SHEFFIELD UNITED 3

SHEFFIELD UNITED enjoyed a solid victory over Derby County to end the Rams’ three-match winning streak.

The Blades led 2-0 at halftime, due to a goal from captain Billy Sharp and a Johnny Russell own goal.

A late Craig Bryson header set up a nervy finish for the Yorkshire side, but Sharp capped off the Blades’ win.

United took the lead when Derby keeper Scott Carson’s attempted pass fell straight to Sharp and he struck low into the bottom left corner in only the fourth minute. Derby instantly pushed for an equaliser, but Russell was tackled when in on goal.

After that, United could have extended their lead twice through Paul Coutts and Sharp again, but both wasted their final efforts.

The game was an exciting affair in the first half, as end-to-end football saw Andreas Weimann fire over and a fine Jon Fleck tackle denied Matej Vydra an equaliser.

After narrowly missing the United goal, Russell struck into his own net to double the Blades’ lead six minutes from half time.

Tom Huddlestone had Derby’s first chance after the break, flashing an effort wide of the post.

In the 53rd minute Blades striker Caolan Lavery had to be replaced by Ched Evans, after clashing heads with Marcus Olsson and in turn Derby sent on Tom Lawrence and Chris Martin to try and get back into it.

Lawrence nearly scored his first goal for the Rams, narrowly missing the top corner, before Carson denied a low effort from Sharp at the other end.

When Bryson pulled a goal back late it looked as though a nervy finish might ensue, but Sharp tapped into an empty net after Carson had pushed up to secure all three points for the Blades.