Sheffield United have managed numerous last minute goals during Neil Warnock`s time at the club, but yesterday the shoe (or should that be boot?) was firmly on the other foot.
A sweetly struck free kick from Blackburn`s Morten Gamst Pedersen in the 92nd minute gave the home side all three points, and broke the Blades` hearts. It was a cruel blow for United, who`s performance was deserving of at least a point. Goals from Pedersen for Blackburn, and Stead for United left the scores level, before Pedersen`s late, late strike.
United had started the game very brightly and could easily have been 3-0 up before the 15 minute mark. Firstly Stead found himself unmarked in the box, and onside, but flicked his attempt wide with the goal at his mercy.
United then saw Hulse latch on to a Quinn cross, but the striker`s deflected shot rebounded off the post. Unbelievably a third opportunity fell to the away side minutes later as Lucketti nodded a ball down to Montgomery but the midfielder blasted his shot wide of the post when it seemed easier to score.
It was almost predictable that Blackburn would hit the Blades on the break and score from their first chance, and they did just that on 22 minutes. A pin point cross from Emerton sailed over the napping Kozluck and allowed PEDERSEN a simple headed goal.
It was a cruel blow for United, but the away team responded immediately and deservedly pulled themselves back into the game. On 25 minutes a clever flick on by Hulse, from a Jagielka free kick, found STEAD in the box and the striker took a touch to control before coolly knocking the ball past Friedel to send the travelling fans wild behind the goal.
Blackburn could have been back in front before half time but Pedersen shot a yard wide after being put clean through. The referee, who was abysmal for both sides throughout the game, then seemed to lose his head, booking five players (four for United and one for Blackburn) before half time.
Blackburn created the first chance of the second half, as a mazy run from Bentley found him space in the box, but his shot was pushed wide by Kenny. United responded with an overhead kick from Hulse that went wide of the post.
United next went close through Geary, who latched on to a Stead cross before seeing his low shot saved by Friedel. Rovers hit back with a scuffed effort from Roberts and a header from Pedersen but Kenny dealt with both comfortably.
United were sent a warning of Pedersen`s capabilities just five minutes from the end, when a free kick from the midfielder was well saved by Kenny, low to his left.
United seemed sure to secure a point when Warnock was sent off for Blackburn for a second yellow, after a trip on Geary. However, the Blades, who had worked so hard all second half, allowed Dunn space to run through the middle, before Tonge foolishly tugged the arm of the midfielder and gave away a free kick on the edge of the box.
The whole travelling army of Blades supporters behind the goal held their breath as PEDERSEN stepped up, and soon had their heads in their hands as the ball sailed over the wall and into the corner of the net.
The final whistle was met with a stunned silence from both the players and the fans as they came to terms with the cruel ending to the game and a pointless trip home.
Player Ratings
Kenny
6/10
Saved well from Bentley and Pedersen but should have had a man on the line in the last min.
Kozluck
5/10
Misjudged their first goal and let himself down on his distribution a number of times.
Armstrong
6.5/10
A much improved performance from Armstrong. Worked hard and did well defensiveley.
Lucketti
8/10
Won everything in the air and cleared almost every corner.
Jagielka
7/10
Looked solid at the back and won his fair share of headers.
Montgomery
8.5/10
Monty at his best: Full of energy and closed players down.
Tonge
5/10
Played a few stray passes and stupidly gave away the free kick for the goal.
Quinn
7/10
Played some good balls and got forward well.
Geary
7/10
Did well in an unusual position for him.
Hulse
6/10
Another average performance from Hulse and threw himself on the floor on one occasion 🙁
Stead
7/10
Took his goal well and was full of running, but should have buried first chance!