Blades are looking Sharp in play-offs
READING failed to manage a single shot on target in their first game following Paul Clement’s sacking, as Billy Sharp put them to the sword.
The striker provided the decisive moment against his former club by breaking the deadlock in the 83rd minute, moving Sheff Utd up to third.
And the Blades were celebrating again three minutes later as Sam Baldock headed into his own net.
But caretaker boss Scott Marshall amazingly claimed there were positives.
He said: “It was good to be around the group and look in their eyes. They looked quite positive so there are encouraging signs.
“I’m disappointed things did not work out for Paul. Personally it’s a challenge, we just need to battle on, we want to generate some togetherness.”
Clement was removed on Thursday only hours after Nigel Howe had returned to his role as chief executive.
Luis Castro is favourite for the job as the Royals hunt for a man who can bring back the good times.
But, despite a bright start, there was no signs of any positivity last night.
United soon found their stride and had two goals disallowed for offside.
First, Conor Washington headed in from a corner and then David McGoldrick fired home but the linesman cancelled both out.
McGoldrick then had his head in his hands as his tame shot couldn’t beat Anssi Jaakkola.
At the other end Reading were offering little in the final third – although Josh Sims shot wide when well placed.
But the Royals never looked like scoring and were punished by former player Sharp who bundled home from Chris Basham’s cross before Baldock’s howler.
Blades boss Chris Wilder said: “There were a few harsh words at half-time. The first half was not the level of performance I wanted but we were better second half.
“We’re blessed with Bill thanks to his goalscoring record and the way he takes things by not spitting his dummy out if he doesn’t start. He just gets on with it.”