-match pint or two with him before each game.

Originally from the north of London area (Watford and Harrow), Rob was a Watford fan but in recent years he has been attending Bramall Lane with us as his support has been on loan to United except on the occasions when Watford visited Sheffield.

Over many years there has been a history of players who have signed from Watford to Sheffield United (Henderson and Stewart are examples from the current squad) so during the matches we would often gently pull Rob’s leg about these "Watford rejects".

In August 2007 Rob and I attended an away game at Watford’s Vicarage Road. It had been a long time since Rob had visited the Watford ground and I felt that he really enjoyed going around his old stomping ground and he particularly enjoyed the day as Watford won 1-0.

It was a very sad irony that when I learned of Rob’s passing on the same day United were due to play at Watford.

Last May Rob was kind enough to drive the main group of our party to the Play-off final at Wembley and when the tickets were on sale he queued up all day to ensure that all of our usual match-day group were able to get a ticket for the big game.

Some people may trivialised football perhaps saying that it's just twenty-two overpaid players kicking a piece of leather around but for us on match-days it is a chance to come together in good humour and camaraderie.

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United produced possibly their worse performance of the season with a 3-0 defeat at Watford.

As the transfer window closed on the 1st of February United were able to bring in two loan signings Nyron Nosworthy (from Sunderland) and Toni Kallio (from Fulham) but as the pressure appeared to have eased on Kevin Blackwell’s injury hit squad, United’s manager must have been angered as Tottenham recalled on-loan Kyle Walker back to the north London club to provide cover as Kyle Naughton was loaned out to Blades’ promotion rivals Middlesbrough.

Apart from an early header from Chris Morgan United did little to threaten the Watford goal and contributed to the own downfall with some poor defending. A long ball down the middle with Morgan struggling with an injury let in Tom Cleverley who headed home on the 38 minutes.

With Morgan withdraw through injury in the second half United’s makeshift back four gifted an opportunity for Heidar Helguson who doubled the home side’s advantage on 54 minutes. Then with less than twenty minutes remaining Don Cowie scored direct from a free kick to complete a poor night for United.

Watford: Loach, Mariappa, DeMerit, Doyley, Taylor, Lansbury, Cowie, Jenkins (Harley 83), Cleverley (Graham 75), Eustace, Helguson (Hoskins 81)
Substitutes: Lee, Harley, Bennett, McGinn, Bryan, Graham, Hoskins

Goals: Cleverley (39), Helguson (55), Cowie (74)

Sheffield United: Bunn, Geary, Morgan (Fortune 41), Nosworthy, Stewart, Montgomery, Harper, Quinn, Ward (Yeates 46), Henderson (Evans 68), Cresswell
Substitutes:Bennett, Fortune, France, Yeates, Williamson, Evans, Camara

Ref: Hill

United salvaged a point at home against Derby when Lee Williamson grabbed a last minute equaliser after the visitors had led for much of the game from a Robbie Savage goal early in the first half

With injuries continuing to hit the Blades squad particularly in defence, United’s back four looked decidedly makeshift as Nick Montgomery took up a place at right back alongside Nosworthy, Kallio and Stewart. Derby had the better of the first half and went ahead on seventeen minutes when Robbie Savage drilled an effort from outside the box into Bunn’s goal.

United looked slightly better after the break but did little to enthuse an increasingly restless crowd. Midway through the second half Ward and Camara appeared from the subs bench and only then with their quality and pace things improved quickly. With time running out Yeates, making his fiirst start for United, supplied Camara but the striker’s effort from close range was blocked by McEveley. Then Cresswell had a great chance to level after Quinn’s cross was headed wide by the former Stoke striker. With time added on being played the home side salvaged a point when Williamson fired home from inside the box..

Kevin Blackwell Interview: Derby County

Sheffield Unted: Bunn (Bennett 68), Montgomery, Yeates, Williamson, Quinn, Cresswell, Henderson (Ward 63), Evans (Camara 69)
Substitutes: Bennett, Geary, Fortune, France, Little, 18 Ward, 37 Camara

Goals: Williamson (90 + 1)

Derby: Bywater, McEveley, Barker, Buxton, Hunt, Green, Savage, Commons (Porter 83), Pearson (Teale 72), Tonge, Hulse (Anderson 90+2)
Substitutes: Deeney, Moxey, Anderson, Vidal, Teale, Pringle, Porter

Goals: Savage (17)

Ref: Salisbury

United went down to a 2-1 defeat at Deepdale but remain in seventh spot just outside the place-offs places.

