Weimann’s treble top is a stunner for Wilder

ANDREAS WEIMANN’S first-ever hat-trick fired Bristol City to the brink of the play-offs with a shock win at Bramall Lane.

Sheffield United were rocked by a first defeat in 11 matches, despite leading twice, to surrender second spot to Leeds.

But there was no disputing the Robins deserved to win — and achieve their first-ever double over the Blades too.

Chris Wilder’s side hadn’t conceded a goal since blowing a 3-0 lead to Aston Villa February 8.

This was not quite so unexpected considering the way City came to attack, combined with a below-par Blades performance in a thriller.

Weimann became the first — and still only — visiting player to score in the league at this ground in 2019.

Wilder said the result was fair. ‘I’m not embarrassed to lose to a very good side — there will be more twists and turns,’ he said.

City boss Lee Johnson, hailing a first win in seven, said: ‘You’ve got to believe and games like this cement that belief.’

Headers from Billy Sharp and Scott Hogan, with his first goal on loan from Villa, had United in front in both halves.

But Weimann, whose looping header in between levelled matters, struck twice late on with City always looking the likelier winners.

The Austrian expertly steered in a superb cross from Kasey Palmer before finishing off a clever one-two with Famara Diedhiou.

‘Three different goals and all taken with quality,’ added Johnson.

United are also having to ride injuries to two key players — the substituted Jack O’Connell and Mark Duffy, who Wilder said would have played but for an Achilles problem.

Bristol scored the winner with O’Connell off but Wilder defended his decision to stick with an attacking formation.

‘It won’t change — it’s worked OK for us in the past,’ he said.