For the second time in the space of a week it was left until the last few minutes for Sheffield United to grab a deserved win. The Blades dominated the game against Charlton from start to finish but had to wait until the 88th minute for a stunning winning goal by Keith Gillespie. Andy Reid had given Charlton an undeserved lead on 17 minutes before Morgan equalised on 64 minutes, leaving the stage set for Gillespie’s stunner.
Warnock made a shock change to the side that faced Watford, including youngster Stephen Quinn in his starting 11. Montgomery and Bromby also came into the side replacing Alan Quinn, Claude Davis and Mikele Leigertwood respectively.
The Blades showed their intent to attack their opponents right from the start of the game. In the first minute Hulse found Quinn on the edge of the box and the youngster’s volley was tipped around the post by Carson.
United continued to attack and put Charlton on the back foot. On 10 minutes a long throw by Bromby was flicked on by Morgan, only for Hulse to head just wide when he really should have scored.
For all the home sides pressure it was in fact the away team that took the lead on 17 minutes against the run of play. Andy Reid broke forward for Charlton and found Ambrose free on the left side of the area. Ambrose then seemed to take too long on the ball and saw his shot parried by Kenny only for Reid to pick up the rebound and stab the ball into the net.
The Blades could feel very hard done by to be a goal behind but carried on in the same attacking manner. On 20 minutes Morgan saw his header tipped just round the post by the outstretched hand of Carson.
Next United went close through a flicked header from Hulse and a shot from Jagielka while Reid pulled a shot wide in reply for Charlton.
Hulse was nearly on the score sheet again minutes later when he swivelled on the edge of the box and saw his shot tipped over the bar by Carson. On 34 minutes Hulse was again guilty of missing a glaring chance when he got on to the end of a perfectly weighted chip from Jagielka only to head an inch wide of the post.
For all of United’s pressure and dominance in the first half the Blades could have been 2-0 down just before half time. Ambrose again found space on the left wing, as Charlton caught the Blades on the counter attack, but the midfielder shot straight into the arms of the grateful Kenny.
The Blades continued to pile the pressure on Charlton at the start of the second half. On 51 minutes Kozluck put in a great cross from the right wing, which deflected off El Karkouri, only for Carson to again come to Charlton’s rescue and push the ball out for a corner.
The Blades looked certain to equalise three minutes later as a Gillespie cross found Geary unmarked at the back post, but the defender headed the ball across the box when it seemed easier to score.
As at Watford, United continued to create plenty of chances but failed to convert them. First Morgan saw his shot blocked by the Charlton defence, before Jagielka had two shots in quick succession, the first was blocked and the second dragged wide.
The Blades finally, and deservedly, got their equaliser on 64 minutes. Another superb corner from the outstanding Gillespie was met sweetly by the head of Morgan, who saw his effort fly past Carson and into the top corner.
Morgan and the Blades appeared to receive a huge lift from the goal and the captain went close with another header a few minutes later.
Charlton’s only other real effort on goal was a strike from the former Blade Marcus Bent from all of 30 yards, which Kenny dealt with comfortably.
The Blades left it until the 88th minute to grab all three points and break Charlton hearts. A long throw in from Kozluck was partially headed clear by Traore, but only into the path of Gillespie, who struck the sweetest of volleys past the helpless Carson and into the corner of the net. It was a moment of pure exhilaration as Bramall Lane witnessed scenes of delirium in the stands and on the pitch.
The Blades played out the final minutes of the game in professional style and got just reward for their efforts as referee Dowd blew his final whistle to give the home side all three points.
The result not only saw the Blades achieve back to back wins for the first time this season, it also pulled them away from the relegation zone and created a seven point gap between themselves and Charlton. A reason for every Blade to go home with their heads held high.
Player Ratings
Kenny
6.5/10
Had little to do but did misjudge a cross that could have proved costly. His throwing was good though.
Geary
7.5/10
Another great performance from Geary. Defended well and put in some good crosses.
Kozluck
6.5/10
Was perhaps at fault for goal but defended well otherwise.
Bromby
5.5/10
Bromby is ok until he starts to think he can play silky football. Nearly cost us a goal because of it. Also looks weak in the tackle at times.
Morgan
8.5/10
Another Captain’s performance from Morg’s. Didn’t really put a foot wrong.
Montgomery
6/10
A fairly quiet game by Monty’s standards.
Jagielka
6/10
Passed the ball well but looked a little off the pace at times and wanted too long on the ball.
Quinn
8/10
A great debut by the youngster. Really got involved and played some great balls into the box.
Gillespie
8.5/10
Keeeeith played brilliantly. Great crosses and what a goal!
Hulse
6/10
Another strange game for Hulse. Was involved far more than at Watford but missed some real sitters.
Nade
6.5/10
Didn’t look a threat in front of goal but created some neat build up play.
Webber
6/10
Nade needed replacing and Webber added some energy.
5/10
Had very little involvement in the game, which is disappointing to say he was on the pitch for 15 minutes.