Charlton Athletic showed a performance worthy of any team who look to be challenging for promotion into the First Division and this challenge of the two teams who occupied 2nd and 3rd prior to the game looked to be a highlight of the day.
Lennie Lawrence - the Athletic manger was criticised for buying inexperienced players whilst his counterpart Ian Porterfield invested in aging players; Phil Thompson, Peter With, Keb McNaught, Ray Lewington and John Burridge were all amongst his team. All of which tired easily and it was much pointed out by the The Times newspaper that if United were to gain promotion these players would struggle in the top flight; 'One has to doubt, though, whether the ambition will still be there to motivate limbs of 30 years and more should they return to the top flight. At least they have the maturity not to be over-distressed by their first reverse in eight games.'
This game didn't reflect the Blades ability, in fact in the first 45 minutes struggled to get out of their own half and mustered only one decent shot during that time; much travelled Withe testing the opposing stopper. For a team who had netted 21 goals in six games it was a very poor outing. Athletics' success in this game came from central midfielder Robert Lee, a strapping 19 year old who showed great skill throughout. He would later go onto make his name at Newcastle United and Derby County.
United missed Kevin Arnott's presence in midfield and Joe Bolton in defence - but the back four played out was strong and kept Charlton at bay and left them restricted. They had to wait until 15 minutes were remaining until they opened the scoring - Lee ghosted in a cross for Flanagan to connect on the volley and via the post and Burridge's head gave the hosts the lead.
Their second came a minute from time when Thompson put through his own net after Pearson crossed.
Charlton, whose lack of finances had driven the Addicks out of The Valley and ground share at Crystal Palace's Selhurst Park may have acquired a side which could equip themselves in the top flight but only time will tell whilst United have work to do if they are to reach the top.
CHARLTON ATHLETIC: N Johns; J Humphrey, M Reid, A Curbishley, S Thompson, J Pender, G Shipley, R Lee, J Pearson, M Aizlewood, M Flanagan.
SHEFFIELD UNITED: J Burridge; J Eckhardt, B Smith (sub: P Smith), P Thompson, P Stancliffe, K McNaught, C Morris, K Edwards, P Withe, R Lewington, S Foley.