Sheffield United

It was one of the lowest points of a season which, after starting so badly, nearly ended in promotion.

“With the players we’ve got, from middle to front, we are capable of creating opportunities,” he said. “Credit to the lads, they acted on it, which also tells you something about them.” Preston are 12th, but have lost only twice this term with one of those defeats coming in the Carabao Cup. [https://www.thestar.co.uk/sport/football/sheffield-united/sheffield-united-preston-north-end-a-sold-out-following-and-desire-to-shatter-incredible-record-3846496](https://www.thestar.co.uk/sport/football/sheffield-united/sheffield-united-preston-north-end-a-sold-out-following-and-desire-to-shatter-incredible-record-3846496) “Over there, when what happened happened, we played really well and should have had the game out of sight. It should have been dead and buried by the time they started to come back into it and get the momentum back. That happened because we got a little bit complacent and took our foot off the pedal a bit. Possibly, because they caused us problems and we caused them problems. Take the other night (at Still, we came through. We won it right at the end but would a draw have been a fair result? [https://www.thestar.co.uk/sport/football/sheffield-united/sheffield-united-as-jayden-bogle-gets-ready-for-return-when-other-injured-stars-are-set-to-receive-the-green-light-3846737](https://www.thestar.co.uk/sport/football/sheffield-united/sheffield-united-as-jayden-bogle-gets-ready-for-return-when-other-injured-stars-are-set-to-receive-the-green-light-3846737)

League leaders Sheffield United will travel to Preston this weekend as they look to continue their strong start to the season. Here is how you can watch and ...

Will Preston vs Sheffield United be broadcast in the United States? [EFL Championship](/sports/when-are-the-efl-championship-playoffs-2022/) will be viewable on Saturday evening on the EFL highlights show. Will Preston vs Sheffield United be broadcast in the United Kingdom?

Preston North End manager Ryan Lowe has named his starting lineup to face Sheffield United this afternoon. The Lilywhites host the early season pace-setters ...

Former Blade Ben Woodburn is the only injury absentee for North End, while United are without a whole host of senior players. Max Lowe, Enda Stevens, Jack Robinson, Jack O'Connell, Ciaran Clark, Jayden Bogle, Ben Osborn and John Fleck are all unavailable for the visitors. He has made three changes to the side that drew 1-1 with Burnley on Tuesday night, with Andrew Hughes, Alvaro Fernandez and Alan Browne brought in for Greg Cunningham, Robbie Brady and Daniel Johnson.

Sheffield United's assistant manager Stuart McCall has admitted Newcastle United loan star Ciaran Clark is keen to recover from injury.

“He was filling in at Watford on the wrong side and then he got back in the team on the left-hand side. “He played on the right at Watford, which was the first time in his career he had done that and he’s 32. “On his recovery he was almost back and unfortunately he overstretched and it went again”, McCall was

Rhian Brewster had the first shot of the game, sending a chipped effort just wide, before Troy Parrott split the visiting defence at the other end to find Emil ...

Next to have a go was Whiteman, on the end of a fast PNE break, but the midfielder curled his 20-yard effort just over the crossbar, and Parrott then had a shot deflected over in the next attack. North End then had the better of the play pretty much for the rest of the half, being first and second to everything, and chances were being created too, firstly with Ben Whiteman sending a long-range effort over the bar, while Ali McCann had his shot deflected wide. Rhian Brewster had the first shot of the game, sending a chipped effort just wide, before Troy Parrott split the visiting defence at the other end to find Emil Riis, but the Dane couldn’t quite work room for a shot on goal or to find a man in the middle.

Top-of-the-table Blades are looking to head into the international break with a win.

A good chance and a good start for United And United have the first chance of the game and Brewster comes close to opening the scoring Rhys Norrington-Davies is fouled on the edge of the area to the left of goal by Brad Potts and this is a great chance to create something

Oli McBurnie's fourth goal in five league games helped Sheffield United extend their lead to three points at the top of the Championship with a comfortable ...

