Lundstram breathes life into Blades’ play-off bid

EARNING plaudits but not points has been an unwanted Sheffield United stock- intrade recently. Here Chris Wilder’s side reversed that trend to move back within a point of the top six.

Successive home victories have seen the Blades return to the promotion picture.

This win, though deserved for a strong first half, became a dig- out job relying on some dogged defending as QPR rallied in the second half.

John Lundstram, scorer of United’s second, said: ‘We’ve played well a lot and lost. This wasn’t the best of performances but we’ve ground out the win and that’s important.’

Richard Stearman gave United the lead on 27 minutes, sweeping in after Leon Clarke flicked on Mark Duffy’s corner.

Duffy and Billy Sharp played in Lundstram to hammer home United’s second on 50 minutes. Luke Freeman’s solo effort sparked a Rangers fightback but the Blades held on.

Rangers boss Ian Holloway said: ‘I’m bitterly disappointed to play so well and go home with nothing against such a good side.’