The Blades showed three changes from the side that drew at home to Derby on Saturday with Bunn, Stewart and Henderson making way for Bennett, Geary and debutant Kyle Bartley who signed on loan from Arsenal on the morning of the game. The 18-year old central defender has just one senior appearance for The Gunners having made his debut in the Champions League against Olympiakos.

The home side had the better of the first half and went ahead on just ten minutes when Matt James struck home a deflected shot that gave Bennett little chance. Jon Parkin came close to doubling Preston’s lead when he struck an effort from the edge of the box that struck United’s bar. United’s best chance of the half came from Lee Williamson who drove a 20-yard effort that went just wide of the target.

In the second half within 90 seconds of the restart Yeates came close to an equaliser when the winger found the base of an upright. Both Camara and Ward were introduced from the subs bench early in the second half and United’s approach play appeared much improved. Midway through the second half the home side were awarded a penalty when Nyron Nosworthy brought down Danny Welbeck. Bennett saved Jon Parkin’s spot kick but the big striker followed in to score from eight yards.

Despite the two goal deficit United finished strongly with Ward and Yeates doing well down each flank and with less than ten minutes to go The Blades scored when Geary's cross was headed down by Henderson into the path of Yeates who slotted home from close range.

United were perhaps a little unlucky not to come away with a point at Deepdale with Parkin’s goal following Bennett’s penalty save the difference between the two sides.

Preston: Lonergan, Hart, Mawene, St. Ledger, Jones, Sedgwick (Treacy 78), Coutts, James (Carter 90+4), Wallace (Brown 90), Welbeck, Parkin
Substitutes: Henderson, Collins, Chilvers, Carter, Treacy, Brown, Mellor

Goals: James (100, Parkin (71)

Sheffield United: Bennett, Geary, Nosworthy, Bartley, Kallio, Quinn (Ward 58), Montgomery, Williamson, Yeates, Evans (Camara 64), Cresswell (Henderson 72)
Substitutes: Aksalu, Stewart, Fortune, France, Henderson, Ward, Camara

Goals: Yeates (81)

Ref: Ilderton

The Blades produced one of their best performances of the season and gained all three points in a 2-0 home victory over Bristol City.

With United in seventh place this game appeared to be a must win game as teams above United have games in had so it was vital to remain in touch within striking distance of the play-off places. With this in mind Kevin Blackwell selected the best team he could with Camara and Ward, who United’s manager has be nursing back to full match fitness, starting along with Henderson and Yeates offering attacking options.

Apart from two early headers from Iwelumo, (on loan from Wolves) and Agyemang the visitors did little to threaten Untied’s goal while the home side had a string of first half chances in the opening half. Henderson failed to hit the target from two headers while Yeates had a great chance to score before the break when he struck an effort from inside the box that defected off a defender and Gerken in the City goal reacted quickly to gather.

Within five minutes of the restart United went into a second half lead when Bartley, making his home debut, supplied Camara through the right hand channel. Camara’s first touch was crucial as he set up a great chance for himself firing past Gerkin.

Just beyond the hour mark United increased their lead when Henderson headed home Jamie Ward’s cross from the leftl at the near post. United continued to threaten as the second half continued Camara produced another good save from Gerkin and then again only seconds later fired over the top when perhaps he should have done better.

Could contributions from Camara, Ward, Yeates, Williamson and Bartley were the key to this much-needed victory.

	Kevin Blackwell Interview: Bristol City

Sheffield United: Bunn, Geary, Nosworthy, Bartley, Kallio, Yeates, Montgomery, Williamson, Ward, Henderson (Cresswell 89), Camara (Quinn 81)
Substitutes: Bennett, Stewart, Fortune, Little, Quinn, Evans, Cresswell

Goals: Camara (49), Henderson (62)

Bristol City: Gerken, Orr, Fontaine, Carey, Nyatanga, Hartley, Skuse (Clarkson 90+3), Williams (Elliott 67), Sproule, Agyemang (Haynes 67), Iwelumo
Substitutes: Collis, Wilson, Edwards, Elliott, Johnson, Clarkson, Haynes

Ref: Deadman

The Blades registered their fifth straight away defeat going down 1-0 at Nottingham Forest.

