The ‘big relegation six-pointer` swung in favour of Sheffield United on Tuesday night as a late Danny Webber goal gave the Blades all three points. The away side should have had the game wrapped up far sooner in fairness, as they missed a number of golden opportunities, including hitting the post twice, before Webber struck late on.
Neil Warnock made two key changes to the side that started against West Ham, with Morgan coming in for Montgomery and Nade for Law. The changes meant that Jagielka was pushed into midfield.
The Blades started brightly with Nade`s enthusiasm and running causing Watford problems at the back. The Frenchman created the first real opportunity, as his cross was fumbled by goalkeeper Lee, but Hulse failed to take advantage. The home side`s first chance saw Smith`s shot tipped over by Kenny, although the referee gave a goal kick.
The Blades caught Watford on the break minutes later, as Nade ran through, but the striker was pulled down for a free kick on the edge of the box. It was a good opportunity for the Blades but Quinn sent the ball harmlessly over the bar.
Watford almost took the lead on 21 minutes as Henderson found space at the back post but his shot was saved by Kenny and then cleared by Morgan. The Blades lost defender Claude Davis minutes later as he hobbled off after injuring himself blocking a shot. He was replaced by Bromby.
Sheffield United should have broken the deadlock on 35 minutes as Nade found himself free in the box but put his shot wide of the post before being clattered by Lee. The first half came to a fairly uneventful end with the score 0-0.
The Blades started the second half on the attack and created a chance within the first minute. Nade did brilliantly to beat Mackay on the wing but over hit his cross to Gillespie, who would have had a simple tap-in.
The Blades had two golden opportunities to open the scoring five minutes later. Firstly, Geary`s pin-point cross was just missed by the outstretched foot of Hulse and then secons later Geary again put in a great cross, but this time Nade hit the post with a header when it seemed easier to score. Watford replied with a Francis shot that cleared the bar.
Nade was again involved in the thick of the action on the hour mark, as Gillespie`s cross found him unmarked at the back post, but the forward blasted his shot over the bar. Next it was Hulse`s turn to miss a sitter as he struck the post from all of four yards after being found by Leigertwood`s run and cross.
Both teams then wasted free kicks before Webber slipped at the vital moment after being found by another Geary cross to somehow still leave the game without a goal.
Just as it seemed the Blades had missed their opportunity to take all three points Webber made the vital breakthrough on 88 minutes. A Gillespie free kick found the head of Morgan, who`s effort hit the underside of the bar, before falling to Webber who headed home. It was a moment of massive relief and pure delight for the away side and their supporters, who erupted behind the goal. For the home team it was another kick in the teeth, and yet another controversial late goal, as replays showed that Webber was offside from Morgan`s initial header.
The Blades still had one last scare to contend with as shouts for a Watford penalty were turned down after the ball struck Kozluck`s hand in the area. A Watford equaliser would have done a massive injustice to the Blades though, who thoroughly deserved the three points after another positive and attacking second half display.
In the final minute of the game Powell was dismissed for the home side for a second yellow card before the away fans could finally celebrate their second away win of the season as the final whistle sounded.
Player Ratings
Kenny
6/10
Had little to do but saved well from Henderson in first half.
Kozluck
7/10
Defended well but a little lucky not to give away a penalty at the end.
Geary
8/10
Geary’s best ever game for the Blades. His crossing was superb.
Davis
6/10
Did well until he got injured.
Morgan
8.5/10
A captain’s performance from Morgs
Leigertwood
7/10
Worked hard and got forward well.
Jagielka
7/10
Did well in midfield and produced a good partnership with Leigertwood.
Gillespie
7.5/10
Worked hard all game and put in some great crosses.
Quinn
5/10
How can you play someone on the wing who can’t cross a ball… or stay on his feet!
Hulse
6/10
A fairly Quiet game for Hulse and he missed a sitter.
Nade
7/10
Would have got man of the match if he’d scored one of his many, many chances.
Bromby
7/10
Did well when he replaced Davis after 30 mins.
Webber
6.5/10
Scored the all important goal but gave away possession too easily again.
6/10
Didn’t have long on the pitch but did well in the build up to the goal.