For 83 years the fixture between United and Wolves was a regular top flight billing between 1893 and 1976. Wolves were one of the twelve founder members of the Football League in 1888 and finished their first season third in the table and with a runners-up medal in the FA Cup.
There were some seasons of lapses though, with Wolves and United falling into the Second Division during the 1930’s (but never at the same time) and despite their long history the Midlands club didn’t win their first League Championship until 1954 – but by then already won leagues in Divisions Two (1932) and Three (1924) and added to their Fourth Division title in 1988 must make them one (if not the only?) side to have won the league in ALL four Divisions.
United won our first four meetings together, with our first on 30 September 1893 ending in a dramatic 4-3 win at Molineux and later in the season won 3-2 at the Lane. The following season United won 3-0 and 1-0 without replies before on 19 October 1895 a 4-1 result at Molineux finally gave the Wanderers their first victory over the Blades.
In our last meeting together before the turn of the century (14 October 1899) the Cutlers beat the Wolves by five goals to two; ‘At Bramall Lane on Saturday, Sheffield United continued their victorious career by inflicting a terrible defeat on the “Wolves.” Within the first three minutes Beers scored twice for United who led at the interval by three goals to one. In the second instalment the United continued to have the upper hand, and they finally won by five goals to two,’ reported the Belfast News-Letter.
On 17 October 1903 the Blades recorded their biggest victory to date over Wolves in a 7-2 victory at Bramall Lane. A brief report in The Times newspaper read; ‘Sheffield United again showed on Saturday that up to the present they certainly are the team of the season. They beat the Wolverhampton Wanderers very easily, and now hold an unbeaten record of seven wins. Perhaps the most interesting of the other matches was that between last year’s winner’s Sheffield Wednesday, who now stand second to Sheffield United, and Sunderland.’ That victory over Wolves was their highest of the season and despite starting the season off well in good spirits they couldn’t continue such form – they lost 1-0 at Molineux later in the campaign and after failing to win in our last four games of the season lost top spot to rivals Wednesday whilst the Blades finished 7th and Wolves 8th.
Wolves inflicted their biggest victory over Sheffield United on 20 February 1954, winning at Molineux by six goals to one.
Meetings between the two clubs were none more important than during our last spell together as a top flight club; in the 1975/76 season United were humiliated in defeat in both games against the Wanderers as United finished bottom of the league. Wolves recorded double victories over the Blades winning 5-1 at Molineux and 4-1 at the Lane, but despite showing much plucky courage they too (along with Burnley) were relegated.
Our last professional meetings came during the 2008-09 season when Wolves returned to the Premier League as Champions but first laid punishment on the Blades with a 3-1 victory at the Lane on 25 November; the visitors took a three goal lead via a brace from Chris Iwelumo and Sylvan Ebanks-Blake; substitute Matthew Spring fired home a stank consolation. That match coincided with being Gary Speed’s last action as a player before he retired through injury. On Boxing Day of the same year the Blades were more prepared than ever, but had to come from behind to draw the match 1-1 when currant Blades defender Neill Collins (19 minutes) headed home – however the lead was short lived as a lively James Beattie (22) turned in the box and fired home.
Wolves eventually won promotion as Champions with Birmingham City following as runners-up. United could have joined them but after impressing against Preston in the Play-Off Semi-Finals were once again beaten in the final, this time by Burnley.
28 September 2013 - Wolverhampton Wanderers 2 Sheffield United 0
A 2-0 defeat at Wolverhampton Wanderers this afternoon sent Sheffield United to bottom of the League One table despite putting up a convincing display at Molineux. It was considered an improved performance against recent games where United have failed to make shots on target and with more attempts than there opponents the Blades faithful will no doubt feel disappointed that they didn't come away from the West Midlands without a point to show for there efforts. However the newspapers will still say that United lost and with results around them not going there way they slipped to bottom of the League One table. It is now six games with consecutive league defeats and one more (at home to Crawley next Friday night) will equal the club record bestowed upon them in the early stages of the 1975/76 season.
United fans travelled to Molineux with little hope of coming away with anything. Wolves who two years ago was a top flight outfit have had a decent start to the season and see themselves in the top six of the table. Wolves looked dangerous from the off and within 30 seconds had won a corner, former Blade Kevin McDonald forced Hill (a former Wolves defender) to concede, but the kick taken by Sako was poor. Both sides were guilty of woeful possession and losing the ball in dangerous areas - in one moment McDonald was caught asleep and Brandy surged forward who in turn released Baxter but his cross fired across Ikeme's box. McDonald could quite easily be labelled as the perfect pantomime villain was greeted with cheers from the home crowd and a ring of boos from the travelling fans after he switched to the Wanderers over a month ago from the Lane. At the other end King, a former Birmingham City striker was also treated to the same gestures.
King was in the thick of things soon after on 9 minutes when he found Baxter and his shot saw Ikeme scramble away at the near post and a minute later Ryan Hall cut inside before the keeper was called into action again from his effort. As the game progressed the visitors looked good and were a former shadow of the team which looked 'amateurish' at the seasons start. A beautiful touch from King found Baxter but he fired wide as the pair looked to produce a formidable partnership. McDonald almost slipped into the referee's book on 26 minutes after he fouled Cuvelier when the Belgian national looked to attack. Brandy launched another attack on goal with Ikeme equal to it and Cuvielier poked wide following a centre.
It was certainly a different United side which had come out against Wolves but at the other end they looked strong in defence - Maguire was called upon on 39th minute to stop a crucial interception when Icelandic Sigurdarson broke free and tried to find Griffths. United had looked sharp in the first half and in the following 45 minutes Kenny Jackett, the Wolves boss was to introduce Kevin Doyle (for Sigurdarson) at the break and his introduction sparked ironic cheers from the home crowd.
Game stopped play when captain Ricketts required treatment following a collision and the second half was to see Wolves spring to life. On 54th minute Edwards was inches away from connecting with Griffiths' cross whilst at the other end Brandy headed wide after King centred before the latter missed the target after out muscling Ricketts before firing. On 63 minutes Danny Batth, once with Sheffield United and Sheffield Wednesday was booked after a clumsy challenge on King and three minutes later GRIFFITHS sparked the games first goal. Batth surged the ball forward with Sako crossing and the striker, from close range scrambled home. Advantage had sprung into Wolves hands and from here on in there was to be only one winner. They could have soon doubled their lead when Florent Cuvelier escaped an appeal for handball in the United box whilst Edwards saw his goal ruled out for offside, despite much drama 1-0 it remained.
Lyle Taylor replaced Hall and immediately moved into the centre. Sako saw his shot swatted away by George Long and Baxter saw his effort pushed out for a corner once Taylor and Brandy had combined. The Blades battled until the bitter end but the game was truly won in stoppage time, Ironside had replaced Brandy in a last ditch attempt to claw their way back into the game but became spectators as SAKO wrapped things off, his 30 yard strike proved unstoppable as it almost burst Long's net as it flew into the goal; 0-2.