Derby king Sharp’s a cut above for Blades
CHRIS WILDER’S Sheffield United made it nine home wins in a row as they claimed local bragging rights with a narrow victory over South Yorkshire rivals Barnsley.
Billy Sharp’s first-half goal – his 20th in his last 29 appearances – gave the Blades their second three points of the season.
Sharp, David Brooks and Jack O’Connell all could have added to the scoreline as United kept up their run of home success going back to a League One draw with Scunthorpe in February.
Both sides played the second half with 10 men after Leon Clarke and Angus MacDonald were sent off for an ugly clash as Barnsley suffered a third defeat from four Championship games.
There was a raucous atmosphere inside Bramall Lane and United went close in just the fifth minute when Enda Stevens cut back for Sharp who drilled straight at keeper Adam Davies.
But that move served as a dress rehearsal for the one that saw the Blades take a deserved 17th-minute lead.
Fed by John Fleck, Stevens again got in down the left and found Sharp who fired home from 12 yards.
The flashpoint came in the 42nd minute as Clarke and MacDonald tussled for the ball in the Barnsley box.
Clarke appeared to grab the defender by the throat and MacDonald moved his head towards the striker.
Referee Tim Robinson gave both their marching orders after consulting a linesman.
Wilder said: “We played well but needed to be more positive in the final third.
“We are a bit disappointed we have not put the game to bed. That is my only slight criticism – we played some really good stuff.”
Barnsley boss Paul Heckingbottom said: “It was disappointing.
“We started on the back foot and it was a first derby for a lot of them.
“I need to learn about these players. There wasn’t many who came out with positives.
“It’s no different to the last game when we won, I am always learning.
“That’s what happens when you take players from the lower leagues.”