Scotland The Brave Saves Blades

Last updated : 03 October 2002 By @blades_mad1889

Iffy Onoura, who started against Portsmouth last Tuesday was dropped in place of Wayne Allison. Jon-Paul McGovern also started instead of Peter Ndlovu.

United dominated early on but Walsall did have a chance to score when Jorge Leitao got the better of Shaun Murphy but Paddy Kenny was alert and gathered up the ball before Leitao.

Both United and Walsall had few chances before United had the best so far. Michael Tonge's superb ball through to Carl Asaba, who turned Ian Roper and chipped the ball over Walker, but a Saddlers defender just managed to volley ball out for a corner.

Jagielka had a opportunity minutes later after Allison's knocked down only for Jags to hit straight at James Walker.

On 23 minute the Blades made a costly mistake that gave Walsall the lead. Shaun Murphy had the ball at the back and with little danger attempted to pass the ball, however Steve Corica charged down the pass and only had Kenny to beat, he stood little chance as Steve Corica smashed the ball home.

Little happened until 40 minutes gone, Rob Kozluk's cross found Jon-Paul McGovern who neatly controlled before smashing the ball home like a rocket into the top corner to make it 1-1.

Jorge Leitao had a shot from 35 yards out and would have gone in had it not found the bar first. McGovern had another attempt at goal but failed to score.

half-time: Sheffield United 1-1 Walsall

Neither side made a change at half-time. United started off on a high when Jagielka's low shot just crept past the post. Corica had another chance to score after Tonge let him through, but Kozluk saved Tong's blushes as he won the ball with ease.

Carl Asaba had a chance himself but was tackled after Michael Brown  spotted Asaba deep in United half. On 54 minutes Walsall made their first change as Tony Barras came on for Danny Hay.

Asaba had another chance to score after Barras made an error but the striker could only volley the ball into back of the Hallam FM Kop. United immediately made their first change, Peter Ndlovu replacing a slightly injured Michael Brown.

The Blades had a fantastic chance to take the lead when Allison's toe ended shot was saved by Walker, and was quickly headed by Asaba but was cleared off the line.

On 70 minute mark United made two substitutions, Javary and Laurens Ten Heuvel coming on for McGovern and Allison.

With 5 minutes left Ten Heuvel had a good chance to score as his low effort was saved, had he have aimed for top corner it might have gone in.

full-time: Sheffield United 1-1 Walsall

Though United started off well Walsall were the better side with their slick passing but was not much danger up front. United were a bit unlucky on the day, any other day and Asaba's attempted lob would have gone in as would the header after Allison toe ended.

Man of the Match: As I said in the Portsmouth match review, this award is difficult to give out. United played very poor, Asaba had some great chances but was unlucky at times. The award this game will go to new boy Jon-Paul McGovern who scored a cracking goal on his full debut.