BLADES’ BUBBLY REMAINS ON ICE

SHEFFIELD United had to keep the champagne on ice after easing to victory against Coventry at Bramall Lane last Wednesday. Chris Wilder’s Blades took the spoils thanks to goals from former Sky Blues Leon Clarke, 70 mins, and John Fleck, 75 mins. Victory would have clinched promotion had third-placed Fleetwood lost at Oxford United on the same night. However, the Cod Army proved party-poopers as they triumphed 3-1 against the U’s, still reeling from their Checkatrade Trophy final defeat by Coventry. Bobby Grant gave Fleetwood a sixth-minute lead from the penalty spot, but the U’s drew level two minutes later through Curtis Nelson. Uwe Rosler’s men ensured maximum points – and kept Sheffield United waiting – as goals from Ashley Eastham (76 ) and David Ball (87) proved decisive. The previous night there were four fixtures, with Southend v Bolton a big one in the promotion fight. Both sides came into the game in good form, but it was Bolton who took the points in dramatic fashion as Mark Beevers struck in stoppage time. Amazingly, it was the fifth away game in a row in which centre-back Beevers had scored. The victory strengthened Bolton’s grip on the second automatic promotion spot, but it was all too much for Southend boss Phil Brown. He was sent to the stands ten minutes from time by referee Charles Breakspear for his complaints that the Shrimpers should have had a penalty for a foul on Nile Ranger. Seventh-placed Millwall moved level on points with Southend with a vital 2-1 win at relegation-threatened Shrewsbury. Byron Webster and Shaun Hutchinson scored for the Lions. Rochdale cruised to a 3-0 win against Port Vale, who had last man Danny Pugh sent off for bringing down Matty Lund in the 21st minute, while Charlton boss Karl Robinson saw his side go down 2-0 at home against his former club, MK