Ten-man Blades secure nervy win
SHEFFIELD UNITED walked a tightrope in their efforts to keep tabs on Leeds and equal a second tier record in the process. Gary Madine was sent off just nine minutes after the Blades forced a first-half lead. Both key moments were selfinflicted by two in-form sides. Play-off hopefuls Brentford were punished for Yoann Barbet’s unnecessary shove on George Baldock, who was facing away from goal. Ollie Norwood emphatically converted the resulting
penalty. Then Madine caught Ezri Konsa with a heavy and equally avoidable challenge on the touchline and the straight red will ground him for three games. A free-flowing match looked in the balance even before Chris Wilder’s side were reduced to ten men. It threatened their hopes of equalling Portsmouth’s 34year-old second tier record of seven straight home wins without conceding a goal. United leaned heavily on saves from Dean Henderson, including two shots from Neal Maupay. Substitute David McGoldrick headed a crucial cushioning second goal from a late corner to confirm United’s victory. Brentford had chances to exploit their numerical advantage but were frustrated by dogged defending.