Sheffield United travelled up to West Yorkshire last night to face one of their biggest rivals, Leeds United. Both sides have enjoyed great starts to the season, with The Blades up in 3rd and The Whites four points behind in 4th. Yorkshire’s two biggest clubs colliding once more was always going to produce an entertaining match and that’s exactly what we were treated to.
Line-up and first half:
As predicted in my preview, Chris Wilder selected the same eleven to start that he did against Reading last week. With the likes of Brooks, Carruthers and Donaldson on the bench, we had plenty of options if things weren’t going to plan too.
United began the game on the front foot, pressing for the early goal and it paid off in terrific style. We won a throw-in well into Leeds’ half and Cameron Carter-Vickers spotted Leon Clarke holding off a defender. The Tottenham loanee instinctively sent it towards the big forward, who expertly flicked it to Mark Duffy in space. That was always going to cause trouble and Duffy predictably sent in a perfect cross for Billy Sharp to head past a helpless Lonergan. 0-1 after less than 2 minutes and cue bedlam in the away end.
The Peacocks were unable to deal with our high press and when Clarke nicked the ball on 26 minutes, we had another glorious opportunity. Leon played a low ball across to Sharp who was under pressure but still got a decent shot off. It would’ve been goal too, if it weren’t for an excellent save by Lonergan at his near post.
After some prolonged possession by Leeds, they were beginning to work their way into the game just past the half-hour mark. The ball was crossed in from the right but Carter-Vickers got his head onto it first. Unfortunately, though, it fell kindly for Phillips, who instinctively smashed it into the bottom-left corner of the net, leaving Blackman a mere spectator. It was a lapse in concentration on our part but take nothing away from the goal itself, it was a perfectly timed volley.
With just a few minutes remaining in the half, United won a free-kick out on the left after Clarke was brought down. With the Leeds back-line asleep, John Fleck floated a sublime ball into Sharp, who beat the offside trap expertly. probably should’ve scored but the ball never quite settled enough for him to place it and Lonergan was quick off his line. It was reminiscent of the free-kick we tried against Bradford last season but it sadly didn’t have the same outcome.
Second half:
Leeds came out swinging after the break and could’ve took the lead through Saiz after 12 minutes gone in the second. The Spaniard couldn’t break through our steely defence so he instead opted to try a pop-shot which smacked the post. It was a fine effort, but Wilder’s army were far from done.
United were trying to re-take the lead and when the ball made its way to George Baldock, Leeds’ desperation was becoming apparent. Phillips slid in on the wing-back in a tackle that was so late, he could’ve started it on Saturday, it was a horrific challenge. Without a doubt, it was a stonewall red card but as it was a derby, the referee let him go with only a yellow to his name.
With 15 minutes remaining to find a winner, Wilder made his usual move of bringing on David Brooks. The Welsh international wasted no time in tearing Leeds apart. The Blades were showcasing their deadly counter-attack with Duffy looking for the opening. He found it when Brooks was free on the left and the youngster slotted the ball into the net from a seemingly impossible angle as if he were a seasoned pro. Pandemonium in the away end and on the pitch, an unbelievable way to score your first goal for Sheffield United. The home side tried to get back into it but in truth, they were outplayed and outworked in this game, a fully deserved 3 points going back to The Lane.
Leeds remain in fourth place but could drop down a few positions if results go against them on Saturday. The Red and White Wizards meanwhile, rise to the top of the table and even if we don’t stay there come 5 o’clock, this side have shown us exactly why they’re a real force to be reckoned with. In terms of quality, they’re probably not the best, but with regards to effort, tactical nous and team spirit, they’re up there with the best in the country. This was probably one of the best away days I’ve ever been on as the setting, atmosphere and the team all reminded me of what my dad has told me about Bassett’s era at the club. That’s why we’ve succeeded so much this season and why watching them is no longer a chore, but a real pleasure.
This was probably one of the best away days I’ve ever been on as the setting, atmosphere and the team all reminded me of what my dad has told me about Bassett’s era at the club. Up next for United, it’s a Tuesday night game away against QPR but the next Blades Blog will be out after the Hull game on the 4th November. Until then, UTB.
George Howson 
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