Sheffield United kept their automatic promotion hopes alive with a crucial 3-1 victory over Middlesbrough at Bramall Lane, moving to within two points of Championship leaders Leeds United.
The Blades opened the scoring when a mix-up between Ryan Giles and goalkeeper Mark Travers gifted Jesurun Rak-Sakyi an easy finish. However, the visitors hit back through a Delano Burgzorg penalty after Jack Robinson was adjudged to have fouled George Edmundson in the box.
Blades Take Control
After Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder criticised his side’s attitude in their previous match, the Blades started with intensity, dominating the early exchanges. Gus Hamer orchestrated play, coming close with a low, curling strike before carving open the defence with a sublime pass that led to the opening goal. O’Hare pressured Giles into an error, and Rak-Sakyi was on hand to fire home.
Despite their slow start, Middlesbrough found a way back just before half-time. Hayden Hackney tested home goalkeeper Cooper for the first time before the visitors were awarded a controversial penalty. Robinson protested that Edmundson had also been holding his shirt, but the referee pointed to the spot, and Burgzorg confidently converted.
United Regain Control
Boro thought they had taken the lead early in the second half when Kelechi Iheanacho turned the ball in, but he was flagged offside. The home side responded well, with Rav van den Berg producing a brilliant challenge to deny O’Hare a clear sight of goal.
The breakthrough finally came when Sydie Peck’s pinpoint pass released Brereton Diaz, who kept his composure to lift the ball over Travers and put United back in front.
Middlesbrough pushed for a late equaliser, with Burgzorg forcing a sharp save from Cooper, but the game was put beyond doubt when Ahmedhodzic capitalised on another mistake from Travers to head into an empty net.
“We reviewed and reflected after the weekend and they’ve come roaring back, so I’m delighted,” said Wilder.
“They’ve taken on board how we wanted to play. That was more us tonight, there was a real good feel about us.”
With the promotion race tightening, United will be eager to maintain their form, while Middlesbrough must regroup quickly to keep their play-off hopes alive.
Writer’s View
Sheffield United looked far sharper than they did at the weekend, showing the urgency needed in a tight promotion battle. Hamer was outstanding in midfield, pulling the strings for the hosts, while Brereton Diaz proved clinical when it mattered. Middlesbrough, meanwhile, lacked the cutting edge needed to trouble a well-organised Blades defence.
