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Walsall vs. Sheffield United - Sheffield United - Blades-Mad

 

Walsall vs. Sheffield United

Last updated : 04 March 2012 By @blades_mad1889

The Blades face the Saddlers at the Bank Stadium tonight before embarking on trips to Brentford (Griffin Park) and Colchester United (Community Stadium) before returning to Bramall Lane.

United had a nightmare final twenty-five minutes against Oldham Athletic last Saturday afternoon. They looked to have found the tonic for there Steel City headache when Matt Lowton (22 minutes) and Ched Evans (38) stormed the Blades into a 2-0 lead at half-time; though they had lost Lescinel Jean-Francois after 35 minutes of play to injury.

In the second half the visitors pulled a goal back when Blades striker Richard Cresswell (65) was unfortunate to put into back of his own net following a well swung in corner, in the aftermath trying to take the ball to the centre circle a tussle involving Lowton and Kris Taylor were both booked - and a minute later Lowton was to pay for his booking when a rash challenge let to his second of the match and United reduced to ten men.

Keiran Lee (69) curled into the top corner to level the match with United stretched in defence and were given the opportunity to win the match when Harry Maguire pulled down Reuben Reid in the box, resulting in a straight red card for a professional foul. Former Sheffield Wednesday striker Shefki Kuqi stood up to finish; 2-3.

Blades boss Danny Wilson now has a selection headache ahead of the game; Lescinel Jean-Francois (knee), Kevin McDonald (hamstring), Nick Montgomery (groin) and Chris Morgan (knee) are all absent through injury whilst Matt Lowton and Harry Maguire will both serve a one match ban following their dismissal against Oldham. Neill Collins missed the game due to family reasons but is unclear as to weather he is available for Tuesday night match.

The Saddlers traveled to the capital last Saturday to face Leyton Orient and came away with a last gasp point. The O's went ahead in the first half through Dean Cox (32) and seven minutes later were reduced to ten men; substitute Solomon Taiwo receiving a straight red for violent conduct. They managed to hold out until five minutes into full time stoppage time when Oliver Lancashire finished in a crowded box to score. The point gained keeps them in the last relegation spot and one point behind the safety line.

They are expected to be without midfielder Adam Chambers (heel) through injury, although he is close to full fitness and may make his return against the Blades with Anton Peterlin is likely to take his place in his absence. Meanwhile Defender Darryl Westlake (ankle) is doubtful.

Kevan Hurst could feature against his former club; he came through the youth ranks at Bramall Lane and was on the Blades books between July 2003 and July 2007 making a total of just one appearance (+4) without scoring. He made his debut in September 2003 in a Carling Cup defeat (0-2) to Queens Park Rangers. The Chesterfield born Midfileder has also served Scunthorpe United and Carlisle United during his career as well as spending time on loan at; Boston United, Chesterfield, Stockport County and Morcambe.