A Rob Hulse goal, deep into first-half injury time, was enough to see Sheffield United take all three points in a fairly disappointing game on Saturday. A neat near post finish saw Hulse grab his fifth goal of the season and move the Blades to 14th in the table.
Michael Tonge and Claude Davis returned to the Blades team after injury, at the expense of Montgomery and Bromby.
In a fairly dull first-half, Wigan created the first real chance of any note, as Heskey’s run into the box caused Morgan to strike the ball against both Heskey and Camara, but the ball, fortunately for United, ricocheted out for a goal kick.
United replied with a cross from Quinn, that was met by the head of Webber at the near post, but the striker’s effort went wide.
Webber had another couple of efforts before the break, both from distance, but failed to trouble Kirkland.
Just as it looked like the sides would go in level at half time, Hulse pounced. Gillespie’s cross found Quinn at the back post, and the youngster played a low ball in to Hulse, who neatly flicked the ball past Kirkland and into the roof of the net.
Wigan finally came to life at the start of the second half, and managed to put the away side under some pressure. The result was a powerful shot from Landzaat that Kenny parried away.
Just before the hour mark Wigan should have equalised, after some sloppy defending by Kozluck. The right back lost the ball trying to dribble out of his own half, but Kenny came to the rescue by saving a one-on-one from Kilbane.
The Blades thought they had been given a penalty on the hour mark, as De Zeeuw clumsily deflected the ball back to Kirkland using both his leg and hand. The referee immediately pointed to the spot, but then changed his mind after consulting his linesman. Replays showed that a penalty would have been a very harsh decision, but the referee did himself no favours by awarding a goal-kick, and then changing his mind for a bounce-up straight after. To rub salt into the wound, Webber was then asked to put the ball out for a goal-kick.
The Blades could have made it 2-0 minutes later though as Gillespie was put clean through. The winger saw his shot parried by Kirkland and then Webber’s shot from the rebound was again pushed away by the Wigan keeper.
Next, Hulse found space in the box for a shot on 78 minutes, but Baines came to Wigan’s rescue with a great block.
As time seemed to be almost up for Wigan the Blades were dealt another blow as the referee indicated five additional minutes of injury time.
The life-line seemed to spur Wigan on, as McCulloch saw his shot get deflected for a corner. It was the last throw of the dice for Wigan, emphasised by Kirkland’s presence in United’s box. The corner was met by the head of McCulloch but cleared off the line by Montgomery.
That was not the end of the drama though, as the scramble left Morgan injured and on the floor. Replays clearly showed that McCulloch had thrown a punch at the Blades skipper as he challenged for the ball.
It’s the second time Morgan has been involved in last minute incidences in the space of five days. Angel may have escaped punishment for his elbow on Monday but McCulloch is sure to be disciplined for his disgraceful behaviour yesterday. If any further evidence was needed of the recklessness of the foul, Morgan’s swollen black eye provided it.
Seconds later though the travelling Blades fans were cheering as the final whistle sounded, and signalled another hard earned three points for Neil Warnock and his team.
Player Ratings
Kenny
7/10
Made a couple of good saves and a catch in the second half, but had little else to do.
Kozluck
6.5/10
Nearly gave away a cheap goal but otherwise defended well.
Geary
7.5/10
Another good performance from Geary. He keeps defying the odds and deserves his place in the team.
Davis
7.5/10
Good to see him back. Was as energetic and brave as ever.
Morgan
7.5/10
His reaction to McCulloch’s challenge was superb, and matched his defensive performance.
Jagielka
6/10
Not as effective as usual. Prefer him at centre-back.
Tonge
6.5/10
Kept the ball well, but looked a little off the pace at times.
Quinn
7/10
Did well defensively and set-up the goal.
Gillespie
6.5/10
Not as influential as in recent weeks, but still put in a decent performance.
Hulse
6.5/10
Took his goal well but still hasn`t fully recaptured his early season form.
Webber
5.5/10
An improvement from last week but still not running at defenders.
Montgomery
6/10
Cleared one off the line but didn’t hold the ball up very well.
Armstrong
6.5/10
Good to see him back. Was full of running and never gives up on a ball.
N/A
Only came on with a couple of minutes left.