Sheffield United’s promotion bid continued to falter as they completed second in an entertaining 0-0 draw with Blackpool.
The Blades are nonetheless on the sting of the playoff spots within the match, one level off the highest six, however have now gained solely as soon as in 5 matches.
Within the meantime, Blackpool will take lots of positives from their efficiency regardless of the top of their three-game successful streak.
Seasiders’ a hundredth sport of Neil Critchley did not get off to an encouraging begin on a frigid night on the Fylde Coast.
It was the Blades who seemed by far essentially the most menacing, with captain Billy Sharp firing inches large after grabbing a intelligent via ball from Eliman Ndiaye.
Minutes later the guests approached once more, this time with Norway’s Sander Berg discovering house within the penalty space earlier than firing a disappointingly excessive and large shot.
Clearly the Blades have ordered an early constructive response on the again of the weekend’s internet in Coventry.
Oliver Norwood was subsequent to attain, as his low efforts compelled Blackpool goalkeeper Dan Grimshaw to cease on alert.
Blackpool lastly obtained a foothold, and their first probability got here halfway via the primary interval when Gary Madden climbed as excessive as he might to drive Callum Connolly’s go excessive.
On the different finish, Connolly was rapidly known as upon to provide an excellent block to dam a Rhys Norrington Davis shot.
Woodwork saved the Blades within the thirty ninth minute when Josh Bowler’s 20-yard shot crashed towards the crossbar after taking part in a neat one with Madden.
The hosts created their first alternative within the second half when James despatched the ball into Connolly’s path, just for the defender to fireplace a close-range effort into the facet netting.
It was Blackpool who was on prime because the clock ticked away, and the damaging Bowler appeared extra able to successful the slot.
He clipped and curled a ball that needed to be deflected by Wes Foderingham’s outstretched arm.
Then Bowler hit CJ Hamilton, though he ought to have accomplished higher when he went off sturdy from 12 yards.
The Blades had been struggling to construct any actual momentum, though they thought they scored within the 74th minute, just for Norwood’s skewed shot to be dominated out by the assistant referee’s flag.
Nevertheless, any late Blades winner could be too powerful for a decided Blackpool.
What did the managers say…
Blackpool Neil Critchley: “I believed it was a very enjoyable 0-0 sport. I believed Sheffield may need outdone it within the first half and possibly we lacked that a lot self-confidence. All through the second half, although, we had been on prime, and if any group goes to proceed The win, us, are upset by a degree towards a group like Sheffield United, but it surely simply reveals how far we have are available current seasons.
“I actually grew myself up with our efficiency within the second half – I might see us within the match with each passing minute. Then I rolled the cube within the final quarter-hour and adjusted the formation, but it surely did not repay. We undoubtedly did our greatest to win it, I might nearly give it some thought, however no It wasn’t like that. We gave our greatest, however failed slightly bit.”
Sheffield United Paul Hickingbottom: “It was a mysterious determination in my eyes. We knew it was going to be a troublesome request right here and it might flip right into a struggle of attrition, however I noticed the late come again and it appears to be like just like the assistant referee has seen one or possibly two of our gamers in the way in which of the shot. There are occasions when he should not intrude. The assistant referee makes huge selections, and that was one other instance tonight.
“It is pure to spotlight once more, although, that it’s a must to work onerous and earn each level on this division – it’s a must to earn all of it. We deserved to get the three factors and we obtained the three, however we did not tonight.” On them, this can be a large disappointment. The standard you want could not have been on the prime, however it’s one thing that we surrender and work on.”
