1st April was no fool for Jonathan Forte, the young striker is on loan to Doncaster Rovers. It takes him just 55 seconds as Rovers go 1-0 against Bristol Rovers in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy at the Millennium Stadium. The Pirates eventually draw back to 2-2 before former Owls defender Graham Lee heads home the winner for Rovers in extra-time.
In the Premiership Sheffield United fall fowl to Newcastle United at Bramall Lane. The Magpies take the lead through Obafani Martins (17) and despite a lacklustre performance the Blades eventually bounce back through substitute Christian Nade (74), who historically nets the 4,000th league goal at Bramall Lane, but terrible marking allows Steven Taylor (80) to head home from a corner.
Academy player Lloyd Kerry returns from his loan spell at Torquay United after sustaining a fracture to his fifth metatarsal during the Gulls defeat to the hands of eventual league winners Walsall.
With the possibility of relegation in mind, it was seen as an advantage that they would face all of the remaining clubs below them in the league; Charlton Athletic, West Ham United, Watford and on last day of the season Wigan Athletic.
So, with this in mind it seemed an ideal opportunity to face West Ham United, who had just beaten Arsenal 1-0 at the Emirates Stadium. Maybe it was luck, but they didn't look like a team at Bramall Lane who had beaten third in the league!
A sell out crowed saw the Blades claim a moralising 3-0 victory over the Hammers; Michael Tonge (39) lashed in a free-kick, Phil Jagielka (68) headed home from a corner and super Jonathan Stead (78) netted a superb solo goal.
Midfielder Kevan Hurst stars for Scunthorpe United on loan as they win promotion to the Championship as champions, they will face Sheffield Wednesday, Barnsley and possibly Sheffield United during the 2007/08 campaign.
Three days later the Blades travelled to Old Trafford, and wasn't looking forward to it. Baring in mind the Red Devils had beaten AS Roma 7-1 the previous week, we were ready for a cricket score line. However they didn't embarrass themselves as a fantastic display only merited a 2-0 defeat, Michael Carrick (4) and Wayne Rooney (50) punishing United for lacklustre defending.
However the Blades were left feeling hard done by, Luton Shelton (who was star of the show) should have been awarded with a penalty after Argentinean defender Gabriel Heize judged to have hacked down the Jamaican when one-on-one with the keeper, and Tonge smashed the bar in the last minute...
Results
- 07 April - Blades 1-2 Newcastle United
- 14 April - Blades 3-0 West Ham United
- 17 April - Manchester United 2-0 Blades
- 21 April - Charlton Athletic 1-1 Blades
- 28 April - Blades 1-0 Watford
Blades-Mad Player of the Month: 1. Luton Shelton, 2. Michael Tonge, 3. Jonathan Stead