Benik Afobe’s second-half strike earned Millwall a 2-1 victory over Blackpool at The Den. Jay Rodriguez’s fifth goal of the season moved Burnley up to fourth as they extended their unbeaten run in all competitions to eight games with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Bristol City. That was cancelled out by Nakhi Well’s close-range equaliser midway through the first half and it looked for a while as if Clarets would be held to their sixth draw of the season by a City team who defended resolutely. Morris volleyed home Jordan Clark’s cross before centre-back Burke produced a moment of magic to make the game safe. Huddersfield claimed only their second league win of the season as veteran striker Jordan Rhodes fired them to a 1-0 home victory over Cardiff in their first game since the sacking of head coach Danny Schofield. Steve Bruce remains under pressure after a contentious Norwich equaliser cost his West Brom side just a second league win of the season.

Oli McBurnie's fourth goal in five league games helped Sheffield United extend their lead to three points at the top of the Sky Bet Championship after a 2-0 ...

Striker Troy Parrott, on loan from Tottenham, had a right-foot shot deflected wide for Preston, but it was the visitors who scored first against the run of play. Midfielder Ali McCann had a right-foot shot deflected wide of the post as the hosts grew into the contest, before striker Emil Riis Jakobsen volleyed wide from close range. And it was the South Yorkshire visitors who started the brightest as Brewster chased down a ball on the left and saw his left-foot chipped shot fly just wide of the far upright.

Sheffield United continued their promotion push with victory away at Preston North End this afternoon.

Deployed in a deeper role, the Norwegian's roaming instincts were tamed and he couldn't look as effectual as he usually does when given licence to drive at defenders further up the pitch. Almost scored directly from a corner as his near-post effort nearly caught Woodman out, and it would have been a goal his performance without the ball deserved. Worked tirelessly throughout and got his reward when tapping home from close range, although a defender may have been involved as well - just try and stop McBurnie claiming it! But moments later he breathed a sigh of relief when he tried to beat his man and was robbed, with only Parrott's bad touch killing the move. Looked up for it from the first whistle and his dangerous cross could have seen United lead, but McBurnie's shot was blocked by a Preston arm and no penalty was given. Continued his impressive form of late with an assured display down the left.

The Blades head into the international break on top of the Championship after today's win at Deepdale extended their unbeaten run to nine matches.

Had to do a lot without the ball today and covered a lot of ground. Snatched at an effort in the second half when he had a bit of time to bring it down under control and get a better connection. In a midfield two alongside Norwood, he worked hard off the ball as he chased and pressed and then showed his quality in the second half. Oliver Norwood 6: Won his fair share of tackles and interceptions, but delivery of the ball was not as good this time. The home side had a lot of openings and got into United's final third on plenty of occasions but everything that came his way was relatively comfortable and he dealt with it well. However, there was one moment late on when he had to be alert to a rasping drive from Alan Browne and he got down well, low to his left, to produce a strong save.

Ndiaye and McBurnie were on the score sheet for the Blades.

Norwood sends the corner in and Woodman manages to palm it away at his near-post. It's worked inside to Parrott, who tees up Whiteman for the first time shot from the edge of the box. We played some fantastic stuff and when you're on top, you've got to put the ball in the back of the net. Ryan Lowe watched on from the stands as his side huffed and puffed for a route back into the game, but the visitors soaked up the pressure and then punished another PNE mistake to kill the game. Parrott is then played in behind and sees his first time effort deflect over the crossbar. The fans pay their hard earned money and have a right to voice their opinion. He takes one touch and shoots but it's charged down well. Maybe I need to instil a bit more of that into the lads, because I don't think we have that ruthless edge at the minute. PNE would've been frustrated to go in goalless but just before the break, they gifted Iliman Ndiaye the ball inside the box and he made them pay. I have got belief, of course I have, that we'll hit the back of the net. The lads coming on are representing Preston North End and they are good lads, who don't need to hear that. However, United goalkeeper Wes Foderingham went in at the break having had little to worry about.

Sheffield United extended their unbeaten run to nine matches with a comfortable 2-0 success on the road against struggling Preston North End.

