SHEFF UTD.2 PLYMOUTH.1 Brew’s Sharp lesson

IF Rhian Brewster’s looking for some inspiration as he chases his first Sheffield United goal, he need look no further than Billy Sharp.

The veteran striker is the gift that keeps on giving for the Blades and boss Chris Wilder.

Sharp, 35 next month, is not flash and cannot boast any medals won in the top flight.

But while £24million former Liverpool star Brewster struggles since his big summer switch, Sharp rarely lets his side down – even if his starts are few and far between these days.

These are tough times at Bramall Lane with the Premier League a dark and foreboding place for Wilder.

But in Sharp, he has a striker who has been round the block and, unlike Brewster at the minute, can find the net.

Sharp’s third goal in nine games this season earned victory over a brave and energetic Plymouth side.

Blades boss Wilder said: “It was job done. The attitude and professionalism was there and it was generally a decent performance. There’s no downside in players playing well and winning.”

It handed his side a place in the FA Cup fifth round for the second season running with a home tie against Bristol City on the horizon.

Ryan Lowe’s men acquitted themselves well and they had a physicality that meant wouldn’t be bullied.

Argyle should have taken the lead but Panutche Camara missed the target in the 24th minutes with the goal beckoning.

However, the Blades went ahead 15 minutes later as Sharp’s perfectly weighted cross was headed in at the far post by defender Chris Basham.

Sharp then added a second two minutes after the break and, although Camara pulled one back for the visitors in the 75th minute, Wilder’s men held firm.

Plymouth boss Lowe was rightly delighted with his stars.

He said: “We showed character because they are a good team who keep the ball in right areas. Although a club like ours is never going to win the FA Cup, it was great experience.

“I think we have done ourselves proud.” they

SHEFF UTD: Ramsdale 6; Basham 7, Egan 7, Ampadu 7; Stevens 7, Bogle 6 (Baldock (72nd)

5), Lundstram 7, Norwood 6 (Bryan (72nd) 5), Fleck 6; Brewster 5 (McGoldrick 79th), Sharp

8 (Burke 79th)

Cooper 6; Aimson 6, Opoku 6, Watts 6, Grant 6; Edwards 6, Camara 8 (Nouble

87th) Fornah 5 (Reeves 59th) 5), Mayor 6; Hardie 6 (Telford (64th) 5), Jephcott 5 (Moore

(64th) 6)