IPSWICH SHEFF UTD SHARPEST BLADE ‘Billy missed one... but he always keeps going’
POACHER Billy Sharp may not be a classic Blade Runner but he saved United’s blushes when he grabbed his 13th goal of the season.
The 32- year- old striker missed a first- half sitter when he sent a perfect Mark
Duffy cross over the bar from close
range. But the Bramal l Lane skipper then rubbed out an Ellis Harrison super-strike for Ipswich, who played with a spirit and intent that was several grades above rock-bottom status.
Town boss Paul Lambert was more than happy with another point in his bid to stave off relegation, adding: “It’s a huge point for us. That was as good a performance as I’ve had here. That was a fantastic goal by Ellis Harrison. I’m so pleased for him.
“We conceded so soon after halftime, but showed resilience to keep at it against a good side. We’re still in the fight to get out of trouble. We need reinforcements but even loans are expensive and we can’t jeopardise the club’s future.”
Part of the boost came from
Lambert bringing in Ipswich greats to training, including
George Burley, Terry Butcher,
John Wark and Russell
Osman.
Blades’ deputy boss Alan
Knill was delighted that his side are still top six, adding:
“We dominated the game from start to finish, apart from a dodgy five-minute spell.”
The Tractor Boys had to withstand a f i rst- half onslaught from a side who have hopes of a top-six finish, but got lucky when Chris
Basham rolled an under-hit back pass towards keeper
Dean Henderson, with
Freddie Sears sneaking in to set up
Harrison.
Sharp had one ruled out offside.
But then made amends with his leveller.