Stevenage 0 Sheffield United 0

Last updated : 24 December 2013 By @blades_mad1889

For the teams involved this was a game were the victors could breathe a like comfort away from the relegation zone and whilst we expect Nigel Clough to steer us well away to safety come May a good league run would do nicely and hopefully propel the Red and White Wizards up the table even more.

United did all they could at the Lamex Stadium except score but at the other end it was pretty much a holiday vacation for Long who was left with little to do without. The Blades had almost broke the deadlock inside the first five minutes when Aidy White latched onto Harry Mguire's switch over before unleashing a fierce shot on the angle which was parried by Day and onto the far post. Shaun Miller then saw his effort deflected out for a corner.

McGinn, who returned to the starting line up after missing the previous weeks win at home to Swindon through injury was the catalyst for forging United's third attack when he forced the opposition into a foul and from the re-take was pushed to the D where full-back McMahon slammed the ball over the bar.

Morais was yellow carded for his actions after 13 minutes when he fouled McMahon and was lucky to escape a red soon after when he deliberately up-heeded White - pushing him to the floor. His intent was has much admitted when Wesley the Stevenage boss withdrew the former Chelsea winger after 23 minutes, worried that his team would be reduced to 10 men.

Prior to Morais exit Baxter curled a free-kick and in the strong wind almost fooled Day and Collins forced the keeper into a scrambled clearance. The former Leeds and Sunderland centre-half went close on 30 minutes has United continued to push their opponents - this time he headed Baxter's corner wide.

At the other end the hosts had rare opportunities in front of goal with Long on form to keep them out; Freeman's shot cannoned off Hill and looked like a certain goal until the Blades stopper was able to dart to his line and clear to safety in a hearts in mouths moment.

White fired across goal without anyone to finish and during the closing stages of the first half Burrows hit wide. United had enjoyed much of the wintery conditions in the first 45 minutes of play but were battling against the blustery cold wind in the second with the elements growing worse during the interval.

This didn't put United off and dominated the second half proceedings has they did the first. Within a minute gone Doyle and Hill combined to feed Baxter who controlled brilliantly before he hit the woodwork with his curling shot and Miller was inches away from tucking home the rebound.

Porter's excellent touch forced another opening for Baxter but his was caught off balance and poked wide whilst Stevenage slowly edged their way into the game, Long cleared Zoko's effort with little more than 15 minutes remaining before United made their first change of the afternoon with Murphy replacing White.

Chorley was booked for tripping Baxter but despite both sides attempting to get maximum points from the game neither side could overcome the blustery conditions and were forced to settle for a point; 0-0 it stayed.