Despite having injury doubts, Kevin Blackwell was able to field the same side that impressed against Bristol City over the weekend. However, optimism from Saturday was quickly extinguished as Forest went ahead on four minutes when Robert Earnshaw slotted home from close range following a corner.

If the first half started badly, United made a disastrous start to the second period when Darius Henderson was shown a straight red card following an off the ball incident within seconds of the restart. Despite having a man short United had their moments in the second half. Yeates had two strikes, the first of which missed the target and the second produced a good save from Lee Camp in the Forest goal. Nathan Tyson came closest to extending the home side’s advantage when his effort from distance was finger tipped away by Bunn.

Nottingham Forest: Camp, Perch, Morgan, Wilson, Gunter, Anderson(Tyson 73), Cohen, McKenna, Majewski(Moussi 88), Earnshaw(McGoldrick 79), Blackstock,
Substitutes: Smith, Chambers, Moussi, Adebola, Tyson, Garner, McGoldrick

Goals: Earnshaw (4)

Sheffield United: Bunn, Geary (Quinn 39), Nosworthy, Bartley, Kallio, Yeates, Montgomery, Williamson (Evans 78), Ward, Henderson, Camara (Cresswell 66),
Substitutes: Bennett, Stewart, Fortune, Little, Quinn, Evans, Cresswell

 Ref: Miller

The Blades made hard work of a 4-3 victory over struggling Plymouth Argyle after leading 3-0 the visitors made a second half comeback and almost found a late equaliser.

Henri Camara put United a goal up within seven minutes and the home side looked in total control when Jamie Ward doubled the lead on 35 minutes when he struck a half volley into the top corner of the goal from the middle of the penalty area.

Within two minutes of the restart in the second half United looked home and hosed when Ward poked the ball home from close range from a long throw-in from Nosworthy. However, Plymouth took advantage of some poor defending and reduced the deficit to 3-2 when Bolasie scored on 48 minutes and Mason slotted home on 56 minutes. For much the remaining of the second half United appeared nervous, possibly being reminded of a similar game earlier in the season against Wednesday when they went three up to be pegged back to 3-2.

United eventually got the fourth on 80 minutes but it was something of a “What happened next” moment when Cresswell converted a bizarre goal. United attacked down the left and Stockdale, the Plymouth ‘keeper, came out to smoother the ball. As the ‘keeper rose to his feet he allowed both sets of players to assemble in the middle of the park but he failed to spot Richard Cresswell who had remained out of sight behind him. As the Argyle ‘keeper released the ball out of his hands as he attempted to clear Cresswell ran from behind Stockdale and stole possession and slotted home from the edge of the area.

The Blades were still to endure a tense last five minutes or so when Mackie scored for the visitors on 85 minutes to make it 4-3 and then both Mason and Fletcher had chances to level but both fired wide of the target.

	Kevin Blackwell Interview: Plymouth

Sheffield United: Bunn, Nosworthy, Morgan, Bartley, Kallio, Yeates (Harper 84), Montgomery, Williamson, Ward, Cresswell (Stewart 90+1), Camara (Evans 77)
Substitutes: Bennett, Taylor, Stewart, Fortune, Harper, Quinn, Evans

Goals: Camara (7), Ward (35), Ward (47) Cresswell (80)

Plymouth Argyle: Stockdale, Barker, Rede Johnson (Summerfield 50), Duguid, Fletcher, Clark, Johnson, Kari Arnason, Noone (Bolasie 46), Mackie, Fallon (Mason 46)
Substitutes:  Larrieu, Summerfield, Judge, Bolasie, Wright-Phillips, Mason, Cooper

Goals: Bolasie (48), Mason (56), Mackie (85)

Ref: Sarginson

The Blades registered their sixth away defeat in a row as they went down 1-0 at Palace.

Once again United had the task of facing a team with a newly installed manager with Paul Hart taking over from Neil Warnock who left during the week to take over at Q.P.R. United will also have to face the former Blades boss next week as Rangers travel to Bramall Lane next Saturday..

In the opening period Kevin Blackwell’s side were very much second best and Palace took a deserved lead midway through the first half following a good moved which ended with Alan Lee slotting home from close range.

