Recent results have not been regarded as triumphant by Sheffield United supporters recently. They have lost their last two league fixtures, firstly at home to Millwall (1-2) and at bottom club Crewe Alexandra (0-1) last weekend. Hopefully the FA Cup and next Tuesday's JPT fixture at Fleetwood Town will provide a small distraction ahead of next Saturday's home game with Southend United.
Ryan Colclough ended Crewe's long wait for home success as he netted in the 1-0 win over Sheffield United. The Railwaymen last won in front of their own fans back on March 7 and Colclough's second-half strike provided League One's bottom club with their first success in 15 home outings. While they were forced to defend stoically for large parts of the game, the Cheshire side did offer a threat, in particular through their match-winner.
Crewe goalkeeper Ben Garratt did well to push away a fierce 25-yard drive from Jose Baxter which was heading for the top corner in a first half in which Marcus Haber and Colclough also went close for Crewe. Mark Howard was an admirable last line of defence for Nigel Adkins' side when he kept out a Colclough effort with his feet after the restart.
But Colclough was not to be denied as the strugglers seized the initiative in the 71st minute. He picked up Chris Basham's clearing header on the edge of the box and drove it low and hard past Howard. Dean Hammond went close to salvaging a point with a late header which flew inches over the bar, but Steve Davis' men held on.
Blades boss Nigel Adkins has already indicated that he is likely to tinker with his side, which may prove a recipe for disaster. The former Reading chief has already named George Long in goal
The Blades are boosted by the return of defender Bob Harris (pelvis), but fellow full-back John Brayford (knee), Craig Alcock (hip and ribs) and David Edgar (hamstring), plus midfielder James Wallace (thigh) are still out.
Possible Starting 11 (4-4-2):
Long
Freeman - Collins - Kennedy - McFadzean
Flynn - Basham (c) - Reed - Done
Sammon - McNulty
Blades-Mad Prediction: Sheffield United 2 Worcester City 0
