Sheffield United players celebrate after scoring. (Getty Images)
Sheffield United continued their push for automatic promotion as they beat 10-man Rotherham United at Bramall Lane on Saturday.
Defender Jack O’Connell gave the Blades the perfect start by placing home Oliver Norwood’s ball in following an early short corner. Wills Vaulks was sent off for Rotherham for a late tackle on George Baldock.
With 16 minutes left, Mark Duffy sealed the deal for Chris Wilder’s Sheffield United.
Wilder made four changes to his starting line-up on Saturday from Monday’s draw with Sheffield Wednesday. Out went Kieron Freeman, Billy Sharp, Gary Madine and Kieran Dowell. In came Mark Duffy, David McGoldrick, George Baldock and Scott Hogan for the hosts.
Sheffield United faced their second derby in a space of just five days and couldn’t have asked for a better start at home. The Blades had a chance to take the lead very early through Norwood’s free-kick but goalkeeper Marek Rodak was up for the challenge.
But minutes later, the hosts went ahead with O’Connell calmly slid Norwood’s cross into the far corner of the net giving Rodak absolutely not chance.
Midway through the opening period, McGoldrick dragged an effort wide off the far post. Rotherham looked solid and were clearing everything that came in the box after conceding early until Vaulks’ reckless challenge on Baldock saw them reduced to 10 men.
John Fleck threatened Rotherham’s goal with a left-footed effort which went straight down the throat of Rodak. United dominated the proceedings but Rodak had very little to do during the remainder of the half barring a smart save to deny Norwood.
In the second half, Wilder’s side upped their ante to double their advantage. United were frustrated in their attempts of finding their second and killer goal as Enda Stevens’ header was excellently kept out by Rodak.
But the Rotherham goalkeeper couldn’t do anything when Duffy received Fleck’s pass before unleashing a fierce left-footed shot from just outside the box into the top corner of the left.
Read more Sheffield United news, click here: Sheffield United latest news
In the final stages of the game, Fleck came close to adding a third but his effort was blocked en-route to goal.
Delighted with a 2-0 success over Rotherham, here’s how the Sheffield United fans reacted on Twitter.
The Premier League run-in, the backend of the title race for Manchester City sees them…
Everton is having a bad season so far, from their poor form in the league…
Communication is the heartbeat of any successful soccer team. On the field, amidst the flurry…
In the annals of football history, few names evoke as much reverence and admiration as…
Are you new to the world of football betting and would you like to take…
If you are into sports betting, staying ahead of the game is crucial. One way…