Sharp’s the man of the century
CHRIS WILDER hailed record-breaker Billy Sharp’s team-work after he became the top goalscorer in English league football this century as Sheffield United eased to victory at Wigan.
Sharp, above, had drawn level with Rickie Lambert on 219 goals against Blackburn on Saturday but he made the record his own at the DW Stadium, sweeping home a beautiful ball across the six-yard box from David McGoldrick.
McGoldrick and Mark Duffy had given the Blades a 2-0 lead before Sharp made history in front of more than 4,000 travelling fans with his 16th goal this season and the 220th since the start of 2000 to guide the Blades into third place.
United boss Wilder said: “He has been outstanding for me. He just keeps going. His all-round play is good; even late on we asked him to drop on the back of their midfield players and he did that, he did a job for the team.
“He does a job for us, out of possession and in
SHEFF UTD
By possession. He has been excellent.”
McGoldrick scored the opener with his ninth of the season, lashing home after the ball came to him when Duffy’s shot was saved.
Duffy doubled the lead when he skipped past Darron Gibson and slid the ball across goalkeeper Christian Walton and into the bottom corner.
Defeat leaves Wigan four points from the relegation zone after one win and six points from 13 games.
Manager Paul Cook felt the game turned on fine margins, saying: “We have one great opportunity one end but unfortunately we find ourselves going in at half-time behind.
“The game went away from us quite quickly with some devastating finishing from Sheffield United – you have to give them credit for that.”