The pattern of play continued after the interval with United creating little in the way of chances and it was Lee again who came closest to doubling the home side advantage when he blazed over the top from six yards when he should have scored.

Crystal Palace: Speroni, Clyne, Hill, Butterfield, Ertl, Davis, Derry, Ambrose(Hills 90+5), Carle (Scannell 90), Andrew (N'Diaye 87), Lee
Substitutes: Manns, Hills, Lawrence, Djilali, N'Diaye,  John, Scannell

Goals: Lee (23)

Sheffield United: Bunn, Nosworthy, Morgan, Bartley, Kallio, Yeates (Evans 78), Montgomery, Williamson (Harper 70), Quinn (Camara 58), Cresswell, Ward
Substitutes: Bennett, Taylor, Stewart, Seip, Harper, Evans, Camara

Ref: Penn

Another poor away performance from United saw them fall to their 7th away defeat in a row this time 1-0 at bottom of the table Peterborough.

This poor run of games has seen United fall out of the play-off places and the likely hood of Kevin Blackwell’s side reaching the top six appears to be disappearing. The Blades succumbed to defeat virtue of a Mackail-Smith goal just before half time and for the second game in a row could not produce an effort on target.

The number of injuries that the squad has had to suffer has been well documented but things must improve otherwise the season will fade out into mid-table mediocrity.

Peterborough: Lewis, Morgan, Zakuani, Little, Lee, Frecklington (Torres 46), Rowe, Green, Dickinson, Mclean (Geohaghan 68), Mackail-Smith
Substitutes; McKeown, Griffiths, Geohaghan, Day, Torres, Crook, Korentang

Goals: Mackail-Smith (40)

Sheffield United: Bunn, Nosworthy, Morgan, Bartley, Stewart, Montgomery, Williamson (Yeates 46), Harper, Evans (Camara 8), Cresswell, Ward (Quinn 41)
Substitutes: Bennett, Taylor, Seip, Lowton, Yeates, Quinn, Camara

Ref: Singh

The Blades once again failed to impress this time at home to Q.P.R. as both sides earned just a point each in a 1-1 draw.

For the second time this Neil Warnock returned to Bramall Lane. Earlier in the season the former Blades boss came with his Crystal Palace side but due to the shake-up at Selhurst Park that has seen the club go into administration, less than a fortnight ago Warnock left his post to take up the reigns at Q.P.R.

In a less than inspiring first half it was the visitors that looked the most threatening with Hogan Ephraim striking a post with an effort from the left side of the Blades box. Bunn also was also called in to action producing a couple of good saves as Neil Warnock’s team pressed for an opener. United meantime came close to breaking the deadlock when Camara fired a shot over the top from the edge of Ranger’s area.

Just before the interval United went ahead when Yeates produced a cross of quality from the left that found the head of Cresswell who buried the ball home from the middle of the box.

United seemed to begin the second half with renewed belief but this soon crushed as Rangers equalised on 49 minutes when Marcel Seip failed to clear and then gifted possession to Adel Taarabt who made an run on goal and slotted home low to the right of Bunn.

In game low on quality United should have taken the points when Cresswell made a sortie down the left and fed a cross to into the box that looked impossible to defend only for substitute Darius Henderson to squander the chance from close range when he failed to made an sort of significant contact with the ball.

United have just two wins from their last ten games and although they are still just three points off a place-off spot at the moment you wonder where the next win is coming from.

Sheffield United: Bunn, Nosworthy, Morgan, Seip, Stewart, Montgomery, Yeates (Little 84), Harper (Henderson 67), Quinn, Cresswell, Camara
Substitutes: Bennett, Taylor, Fortune, Lowton, Little, Henderson

Goals: Cresswell (44)

Q.P.R. Ikeme, Stewart, Gorkss, Connolly, Hill, Leigertwood, Faurlin, Ephraim (Cook 90), Taarabt (Buzsaky 87), Simpson, Priskin
Substitutes: Cerny, Ramage, Borrowdale, Buzsaky, Cook, Vine, Balanta

Goals: Taarabt (49)

Ref: Bates

Richard Cresswell scored twice as Sheffield United defeated Blackpool to boost their hopes of a top-six finish. Cresswell poked home at the far post in the first minute after Blackpool failed to clear a cross from Mark Yeates. Matthew Gilks denied the Blades' Stephen Quinn, while Blackpool's Keith Southern missed from 16 yards out.

