McBurnie Joy In Blades Birmingham Draw

Sheffield United continued their run of ten league matches unbeaten despite leaving Bramall Lane disappointed they were unable to claim maximum points against a physical Birmingham City side.

After a goalless first half, Oli McBurnie’s rocket struck the hosts ahead, although it did not last long after the experienced Troy Deeney gave the Blues supporters something to cheer about. Despite the point, the hosts remain at the top of the table with a slender lead over second-placed Norwich City.

United, who remain unbeaten at home this season were without key personnel. With Bosnian defender Anel Ahmedhozic side-lined with injury, Paul Heckingbottom was forced to shuffle the defensive structure. Chris Basham was re-introduced to the starting line-up, whilst Reda Khadra deputised at left wing-back with Enda Stevens absent, and Tommy Doyle was included in midfield. However, they were boosted by the returns of Jayden Bogle, Adam Davies, and Billy Sharp, who began on the bench.

Meanwhile, Birmingham handed a debut to Emmanuel Longelo, whilst former Blades loanee, Scott Hogan, started in attack.

The game was far from a classic and is unlikely to live long in the memory of supporters. Then, again, matches against Birmingham City usually don’t! The match was sloppy with neither side finding themselves in any form of rhythm – with passing produced at the lowest quality.

Norwegian midfielder, Sander Berge, threatened to get on the scoresheet at the half-hour mark but his left-footed effort from the edge of the area narrowly skimmed wide of the far post.

This seemed to be the only meaningful action of the first half, except for Khadra’s free-kick deep from the left, which threatened John Ruddy’s goal before bouncing off the top of the crossbar.

The game exhilarated into life shortly after the hour mark when, on 64 minutes, The visitors had half cleared their lines from an Oli Norwood corner, with the ball bobble on the edge of the area. McBURNIE acted quickly to rifle the ball at an exhilarating speed which proved unstoppable for Ruddy to keep out. This proved to be the strikers’ fifth goal in the last six games.

Any jubilant celebrations were short-lived after City levelled the score six minutes later. After their defence had dispersed upfield and a deflected cross fell to the feet of DEENEY, who had time to swivel and beat Wes Foderingham from close-range.

With stoppages a constant proverbial in the second half, the referee added a further ten minutes after the ninety, and even during which, more stoppages elapsed, but neither side could muster a winner. Although, Birmingham will be content with their point more than United.