It was a game of three thirds at Bramall Lane yesterday. The first 20 minutes saw the Blades on top and playing well, before Wolves took over thanks to some woeful defending. However, United finally sparked into life again in the last 20 minutes to seal the win.
A much changed Blades formation started brightly and had a number of chances in the opening 20 minutes, including a volley from Armstrong and an overhead kick from Morgan that both went over.
Wolves replied with a Ward run and shot, which was dragged wide of the post, before Kilgallon headed against the bar for the home side and Webber turned the rebound wide.
For all of United`s early pressure, it was Wolves who took the lead in the 24th minute, with the help of the referee. Firstly, the official failed to spot a clear throw-in for the home side, before giving a debatable free kick against Kilgallon.
Wolves took the free kick quickly and, after Kenny had spilled a tame shot from Ward, ELLIOTT put the rebound into the roof of the net.
United had a penalty shout turned down for a Breen handball before the break as Wolves continued to look dangerous going forward.
The second half started the way the first had finished, with the referee again waving away a penalty appeal, this time from Armstrong.
United had more luck a few minutes later though, as a long ball from Bromby was misjudged by Ward, allowing BEATTIE to beat the keeper to the ball and head home.
After half chances were missed by both sides, Wolves really should have gone back in front but Ward headed against the crossbar, with Kenny stranded, and a posse of United defenders managed to keep the second effort out.
The slice of luck worked in United`s favour as the Blades were then awarded a penalty at the other end as Breen pulled BEATTIE down. The £4M striker coolly slotted the ball past the keeper and into the corner of the net.
Beattie was unlucky not to complete a hat-trick as he saw a 30 yard free kick go just over before a neat turn and shot was saved by the legs of Hennessey.
However, United did get a third in the dying minutes of the game. A flick on from Beattie found STEAD through on goal and the striker placed his shot under Hennessey to send the Kop wild.
The result was certainly the most important part of yesterday but I can`t help but be worried by the defending throughout. At times Wolves just sliced through our back line, especially on the left wing (Bromby!), and that is something that Robson really needs to look at.
Share this article