Nick Montgomery extended United's lead from 20 yards, while Paul Connolly cleared off the line from Jason Euell before Cresswell tapped home the third.

United have lost their last seven away fixtures - but are unbeaten in 11 games at Bramall Lane and are now three points short of Cardiff City in sixth place.

Sheffield United: Bunn, Nosworthy, Stewart, Seip, Connolly (Bartley 88), Montgomery, Yeates, Quinn, Henderson, Cresswell (Harper 76), Camara
Substitutes: Bennett, Taylor, Bartley, Fortune, Williamson, Harper, Little

Goals: Cresswell (1), Montgomery (43), Cresswell (66)

Blackpool: Gilks, Crainey, Eardley (Butler 41), Baptiste, Edwards, Southern (Burgess 55), Vaughan, Adam, Ormerod, Euell (Bannan 69), Campbell
Substitutes: Rachubka, Butler, Martin, Bannan, Clarke, Burgess, Dobbie

Ref: Langford

The Blades finally managed to stop the rot away from home. Having lost their last seven away games, their came back from a goal down to force a late equaliser at Doncaster with a James Harper strike on 88 minutes.

Rovers went ahead on 5 minutes when James Hayter scored following a corner in a first half which saw the home side on top and creating a number of chances only being let down by some poor finishing.

At the start of the second United introduced Glen Little and the experience of the former Reading winger made the deference. Despite having much of the possession United struggled to find that cutting edge in from of goal until James Harper found the net two minutes from time. 

Doncaster Rovers: Sullivan, O'Connor, Roberts, Chambers, Martis, Wilson, Oster, Woods, Coppinger (Mutch 89), Emmanuel-Thomas (Shiels 78), Hayter,
Substitutes:Smith, Lockwood, McDaid, Hird, Mutch, Spicer, Shiels

Goals: Harper (88)

Sheffield United: Simonsen, Connolly, Nosworthy, Seip (Bartley 59), Stewart, Montgomery, Yeates (Little 46), Harper, Quinn, Cresswell, Camara (Taylor 72),
Substitutes: Bennett, Taylor, Bartley, Fortune, Lowton, Little

Goals: Hayter (5)

The Blades kept their chances of a play-off place alive with a 1-1 draw at rivals Cardiff. United picked up a valuable point and moved into eighth, five points behind sixth place Cardiff thanks to a second half equaliser from Stephen Quinn.

United’s season long fight against a series of injuries that has blighted the squad’s preparations continued as Kevin Blackwell’s team travelled to Wales with only one fit striker. Henri Camara missed out due to a groin strain leaving Cresswell to up front on his own. Midfielders Williamson and Yeates failed fitness tests but both were named as substitutes due to a shortage of numbers with injuries currently totalling eleven players.

Cardiff had the better of the first half and went ahead when Bluebirds captain Bothroyd blasted a left-footed strike into the top left-hand corner just before the interval. Midway through the second half United found an equaliser when substitute Yeates supplied Quinn who found the net on his second attempt after an initial save from Marshall.

	Kevin Blackwell interview: Cardiff

Cardiff City: Marshall, Gyepes, Quinn, Rae, Whittingham, McPhail, Burke, Capaldi, Blake, Bothroyd,
McCormack (Chopra 82)
Substitutes: Enckelman, Taiwo, Matthews, Wildig, Chopra, Etuhu, Feeney

Goals: Bothroyd (45)

Sheffield United: Simonsen, Connolly, Bartley, Nosworthy, Taylor (Lowton 90+1), Stewart (Yeates 65), Montgomery, Harper, Little (Williamson), Quinn, Cresswell
Substitutes: Bennett, Seip, Fortune, Lowton, Yeates, Williamson

Goals: Quinn (67)

Ref: Danny McDermid
Att: 18,715

The Blades push for a play-off place took a major setback after going down 1-0 at home to struggling Scunthorpe.

United had a number of chances in the first half without success the best falling to Mark Yeates who was unable to find the target, despite being unmarked, heading over the top from a cross from the right from Cresswell. The visitors should have gone ahead when Gary Thompson looked to take advantage of a poor back-pass to Simonsen but the Scunthorpe striker was denied by the Blades ‘keeper who just managed to save and then gather at the second attempt.

