Swindon Town 0 Sheffield United 2
The Blades jumped to second in the league with a victory at unbeaten Swindon Town, on a ground where they haven't won since December 1994 in all competitions, with goals from Neill Collins and Billy Sharp, both of whom netted there second goals of the season.
Having made ten changes in the Carling Cup defeat at Fulham, and owing to Jose Baxter and Kieran Walace's suspensions, Blades boss Nigel Adkins made wholesale changes. United were the first to gain entry in the final third of the pitch with Reed forcing a corner! However it was the hosts who, in the opening ten minutes, carved out the first shot on goal for either side when Robert fired over the top, and moments later Bryne hit into Howard's hands.
The Blades had to wait until a third of the first half had gone, but it had no end result as Edgar headed down from McEverley's cross. Reed saw his long range effort palmed over the bar from Vigouroux as the visitors slowly took control of the game, and from the corner to follow Sammon was unlucky not to score, his half volley from Campbell-Ryce scooped against the bar and was cleared.
At the other end Robert was off target and then Sammon deflected Sharp's delivery over the bar as both sides looked to break the deadlock midway through the opening 45 minutes. As the game approached the break opportunities at both ends were few and far between as the scores remained level upon the referee's whistle.
Robert had been a thorn in United side and was clearly the hosts better player of the match, his fine form continued in the second half, in different attempts, he was first cut out by Reed and in another steered a diving header wide as he caused further trouble in the Blades box. Before the hour mark a challenge between keeper Vigouroux and Sammon almost saw the striker steal the ball, but the stopper was able to pass clear in what was a nervous few seconds for the home side.
Again, Robert went close with his 63rd minute effort, and, at the other end Campbell-Ryce was busy terrorising the defence and moments later Woolford's cross was deflected wide from Sharp's header. With 20 minutes remaining the deadlock was finally broken, Reed's delivered corner saw COLLINS rise the highest, his header wasn't the best connection, but had enough to bounce down and up over the keeper.
The hosts were stunned and five minutes later the game would be won as the Blades added a second goal of the afternoon. Charging through the centre Woolford had the option of either Sammon or SHARP to his right, he picked out the former Southampton forward, who riddled past his marker, and one-on-one with the keeper simply fired to his left before running to celebrate in front of the travelling supporters.
United looked for a third, whilst Vigouroux seeked revenge, and 30 yards from goal clattered Sharp, a yellow card was issued when perhaps a sternner referee would have gone straight for red. Regardless, a well organised Blades side did enough in the closing minutes to keep the score deadlocked at 2-0 to secure maximum points against a difficult opposition.
Swindon Town: Vigouroux, Robert, Williams, Turnbull, Traore, Kasim, Smith (Storey 67), Byrne, Stewart, Rodgers, Branco. Unused: Brophy, Randall, Marshall, Belford, Barry, Landolo.
Sheffield United: Howard, Freeman, Basham, Sharp, Collins, Sammon (Higdon 90), McEveley, Campbell-Ryce (Alcock 88), Reed, Adams (Woolford 61), Edgar. Unused: McNulty, Long, McFadzean, McGahey.