Blades boss happy for a break after injury crisis

SHEFFIELD UNITED had topped the Championship table on Saturday night after George Baldock picked a good moment to score his first goal of the season.

That proved enough to see off CARDIFF as the Blades overcame an injury crisis with Oli McBurnie, John Fleck and Anel Ahmedhodzic joining those already sidelined last week.

Burnley’s win knocked United back down to second but manager Paul Heckingbottom said: ‘For us to be where we are at this point is fantastic. We are in a good position and hopefully we can capitalise when the league restarts after the World Cup.’ MIDDLESBROUGH won a third straight away game under Michael Carrick after Matt Crooks’ stoppage-time winner at NORWICH.

World Cup-bound United States international Josh Sargent scored his ninth of the season to put Norwich ahead but Australia’s Riley McGree levelled and Crooks poached all three points.

‘We showed we could come from behind to win a game while sticking to our footballing principles,’ said Carrick.

WEST BROMWICH ALBION claimed a third consecutive win under new boss Carlos Corberan as they saw off STOKE 2-0. Kyle Bartley headed home from a first-half corner and an eye-catching overhead kick by Brandon Thomas-Asante sealed it. MILLWALL enter the World Cup break in the top six after Zian Flemming scored a hat-trick in a 4-2 win at PRESTON. The Dutch midfielder now has eight goals this season after ruining North End’s good defensive record. BLACKPOOL dropped into the bottom three after losing 2-1 at WIGAN. Their afternoon was made difficult when Marvin Ekpiteta was sent off after 17 minutes but Gary Madine smashed them in front. Wigan’s numerical advantage finally told thanks to goals by James McClean and Curtis Tilt.