RESULT! Silly Billy off target as Blades move up

SHEFFIELD UNITED moved into the Sky Bet League One automatic promotion places as Steven Gerrard was given some cause to be optimistic as he weighs up a job offer from struggling MK Dons.

Billy Sharp missed a penalty after scoring the Blades’ opener in a 2-1 win against Shrewsbury.

Stefan Scougall’s goal cancelled out Louis Dodds’ second-half response after Jim O’Brien and Abu Agogo were dismissed for the visitors.

Chris Wilder’s men are now second, while MK Dons remain in the drop zone following a stalemate at Bristol Rovers.

Liverpool legend Gerrard, mulling over a job offer from the Dons, will be encouraged by their clean sheet against the freescoring Pirates.

Oxford dominated managerless Coventry from start to finish with Kane Hemmings and Alex MacDonald scoring to bookend a Jamie Sterry own goal and Chris Maguire’s penalty in a 4-1 win.

Bury sacked David Flitcroft this week and his former charges gave his as-yet-unknown successor plenty of food for thought by losing 5-1 to Wimbledon.

Three goals in as many minutes from Chris Whelpdale, Dom Poleon and Tom Elliott set the tone for a dire afternoon for the Shakers.

Rochdale plundered a 4-0 home victory over Tim Sherwood’s Swindon. Joe Bunney and Matty Lund got the ball rolling before Steven Davies bagged a double with a 57thminute goal and a penalty. Scott Wiseman’s late winner broke Oldham hearts and ensured that leaders Scunthorpe stayed clear of the chasing pack. Bradford slid out of the top two following a 3-0 defeat at Southend, Will Atkinson notching twice.

Josh Vela (above) scored the pick of the goals in Bolton’s 2-0 victory over Millwall, with Tom Thorpe rubber-stamping the points. Chris Forrester left it late to fire Peterborough to a 1-0 win at Northampton.

Life after Russell Slade started well for Charlton as Josh Magennis and Nicky Ajose goals condemned Port Vale to a 2-0 loss.