It could have been even worse for the Lilywhites a couple of minutes later as Ndiaye really should have doubled United’s advantage and also his goal tally for the day, when his shot from a cross was well-stopped by Freddie Woodman. PNE fell asleep when a loose ball was in the air at the edge of their box, allowing Iliman Ndiaye to take control, and the Senegal international worked his way around the box before firing a close-range effort against the post and into the back of the net. PNE did have a lot of possession in the opening encounters as United looked to break on the counter to utilise the pace of Iliman Ndiaye and Rhian Brewster, but it was a last-ditch interception from Chris Basham that stopped Emil Riis from hitting the back of the net after Andrew Hughes’ lung-busting run down the left and subsequent cross.

Sheffield United win 2-0 at Preston to extend their lead at the top of the Sky Bet Championship to three points after Norwich are held by West Brom.

Conor Hourihane struck twice during the closing stages as Derby came from behind to beat Wycombe 2-1. James Norwood added a third in stoppage time. MK Dons won 2-1 at Oxford. Northampton are up to third after Sam Hoskins took his tally for the season to 10 with two goals in a 3-0 victory over rock-bottom Rochdale. Barrow climbed above Stevenage into second as two goals from Josh Gordon, the second a penalty, fired them to a 2-0 win at Newport. Matthew Smith gave the Dons the lead just before half-time, with Will Grigg adding a late second from the penalty spot before John Mousinho nodded in a consolation for the hosts. Collins was eventually replaced by Jamie Searle. Ryan Loft pulled another goal back for Rovers, but Ben House added a sixth for the Imps on the hour and then Collins got his second of the afternoon to complete the scoring in the 65th minute. League One pacesetters Ipswich and Portsmouth both draw. Jay Rodriguez's fifth goal of the season moved Burnley up to fourth in the Championship as they extended their unbeaten run in all competitions to eight games with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Bristol City. Oli McBurnie's fourth goal in five league games helped Sheffield United extend their lead to three points at the top of the Sky Bet Championship after a 2-0 away win over Preston. Sheffield United win 2-0 at Preston to extend their lead at the top of the Sky Bet Championship to three points after Norwich are held by West Brom.

Report and free match highlights from the Sky Bet Championship clash between Preston and Sheffield United at Deepdale as goals from Iliman Ndiaye and Oli ...

"There were some people who applied themselves all the way through to the levels that we expect and what we want, but it wasn't a lack of effort, it was more that we didn't show the same intensity in the first half. We were strong in the end, it was a strong away performance." We were lethargic in the first half and weren't aggressive as we normally are. We got done from a long ball at the top end of the pitch. Sheffield United's Paul Heckingbottom: "We wanted to be better in the second half than we were in the first. We don't clear our lines and we leave it to a goalscorer, who finds a way to get it into the back of our net.

However, United goalkeeper Wes Foderingham went in at the break having had little to worry about. Ben Whiteman sent a couple of powerful efforts over from ...

Set up a chance for Whiteman in the first half, but didn't look overly dangerous in the final third - one deflected shot aside. Dealt well with the threat of Brewster in the first half - aggressive in his defending and stepped out of defence with the ball. A couple of loose moments but he asked questions and looked to be positive on the ball. His header - admittedly played into a poor area - led to the first goal, but others could and should have dealt with it. Battled away but was dispossessed for the second goal and that killed the game. Ryan Lowe watched on from the stands as his side huffed and puffed for a route back into the game, but the visitors soaked up the pressure and then punished another PNE mistake to kill the game.

Sheffield United supporters are beginning to dream of a promotion push this season after their side strengthened their grip on top spot in the Championship ...

Top of the league. @jarv28: 3 away games on the bounce. @david_greatorex: To get 9 points out of 9, no goals conceded from 3 away games in a row is outstanding, especially with the injuries we have.

Sander Berge dispossessed Andrew Hughes and drove into the area to feed Oli McBurnie, who doubled the Blades' advantage on 75 minutes. Second-placed Norwich ...

QPR played out a goalless draw against Stoke City, as did Coventry on the road to Birmingham City and Middlesbrough at home to Rotherham United in the evening kick-off. The sides were goalless late into the contest before Tom Ince scored a stunning free kick to send the Royals into the international break with a win. Sheffield United have maintained their momentum at the top of the Championship in England with a 2-0 win at Preston North End.

