Blades & Owls Complete Steel City Double

Last updated : 14 September 2005 By @blades_mad1889

Man of the Match: Goal hero Phil Jagielka was Blades-Mad MOTM.
A 9th minute goal by on-loan striker Chris Eagles won the game for Paul Sturrock's side in a packed Hillsborough Stadium against Yorkshire rivals Leeds United.

The win lifted the Owls into up one place to 22nd whilst the Whites dropped down to 10th. Ironically it was Leeds who played Brighton last Saturday at Elland Road and whilst United beat Ipswich 2-0 the 'Mighty Whites' could only draw 3-3 with the Seagulls.

United however claimed three valuable points in the Blades hunt for the Premiership with a striker from Midfielder Phil Jagielka. However with Reading beating Place 3-2 and Watford's (the Blades next opponents) 2-1 victory over Norwich meant that the four points advantage kept by the Bramall Lane club were not extended.

The victory over Brighton was well deserved, especially as United could only claim a 1-1 draw in the same fixture the previous season.

His strike was the first of the season and United's eleventh goal scorer so far this season with Kabba topping the lot with six. The highly rated star netted in the 25th minute against a lackluster Brighton who may have used up all their energy and fighting spirit in West Yorkshire.

In the end the Blades dominance proved too strong for Mark MaGhee's side and reduced their opponents to a evening of frustration, with five players being booked from the home side.

United, who received three cautions took little time in stamping there mark on the game when three minutes in Alan Quinn tested keeper Wayne Henderson which forced a fine save.

Still buzzing from the win on Saturday United continue to dominate and almost opened up the scoring, Winger Keith Gillespie firing in an 18 yard shot which was blocked by Gary Hart.

The home side threatened briefly and on 14 minutes former West Ham Winger Sebastian Carole produced a wonderful shot which drew a save from Paddy kenny.

However the visitors continued with their attacking at almost paid off. Steven Kabba, who netted twice against Ipswich Town saw his shot smash against Paul Reid before PHIL JAGIELKA nailed home the rebound.

Meanwhile the Seagulls looked for immediate response when both Carole and Jake Robinson fired wide with long range shots to keep the Blades lead in tacked.

HALF-TIME: BRIGHTON & ALBION 0-1 SHEFFIELD UNITED

After the break Albion came out the stronger, Albert Jarrett struck in a sweet left-footed shot from 20 yards to force Kenny to respond by saving with his feet.

On 57th minute Jagielka threatened to double his goal tally, after the Midfielder collected the ball 25 yards from goal and shot in a speculative effort which flashed wide after Guy Butters blocked.

Albion continued to find the break through and looked to former Chelsea and Wednesday striker Leon Knight, the short frontman saw his 25 yard strike flash wide.

United's dominance in the second half did not look good as possession swung back and forth like a pendulum whilst Nick Montgomery tested Henderson from 20 Yards out after 67 minutes.

Northern Ireland international Keith Gillespie is renowned for his crossing ability and proved a thorn in the Hove Albion back side. Neil Shipperley got on the end of a Gillespie cross on 73rd minute but the ex-Barnsley striker could only blaze wide of goal.

Steven Kabba came close to doubling the lead moments before the end but proved unnecessary as Jagielka's goal proved to be enough.

FULL-TIME: BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION 0-1 SHEFFIELD UNITED

Man of the Match: Phil Jagielka