Sheffield United vs Brentford Report: Sheffield United match report

Sheffield United beat Brentford 2-0 at home to stay within touching distance of the league’s top two.

Given the way the game started, few would have expected Sheffield United to come out on top and despite a lion’s share of possession in the first half, they struggled.

The Blades struggled to find a way through, with their attacking trio of Gary Madine, Kieran Dowell and Scott Hogan failing to make too much of an impact.

Brentford, on the other hand, sat back and defended deep, using the counter-attack superbly to their advantage. This gave them a few chances on goal, with Said Benrahma getting two quick shots on goal. However, the best chance of the opening twenty odd minutes fell to Neal Maupay.

The Brentford frontman got his toe to a whipped cross from the flank but in-form goalkeeper Dean Henderson was at his best once again. The Manchester United loanee continued his impressive form, tipping a Benrahma free-kick over the bar.

However, against the run of play, Blades wing-back George Baldock won a penalty. The 26-year-old was bundled over by Yoan Barbet and it was subsequently dispatched by Oliver Norwood.

This changed things for Brentford as it put the onus on them to make more of an impact but they got an advantage just minutes later. After just 36 minutes, Gary Madine was sent off after an unnecessary tackle on Ezri Konsa.

The 28-year-old Sheffield United striker jumped into the challenge and to make things worse, it was inside Brentford half. This gave the Blades a tough job for the remainder of the game, but it was one that the club took by the scruff.

Brentford striker Neal Maupay put his shot well wide before the whistle for the second half saved the Blades. Many expected a change to come just before the second half and it did arrive. Manager Chris Wilder brought on Martin Craine and David McGoldrick to replace Kieran Dowell and Scott Hogan.

This proved to be a great move, but Brentford had the advantage when it came to numbers and they made the most. If it wasn’t for Dean Henderson in goal, things could have been much worse for the Blades. He made not one but three good saves, to keep the game at 1-0.

Read more Sheffield United news, click here: Sheffield United latest news

With a large majority of the possession in the second half, Brentford should have made more. But the Bees failed to take advantage, and instead conceded one more, with substitute David McGoldrick scoring from a set-piece. The home side’s patience and defensive nuance were rewarded, although there were a few nervy moments.

However, Leeds United also beat Reading 3-0, which pushed the Whites to first place for now, with Norwich City yet to play. This victory saw Sheffield United stay in third place, but the win allows the Blades to keep the pressure on the top two sides in the Championship.

Here is what a few Sheffield United fans had to say about the result: