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Instant Reactions – Sheffield United v Preston (27/1/18)

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Following today’s clash between Sheffield United and Preston North End, here are the instant reactions from both managers.

Sheffield United hosted Preston North End at Bramall Lane on Saturday January 27 for the FA Cup fourth round tie, with the hosts taking a one nil victory on the day as they secured their place in the next round.

An 80th minute Billy Sharp penalty secured the win for the Blades.

Teams:

Sheff Utd:

Moore, Lundstram, Wright, Stearman, Baldock, Fleck, Duffy, Heneghan (Basham 59), Lafferty, Sharp (Stevens 90+4), Donaldson (Evans 59).

Substitutes:

O’Connell, Wilson, Eastwood, Carruthers.

Preston:

Rudd, Clarke, Fisher (Woods 68), Huntington, Earl, Horgan (Barkhuizen 59), Browne, Welsh (Hugill 68), Johnson, Bodin, Moult.

Substitutes:

Gallagher, Spurr, Maxwell, Robinson.

Speaking to the BBC’s cameras a short time after match day referee Graham Scott blew the final whistle, Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder explained.

‘It wasn’t a classic game. We just needed to lift our standards and be a bit more aggressive in the second half and drive the game forward a little more. I thought the introduction of Ched Evans gave us a little spark, and Chris Basham as well. We changed the shape at half-time as well just to get a bit more control of the football, which I think it did and we just edged a tight game. It was two teams that are very evenly matched, in league position. They made a few changes and we made a few changes, so I think both managers will be delighted that it has been decided on the day.’

Preston manager Alex Neil in his comparative interview explained.

‘Obviously I’m disappointed, as you don’t want to lose any game, but having said that, I don’t think there was much in the game at all. I think the stats suggest that chances for and chances against are relatively similar. I think the disappointing thing is to go out to a contentious penalty. Having watched it back about six times, it’s still a wee bit inconclusive for me. I’m not 100 per cent sure it was a penalty.’

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