Super Sub Ndlovu Saves Battling Blades

Last updated : 30 September 2002 By @blades_mad1889

With both teams playing in red and white, Rotherham were forced to play in their away kit. It was blue and black striped shirt with black shorts and socks (who did they think they were, Inter Milan).

With 18 minutes gone Iffy Onoura took a serious blow in penalty area and sadly had to be stretched off, Canadian International Paul Peschisolido tookhis place up front. 

Sheffield United started off not too brilliant and did not create any chances until 30mins in when Kozluk's curling shot went straight into goalkeeper.

United next chance came when Kozluk's cross but was blocked by Martin McIntosh.

With five minutes from half-time Asaba's 20 yard shot was blocked by Chris Swails and went out for a corner. The resulting corner was headed just wide by Phil Jagielka after Jon-Paul McGovern delivered.

With last kick of the game Jagielka got on to another corner from McGovern but his header found hands of Pollitt.

Half-Time: Sheffield United 0-0 Rotherham United

United began the second half on a high and created a handful of chances and so did Millers, one of which was shot wide by Chris Sedgwick.

With 4 minutes to go to hour mark Peschisolido's shot from 6 yards out was saved by the hands of Pollitt.

Later Paul Warne's powerful cross managed to shoot across goal but no one could conect to it and went out for a throwing.

On 71 minute an inspirational substitution took place, Peter Ndlovu came on for Jon-Paul McGovern.

Three minutes later the Blades took the lead when Paul Peschisolido broke open the defence where Peter Ndlovu finished like a International after Peschisolido set him up.

United and Millers created little chances but Rotherham did try and get back into the game. With six minutes left they won a corner, Paul Warne took it which found substitute Darren Byfield who could only fire wide.

In the last minute of the game madness happened when Paddy Kenny caught a routine cross ex-piggie Richard Barker deliberately fouled Kenny, resulting Millers fans trying to get on to the pitch and both sets of players surrounding referee and all push and arguing with each other.

In all the confusion the referee called it a day and blew for full time.

Full-Time: Sheffield United 1-0 Rotherham United

Verdict: It was indeed a poor match, but I am happy United have won and have now gone 4th in the league table. On a sadder note news is (though it has NOT been confirmed by Neil Warnock) that Iffy Onoura could be out for six months, it is on that note that bladesfc.co.uk wish Onoura a speedy recovery.

Man of the Match: The MOTM award has to go to Carl Asaba who had a good game, he defended when Millers attacked and really helped Peschisolido up front.