A Sharp reminder from local hero Billy
BILLY SHARP proved he still has the necessary steel to cut it at his boyhood Blades after snatching a last-gasp winner.
The striker, 32, has found himself slipping down the pecking order at Bramall Lane but his third goal in three games has given manager Chris Wilder a timely reminder that there is life in the old dog yet.
The game was heading for a draw after Jordan Rhodes had cancelled out John Egan’s ninth-minute opener but Sharp pounced at the death to seal United’s second successive league win.
Wilder said: “It’s about time we got a last-minute winner.
“There’s been some cruel late winners at Bramall Lane but we’ve won a tight game. There’s nothing better than a last-minute winner.
“Billy has been absolutely brilliant. He’s been fantastic in the changing room when he’s not playing and great when he is.
“He’s the type of player you want to have around.”
The home side were full value for their ninth-minute lead.
John Fleck and Oliver Norwood both went close to breaking the deadlock before record-signing Egan looped a header over keeper Tim Krul.
And although the ball was headed away, the referee ruled it had crossed the line.
The visitors were level on
26 minutes when on-loan Sheffield Wednesday striker Rhodes tapped home in front of the Blades Kop after Onel Hernandez had turned defender Chris Basham and laid the goal on a plate for the forward.
But United won it when Sharp pounced in the
93rd minute from a David McGoldrick knock-down.
It means Norwich remain winless from their opening three games.
Manager Daniel Farke said: “I always felt we were going to get something from this game.
“But when you concede in the last minute it’s always going to be frustrating and disappointing.
“In our three games so far we are top for most shots and most possession yet here we are in 21st spot.”