The Blades conceded what turned out to be the winner just before the interval when Paul Hayes slotted home from the middle of the box. United dominated the second half but had no luck in front of goal and now will need nothing short of a miracle to secure a play-off spo

Sheffield United: Simonsen, Connolly, Nosworthy, Bartley, Taylor, Yeates (Little 59), Montgomery, Harper (Camara 53) (Williamson 78), Quinn, Henderson, Cresswell
Substitutes: Bennett, Stewart, Seip, Lowton, Williamson, Little, Camara

Scunthorpe United: Murphy, Williams, Mirfin (Canavan 34), Raynes, Wright, Togwell, McCann (O'Connor 60), Thompson, Woolford, McDermott (Forte 74), Hayes
Substitutes: Lillis, Canavan, McNulty, O'Connor, Wright, Forte, May

Goals: Hayes (45+2)

Ref: Russell Booth

If there was any doubt over The Blades chances of reaching the play-offs following their home defeat by Scunthorpe last weekend, their fate now appears to be sealed following a 0-0 draw with South Yorkshire rivals Barnsley.

Once again their effort could not be faulted based on the number of chances that they create but the side lacked the guile in front of goal as they found it difficult to break down a Barnsley side that looked delighted with a point at the end.

Kevin Blackwell must have left Bramall Lane after the game wondering what he has done to deserve the number of injuries that has torn into his squad this season. Jamie Ward, having been out for a number of weeks, returned to face Barnsley but limped off just before the interval while Jordan Stewart was stretchered off after half an hour. Both casualties looked to have suffered season ending injuries although perhaps it is too early to tell.

Sheffield United: Simonsen, Connolly, Morgan, Nosworthy, Stewart (Taylor 28), Montgomery, Little (Williamson 84), Quinn, Cresswell, Ward (Yeates 39), Henderson
Substitutes: Bennett, Taylor, Seip, Bartley, Yeates, Williamson, Harper

Barnsley: Steele, Moore, Foster, Butterfield, Potter, Colace, Hallfredsson (De Silva 46), Hammill, Doyle, Hume (Devaney 83), Gray
Substitutes: Preece, Thompson, Devaney, De Silva, El Haimour, Macken

Ref: Walton
Att: 24,808

The Blades produced a creditable performance and took an early lead but eventually went down 2-1 with Kevin Nolan getting the winner for The Magpies.

Newcastle were promoted just minutes before kick-off as third place Nottingham Forest could only draw 0-0 with Cardiff.

The Blades made four changes from the side that drew with Barnsley on Saturday with Ward and Stewart out through injury while Connolly was missing through suspension following his last minute sending-off against Barnsley. Little was rested to the bench while Taylor, Williamson Seip and Harper came into the side.

United started well, perhaps playing with pressure off, knowing that they have little chance of making the play-offs. When Richard Cresswell headed home from close range on 22 minutes it looked like they were going to spoil Newcastle’s promotion party. The home side missed a number of chances including a headed from Andy Carroll from a corner which hit the outside of a post and just before the interval a shot from 12 yards by Peter Lovenkrands was tipped over the Blades bar by ‘keeper Simonsen. From the resulting corner Chris Morgan was adjudged to have fouled Carroll in the box and Peter Lovenkrands levelled from the spot kick.

Midway through the second half Gutierrez went on a run and struck a post then moments later James Harper went through for The Blades but his shot went wide of the target. On 72 minutes Kevin Nolan got the winner for the home side with overhead volley from just inside the penalty area.
 
Newcastle United: Harper, Coloccini, Jose Enrique, Williamson, Simpson, Nolan, Guthrie, Routledge, Gutierrez, Lovenkrands (Ameobi 83), Carroll
Substitutes: Krul, Taylor, Kadar, Barton, Butt, Best, 23 Ameobi

Goals: Lovenkrands (pen 45), Nolan (73)

Sheffield United: Simonsen, Nosworthy, Morgan, Seip, Taylor, Williamson(Little 71), Montgomery, Harper, Quinn, Henderson, Cresswell (Yeates 81)
Substitutes: Bennett, Bartley, Geary, Fortune, Lowton, Yeates, Little

Goals: Cresswell (22)

Ref: Hall

Sheffield United secured their first win in six games overcoming a Coventry side 1-0 that may still require a point or two to guarantee their Championship status. While on the other hand, for the first time in many seasons, United have little to play for as they are neither involved in a relegation or a promotion fight.

