Well a fine performance but we still need the results!

October 27th
Sheffield United 1-0 Crewe Alexandra

Kickoff:15:00

Michael Tonge - United's 18-year-old midfield starlet - scored the vital solitary goal that gave the Blades three points for a 1-0 success over Crewe Alexandra at Bramall Lane.

United's overstretched squad recorded their third successive home win thanks to Tonge's crisp 28th minute left foot shot.

Hindered by injuries to key players, Neil Warnock selected a youthful side which included Sheffield youngsters Ben Doane and Mark Ward, but the Blades fought hard to repeat last season's 1-0 success over Dario Gradi's neat outfit.

The first chance of the afternoon fell to the visitors, but Hulse headed wide of Tracey's goal, whilst former Blade Walton was twice called upon to block out United efforts before the ten minute mark. Firstly he denied Peschisolido, whilst a minute later he was on the receiving end of a fierce Brown effort, which looked goalbound.

Foster tamely hooked over the crossbar after Smith's chip into the box on 14 minutes before United created a a host of half chances. Ndlovu's low shot was comfortable for Ince, Peschisolido's half volley was straight at the goalkeeper, whilst Littlejohn could not direct his acrobatic effort towards goal.

The efforts, however, did indicate that the Blades were getting on top and their pressure was rewarded with a 28th minute goal. Good work down the right led to Peschisolido laying the ball into the path of the advancing TONGE, and he calmly shot, left-footed, under the body of Ince for his first senior goal.

After composing themselves, Crewe came back into the game and twice threatened the Blades before the interval. On 38 minutes a last-ditch tackle from Doane prevented Hulse getting a shot on goal, whilst just seconds later Tracey dived full length to hold a long range effort from Lunt.

Crewe made the better start to the second period and Walton headed over after Ashton had flicked on Lunt's corner. Although under pressure from Page, Ashton should have then done better with his shot on 49 minutes after being put through by strike-partner, Hulse.

With Peschisolido clearly struggling, Warnock threw on reserve striker Ward, whilst Littlejohn lasted just 59 minutes before he was replaced by Nicholson, with Ndlovu moving to a central striking role.

Sodje headed wide from Lunt's free-kick, whilst on 74 minutes Doane went desperately close to a goal on his home debut, but his 35 yard, first time effort was just wide of post with Ince scrambling across his line.

In the midst of all six allotted substitutions being used, United gradually forced Crewe back in the second period and long range drives from Brown and Jagielka were both wide.

In injury-time Ward looked to mark his home debut with a goal, but his weak shot was straight at goalkeeper Ince, whilst just seconds later the referee blew for full-time to give the Blades maximum points.

United: Tracey, Doane, Phelan, Page, Murphy, Tonge (Jagielka 79), Brown, Ndlovu, Devlin, Littlejohn (Nicholson 59), Peschisolido (Ward 55). Unused: Montgomery, de Vogt.
Crewe: Ince, Foster, Smith (Wright 77), Walton, Sodje, Lunt, Brammer, Sorvel (Charnock 81), Jones (Little 64), Ashton, Hulse. Unused: Tait, Bankole.
Attendance: 15,185