Queens Park Rangers 1 Sheffield United 1

Last updated : 23 February 2008 By Footymad Previewer
Chris Morgan's late goal earned Sheffield United a point in a game where a 1-0 defeat would have flattered them.

Rangers went into the game in good goal scoring form, having found the net 13 times in the five games since these two sides last met back in January. On that Sheffield United emerged victorious with a narrow 2-1 win.

But times are changing in West London and the January acquisition of Patrick Agyemang from Preston has transformed the Rangers from relegation candidates to having an outside shout for a play-off spot.

The in-form hitman has netted eight goals in his seven appearances before this game.

But despite their previous flurry of goals and United fresh from their FA Cup adventure it was a tentative start from both sides.

Michael Tonge blasted over from 25 yards for the visitors in what was the only real chance early on.

It was Rangers though who took the lead on 18 minutes through Angelo Balanta after good work from Hogan Ephraim.

The winger turned United defender Gary Naysmith inside out before playing in a dangerous low cross, where the 17-year-old Colombian striker was on hand to steer the ball home from close range to give the newly dubbed 'richest club in the world' a deserved lead.

United nearly replied minutes later when James Beattie volleyed through a crowd of players, but was denied an equaliser by the outstretched leg of keeper Lee Camp.

The visitors stared the second half with a new-found determination and could have levelled five minutes after the re-start.

Jon Stead crossed the ball to the far post caused confusion for both the Rangers defence and United's attack as Beattie and Chris Armstrong clashed and the ball drifted out of play.

But 12 minutes from time United grabbed an equaliser somewhat against the run of play, when Morgan fired home a low shot from the edge of the penalty area to grab a point for the visitors.