Blades Two Good

Last updated : 31 January 2007 By @blades_mad1889

Jonathan Stead got his United career to a good start; netting the opening goal. It was his first for the club in what was his third appearance whilst Midfielder Michael Tonge netted his first goal of the season minutes later.

The visitors were expected to make life difficult for the home side; but the win was made easy with Paddy Kenny not tested throughout the 90 minutes.

In fact, Fulham had not lost a game in ten fixtures but only managed seven shots with zero being on target whilst United had 15 attempts and eight finding their way to goal. United remain in 16th spot despite the win but moved within two points of 15th placed Fulham

Sheffield United inflicted pain on their opponents straight from the kick-off as they launched their first attack; Kazim-Richards worked well on the left wing to fire in a low cross were the formidable Hulse lashed over the top.

Keeper Antti Niemi however got the full brunt of the challenge as he tried to prevent Hulse from hitting the net, he got a whack in the teeth for his troubles and the game got re-started after three minutes once he had received treatment.

United were on top and commanded the entire first half and came as no surprise when on 23 minutes the Cutlers took the lead; Stead was laid on by Nick Montgomery and the former Sunderland striker waltzed through the crowded box to drive into the roof of the goal.

Just before hand young Stephen Quinn almost added to his two goals he already has for the club; Niemi however turning round the post after one-on-one with the Midfielder.

And, the young headline maker was involved in the Blades second. He squared across goal for Michael Tonge to fire in at close range.

Fulham didn't manage a comeback from their on and the second half looked dull as the Blades closed ranks to defend their deserved lead.

The two strikers; Rob Hulse and Jon Stead were sensational upfront, holding up the ball whilst Tonge had the best game for a long time and Montgomery was once again impressive - and wingers Quinn and Kazim-Richards caused trouble for Fulham throughout.

The visitors lost star player Vincenzo Montello as early as the 33rd minute due to injury though he never looked to inspire nor did club captain Michael Brown whom made his return to Bramall Lane for the first time since he left in January 2004.

Hulse was unlucky not to get on the score sheet; his best opportunity fell in last minute when he shrugged off marker Ian Pearce in the box to chip over Niemi, odds looked good for a third until the ball crashed against the cross bar.