Blades back on track

Last updated : 27 September 2008 By Jamie Furniss

James Beattie got back to getting his name on the score sheet and Gary Speed netted his third of the season in a 2:1 victory for the Blades. John-Joe O'Toole's header crept over the line in the second half.

New signing Nathan Dyer had a starting berth on the bench while Darius Henderson featured in the substitutes after he injured his knee in training. Sheffield born and bred Kyle Naughton started at right-back and made his first senior Sheffield United start.

Blackwell ordered a response after the 6:0 thumping from Arsenal in midweek. His players had to put up with sweltering conditions as the sun was out on a beautiful day at Bramall Lane. A minutes applause for Bernard Procter and Jimmy Sirrel occurred before the game for two fabulous gentleman.

The Blades were kicking towards the Kop for the first period just like they did against Coventry. United kicked-off and launched the ball forward for new Hornet's signing Sam Sodje having to clear his lines for a Sheffield United throw-in.

Halford's long launched ball into the area was flicked on by Morgan to the back-post which Billy Sharp played across goal to see Gary Speed tap in from a couple of yards with Watford's offside appeals turned down.

Halford yet again caused problems for Watford's backline and it proved to create another goal scoring opportunity. Danny Webber fired the ball down low with Loach having to stretch out an arm to prevent the ball nestling into the bottom corner underneath the blazing sunshine.

The save down low proved problems for Loach with him managing to sustain an injury to his right leg. He tried to shake it off but couldn't continue playing and he was replaced for Alan Lee on the 12 minute mark.

The possession rate for the Blades rose higher and higher in the next 10 minutes of the game. Kyle Naughton ran strides through the central reservation of the field and pulled a shot off from long-range which took a nick off Jon Harley and the ball went out for a corner.

Watford started the second half on top with them scoring 6 minutes into the restart. O'Toole's header from a Hornet's corner sneaked over the line with Kenny diving to try and parry the ball out with the linesman awarding a goal.

15 minutes later James Beattie got off the mark. Billy Sharp somehow got a cross to the back-post which was perfect for the former Everton striker. He could pick his header out beautifully to head past Lee to restore United's lead.

Beattie tried to add another to his tally by curling the ball inches over the crossbar. Kyle Naughton had a touch of cramp and soon got replaced (tactical) with him receiving applauses from both sets of fans. Nathan Dyer made his Sheffield United debut after signing a three-month loan deal on Friday. James Beattie was also replaced for Darius Henderson.

With seconds remaining of the three that were indicated, Gary Speed provided an unstoppable effort from 25 yards-out which struck the top left-hand corner of the woodwork. The ball rebounded to Billy Sharp who hit the frame in quick succession.

Mark Halsey blew for full time with relief mounting around the Bramall Lane terraces. United got their first league victory for over a month and kept their unbeaten home record.


Due to unfortunate circumstances I was unable to provide you with match reports from the Norwich and Arsenal games. Blades Mad are sorry for the inconvenience. Up the Blades!