The Blades magnificent run began on 28th August in a 2-1 home win at home to Oxford United which corresponded with their first win of the season. They continued their fortune with back-to-back victories over Gillingham (2-1), AFC Wimbledon (3-2) and Peterborough United (1-0), followed by two draws with Scunthorpe (2-2) and Fleetwood (1-1), sandwiched between a 1-0 victory over Bristol Rovers.
Although they have suffered defeats during this time in the Checkatrade Trophy, United made it eight league games without defeat with a triumphant 4-0 win over Port Vale last Saturday. Thought the score-line didn't tell the whole story as the score-line could have been more had a further four goals not been disallowed for offside.
Ethan Ebanks-Landell scored twice as Sheffield United extended their unbeaten Sky Bet League One run to eight games with a comfortable 4-0 victory over Port Vale. Jack O'Connell went close with a chance for the hosts early on, meeting Mark Duffy's free-kick with a glancing header which went just beyond the far post. Vale's Sam Foley shot wide from distance and Anthony Grant was blocked in the area.
United went ahead in the 23rd minute when John Fleck's corner was met by on-loan defender Ebanks-Landell who found the net with a firm, far-post header. The second goal came in the final minute of the half when Ebanks-Landell hammered the ball into the net after the Vale defence failed to clear. Duffy made it 3-0 with 62 minutes played, pouncing on the rebound to score after Billy Sharp had a shot blocked on the line.
Vale's Alex Jones was denied by a good save from Simon Moore late on before Blades substitute Stefan Scougall rounded off the scoring with a close-range header six minutes from time.
Blades boss Chris Wilder is boosted by the return of defensive-midfielder Chris Basham following the completion of his three match ban. He was dismissed at Scunthorpe United on 24 September. Meanwhile Striker Leon Clarke will be out of action for a month after further scans revealed he had chipped a bone in his ankle.
Midfielder Louis Reed is hoping to force his way back into the squad following his recent appearances for England Under-20s as the Blades bid to make it eight unbeaten in the league.
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