Troy story leaves Eustace thrilled as Blades stumble
TROY DEENEY’S first goal of the season earned Birmingham a point and the plaudits from boss John Eustace as Sheffield United’s promotion bandwagon was halted.
Blues skipper Deeney rifled home a clinical 70th-minute equaliser after Oli Mcburnie’s fifth goal in six games had put the Championship leaders ahead.
It was boyhood Birmingham fan Deeney’s first strike in 11 games this term and Eustace said: “Troy was outstanding and that was the Troy I used to play with at Watford.
“His performances have been getting better and better with the fitter he’s been getting.
“Through the season so far he’s been immense.
“I’m so proud of him scoring that goal because he has had chances, and hasn’t taken them, but hopefully that can kickstart him now.
“Troy was injured for large parts of last season, so I was never worried.
“He’s really helping to drive the standards and culture I’m trying to set.”
Frustrated United fans saw their team’s 100 per cent start to the season at Bramall Lane ended after four previous wins.
They remain top of the table and are now unbeaten in 10 games, but they were not quite at their freeflowing best yesterday.
On-loan Manchester City midfielder Tommy Doyle smacked the crossbar with a first-half free-kick and Blues’ impressive midfielder Tahith Chong saw a shot superbly blocked by Rhys Norrington-davies.
Birmingham grew in confidence as the match wore on but trailed in the 64th minute when the ball fell to Mcburnie 14 yards from goal and he smashed an unstoppable right-foot shot high into the net.
But six minutes later, the visitors were level when Chong’s clever lofted pass found Deeney, who took a touch before rifling a low shot past Wes Foderingham.
Blades substitute Billy Sharp saw a late effort smartly saved by John Ruddy as the visitors hung on for a deserved point.
“We know what we’ve got wrong and the players know – they accept it and are not happy,” said United manager Paul Heckingbottom.
“But I can’t be critical because we’re 10 games unbeaten and it’s a reflection of where we are that people are coming off disappointed.”
A proud Eustace added: “I’m trying to create a culture at the club where we are very hard to play against.
“That togetherness really came through today and got us through some difficult periods.”