The Blades top the table after 10 games and are the team to beat in the Championship.

"No matter what a team throws at us, with or without the ball, we have to be able to handle it and cope with it. Lots of things that are really pleasing and we know we can take confidence from the fact that this is now spilling over from last season and we have to sustain it for a lot longer now." Bournemouth were not far off after 10 games last season, sitting second on 22 points but the other eight were well short of United's current tally. Ten games in, 23 points from 10 games is great and we are delighted with it. I have just said to the players that there will be games we don't win, we accept that, but what we can't accept is us dropping below par. No one is going to make it easy for us. He admitted that his side did not 'wake up' until the 40th minute when Ndiaye danced his way through another defence to inject some life into the visitors. "We are delighted with the start. Sometimes that looks like a lot of possession and breaking down a team sitting in, sometimes that's catching a team on the counter and others we have to be fierce like we were today and really win the battle and earn the right to create chances. But the fact that they were so far off the pace for the majority of that first half and still returned with a comfortable 2-0 win in the end should serve as a warning to the rest of the Championship. When they have had to dig in and sacrifice some of that flair for a more disciplined and workmanlike approach, such as Swansea and Hull away, they have been able to roll up their sleeves and get the job done. In a division Heckingbottom has previously referred to as the fourth best in the world, you need all of those qualities to finish at the top end and United have shown they definitely have that.

Sheffield United extended their lead at the top of the Championship with a comfortable 2-0 win over Preston North End at Deepdale. The Blades had to ride ...

The Dane is struggling in-front of goal and it was clear to see here. Some good touches but still no closer to finding that finishing touch. Alvaro Fernandez – 6 Struggled to get a footing in the game. However, was dispossessed by Sander Berge for Sheffield United’s second goal. Freddie Woodman – 6

Sheffield United were not anywhere near their best in beating Preston - Paul Heckingbottom has a team that is going places.

[Oliver Norwood](https://theathletic.com/football/player/oliver-norwood-AbrH5Xq3ca68jU81/) left [Brad Potts](https://theathletic.com/football/player/brad-potts-UpMd5R2wmBPFk63q/) frustrated by bravely throwing himself in front of his fierce shot. For much of the first half, the Yorkshire visitors, possibly on the back of a tiring midweek trip to [Swansea City](https://theathletic.com/football/team/swansea-city/), were second best. Twelve months earlier, [Reading](https://theathletic.com/football/team/reading/) were top with 22 points and failed to make the play-offs. But look at the players in the squad — there are only five of us staying back this week. “We haven’t looked back since Hecky took the job,” he says. “The year we went up last time (in 2018-19) was strong. “This is the strongest squad I’ve been involved with at Sheffield United,” he said before heading off for some well-earned family time. No wonder Norwood, when asked afterwards the key to United winning when not at their best, quipped: “Give the ball to Iliman.” This ability to dig in when the opposition is on top has helped eradicate what last season became a costly trait of conceding late goals. [Blackburn Rovers](https://theathletic.com/football/team/blackburn-rovers/) (3-0) and [Sunderland](https://theathletic.com/football/team/sunderland/) (2-1) — to add to the sense this is a team genuinely going places. Several were on target but In many ways, though, English football’s second tier is more of a marathon run at the pace of a sprint.

Paul Heckingbottom hailed a "strong away performance" from his Sheffield United side as they strengthened their grip on top spot in the Championship with ...

We needed to be better and we were so in the end, a strong display. "We were lethargic in the first half. We know we needed to be better and in the second half, we were.

Sheffield United manager Paul Heckingbottom acknowledged his side's fortune as they were gifted two goals by Preston North End in their 2-0 win at Deepdale ...

"We knew we needed to be better and in the second half we were. He said: “We wanted to be better in the second half than we were in the first, I think the goal woke us up. We wanted to take risks but Preston were getting in behind us without us even taking any risks.” "I'm delighted in the end with the performance and the win. "A 2-0 away win, they don't come easily and you have to do a lot right to get them. He said: “We know he has those moments in him.