2006-07 Review - October

Last updated : 22 April 2007 By @blades_mad1889

Seeing Red: Claude Davis is shown a straight red card by referee Dermot Gallagher after tripping Andrew Johnson (#8) in the box as Blades keeper Paddy kenny looks on. Everton score the penalty and win 2-0 at Goodison Park.
Due to international fixtures the Blades had to wait until 14th for United to play their first fixture of the month; a trip to Manchester City where they had yet to play before.

Before the fixture against the Citizens Alan Wright leaves the club and joins Yorkshire rivals Leeds United on a one month loan spell.

The trip to the City of Manchester Stadium was the first visit for United after the Blues had left their Maine Road home in 2003; the game ends up 0-0 with United coming closest to staking a winner when in first half injury time Rob Hulse's over head kick slamms against the crossbar.

A disastrous day out at Goodison park was to follow, some fans would see one of their coaches break down just a mile and a half away from the ground before kick-off; indicating an immediate bad day.

It was to get worst, Mikel Arteta heading home on 13 minutes before Claude Davis is judged to have brought down Andrew Johnson in the penalty box and is shown a straight red card. James Beattie (33) scores from the spot and despite a second half onslaught by United it is the Blues who go away with the points.

The Blades then crashed out of the FA Cup to Birmingham City at Bramall Lane. Ade Akinbiyi (21 minutes) gave the home a head start before DJ Campbell (41), Bendtner (70) and Cameron Jerome (79) put the Blues 3-1 up.

Blades Midfielder Nick Montgomery (85) made it 3-2 with a wonderful strike before Sebastian Larsson (90), on loan from Arsenal put the game beyond reach.

Disaster struck in the following home fixture against Chelsea, Michael Tonge was ruled out just seven minutes into the game with a ankle injury and Danny Webber (20 minutes) couldn't solve the Blades penalty hoodoo with stand-in keeper Hilario getting down to a tame attempt.

The visitors went away with a 2-0 victory in the end; Frank Lampard (43) bolted in a free-kick from 30 yards out and German Midfielder Michael Ballack (49) headed home in the second half.

October was a dreadful month, claiming just one point out of a possible nine and crashing out of the League Cup to Championship side Birmingham City.

However the month of November proved more fruitful with a first win on their travels and another soon to follow.

Results

Blades-Mad Player of the Month: 1. Rob Hulse, 2. Claude Davis, 3. Phil Jagielka