Swindon Town vs. Sheffield United

Last updated : 14 March 2017 By @blades_mad1889

Two goals for Billy Sharp tonight will earn him his 200th career goal.

The Blades are unbeaten in their last 7 matches but Millwall's FA Cup involvement at the weekend has meant that they have been out of action since claiming a 3-2 win at Oxford seven days ago.

Billy Sharp struck his 25th and 26th goals of the season as Sky Bet League One leaders Sheffield United stormed back to beat Oxford United 3-2 at the Kassam Stadium and stretch their unbeaten run to seven games. Trailing 1-0 at half-time, Sharp turned smartly to fire home an equaliser, with the aid of a deflection, from a corner on 55 minutes.

Kieron Freeman then finished beautifully with a calm side-footed shot from 12 yards into the far corner to put Blades in front on 72 minutes. And five minutes later, Sharp completed his double by blasting home a penalty, straight down the middle, after Freeman was tripped by Marvin Johnson. It was an impressive comeback by Chris Wilder's team, after his old club Oxford had gone in front in the 22nd minute.

That came when centre half Chey Dunkley headed home Chris Maguire's powerfully-driven corner at the near post while Blades defender Jake Wright was off the pitch with a head injury. Wright was unable to return, making it an unhappy return for the 30-year-old who had made more than 270 appearances for the U's. Toni Martinez made it 3-2 with a low angled drive in stoppage time, but the play-off chasing home team had no time to draw level.

Dunkley was Oxford's most threatening player, and twice went close apart from his goal, as he stabbed Johnson's cross over the bar from six yards, and later fired into the side-netting. Kane Hemmings passed up a good opportunity in a crowded six-yard box, taking too long over his shot, when the match was evenly poised, but Sheffield United ultimately showed their class as they extended their lead at the top of the table to eight points.

Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder will assess defender Jake Wright before finalising his squad. Wright was replaced by Samir Carruthers in last week's win at Oxford after taking a bang to the nose. Wilder, whose side were without a game at the weekend, has reported no other new injury problems and is not expected to make too many changes.

Billy Sharp, two short of a career milestone of 200 goals, is expected to resume up front alongside James Hanson.

SWINDON TOWN VS. SHEFFIELD UNITED

Swindon Town look to be one of 'those clubs' whom fall foul of the dreaded Play-Off curse. Having lost the Play-Off Final (to Preston) two years ago, the Robins had a woeful season thereafter, and whilst they survived relegation now find themselves in the bottom four and four points behind from safety.

They have won two, and drawn one from their last ten matches. They have however lost their last two outings against fellow relegation candidates Chesterfield (0-1) and at Port Vale (2-3) last Saturday.

Port Vale earned an important three points in the battle against relegation by beating fellow strugglers Swindon 3-2 at Vale Park. A goal from Chris Eagles and a brace from JJ Hooper gave the Valiants their first league win in nine attempts in Sky Bet League One. Nicky Ajose broke the deadlock on 35 minutes when his shot struck Kjell Knops and the deflection took it past Leonardo Fasan in the Vale goal.

Vale hit back a minute later when Eagles latched onto a Lawrence Vigouroux parry. The hosts scored their second on 50 minutes when a Kiko free-kick was poked home by Hooper. Two minutes later Vale were awarded a penalty when Eagles was fouled in the box. Forward Anton Forrester stepped up to take the spot-kick but shot over.

Brad Barry was sent off for the visitors four minutes from time for bringing down Hooper. The forward dispatched the resulting free-kick into the top left corner before substitute Luke Norris got a goal back for Swindon on 90 minutes.

Swindon boss Luke Williams may choose to make a few changes to his squad ahead of the clash with leaders Sheffield United as the Robins look to bounce back from two consecutive defeats. Striker Nicky Ajose continues his comeback following a hamstring strain after playing 75 minutes of Saturday's 3-2 defeat at Port Vale.

On-loan Chelsea midfielder Charlie Colkett got a full 90 minutes under his belt at Vale Park - after missing the Chesterfield clash on March 4 through injury - and is likely to keep his starting spot. Defender Lloyd Jones (hamstring) has been an unused substitute for the past fortnight but may get a chance at the County Ground, while Brad Barry is suspended following his red card at the weekend and Yaser Kasim and Jordan Stewart will be assessed before the game.

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