United largely dominated the first half but as usual of late, poor finishing let them down in front of goal. Veteran winger Glen Little became increasing influential as the game progressed and on one occasion he found himself in a great position down the left channel only to hit a tame shot wide of the goal. Henderson should also have scored in the first half when he first headed a Glen Little cross into the palms of the City ‘keeper and then scrambled the rebound wide.

In the second half, within two minutes of the restart, Little was involved again and supplied Richard Cresswell who struck a rasping drive into the top corner of the City net. Chris Coleman’s side offered very little in a game played in warm spring sunshine which perhaps at times felt like a pre-season friendly.

Although United had little to play for, it was Little (Glen that is) who got the biggest ovation when he was substituted 15 minutes from time.

Sheffield United:  Simonsen, Connolly, Morgan, Nosworthy, Taylor, Little (Williamson 73), Montgomery, Harper, Quinn (Yeates 82), Henderson, Cresswell
Substitutes: Bennett, Naysmith, Seip, Bartley, Geary, Yeates, Williamson

Goals: Cresswell (47)

Coventry City: Westwood, Wright, Cranie (Clarke 84), Barnett, Wood, Clingan, Bell, Gunnarsson, Baker (McIndoe 64), Morrison, Sears (Eastwood 55)
Substitutes: Konstantopoulos, Hall, Grandison, Clarke, McIndoe, Eastwood,  Jeffers

 Ref: Salisbury

The Blades completed their home programme for this season with a 2-0 win over play-off chasing Swansea.

Cresswell put United in front on the hour mark with a volley from the corner of the six-yard area. Paddy Kenny returned to the Blades side following his twelve month band and produced two or three good saves to keep United in control of the game.

With United’s season effectively over, the home crowd were at times more interested in events elsewhere with news coming in from the Cardiff v Wednesday game and Watford against Reading as rivals from across the city appear increasing likely to be relegated next week. Wednesday will look to the last game of the season to try to save themselves.

Meanwhile, United clinched victory late-on when Cresswell’s shot from close range found the net via a deflection from the Swansea ‘keeper.

Kevin Blackwell Interview: Swansea

Sheffield United: Kenny, Nosworthy, Morgan, Bartley, Naysmith (Seip 69), Little, Montgomery, Harper, Quinn (Yeates 33), Cresswell, Camara (Evans 64)
Substitutes: Aksalu, Seip, Geary, Fortune, Lowton, Yeates, Evans

Goals: Cresswell 62 De Vries (og) 90

Swansea: De Vries, Williams, Monk, Bessone, Rangel, Britton, Pratley (Orlandi 75), Van der Gun (Trundle 75), Dyer (Cotterill 64), Gower, Kuqi
Substitutes: Cornell, Serran, Orlandi, Allen, Cotterill, Pintado, Trundle

 Ref: Mathieson

United completed their season with a 3-0 victory at Ipswich and registered their first away win since early December. The result came too late for Kevin Blackwell’s side as they were unable to qualify for the play-offs but their eventual 8th place finish, just five points behind Blackpool in sixth position, will give the club some consolation.

Going into the game United had twelve players in the treatment room and this seems to sum up the clubs season and leaves you wondering what might have been if injuries hadn’t wrecked preparations for so many games. The number of lone players brought in over the course of a season is unprecedented, certainly in United’s history, as a summer of major squad rebuilding looks set to happen over the next few months.

Mark Yeates put United one-up on 34 minutes while Ched Evans doubled the lead just before the hour mark. Richard Cresswell’s goal midway through the second half made certain that all three points were heading home to Sheffield.

Meanwhile across the city, Wednesday failed to beat Crystal Palace condemning them to relegation to the third tier once again. I shall refrain from comment…”private grief” and all that.

Ipswich: Murphy, McAuley, Peters, Smith (O'Connor 57), Eastman, Leadbitter, Garvan, Norris (Clark 57), Colback (Brown 62), Walters, Wickham
Substitutes: Lee-Barrett, Brown, Martin, Edwards, O'Connor, Clark, Hyam

Goals: Yeates 34, Evans 56, Cresswell 63

Ref: D'Urso