Sheffield United vs Blackpool

Nine-man Blackpool were denied a stunning win against league leaders Sheffield United after a chaotic encounter at Bramall Lane.

After a string of late corners, the Blades finally equalised in the eighth minute of stoppage time, Norwood forcing the ball home from the edge of the box. With four minutes remaining, after a predictable spell of pressure from the hosts, the Blades were awarded a penalty when Yates was adjudged to have pulled a shirt in the box. Against all the odds, the Seasiders nearly won the game with the final kick of the game as CJ Hamilton got in behind, only to be crowded at the all-important moment. Blackpool’s display was summed up by the tireless running of Shayne Lavery, who sprinted the length of the field to make a crucial defensive header as the home side looked to get in at the back post. Two minutes into the eight minutes added on, substitute Anel Ahmdedhodzic forced the ball back home for the home side, only to turn around and see the linesman’s flag was raised for offside. The physio team and doctor tended to Bridcutt for a considerable period of time, although the midfielder was able to eventually return. It was such a clever goal from the backtracking forward too, somehow managing to stretch his neck to head back across goal and into the far corner of the net after being picked out by Kenny Dougall’s clever cross. But referee David Webb disagreed, giving Blackpool a free-kick instead and brandishing a yellow to McAtee, much to the frustration of the Blades supporters who were already frustrated with their side’s display as it was. The midfielder took a couple of attempts to score but he eventually bundled the ball home despite the best attempts of Blackpool’s defenders. The home side, as they were always going to at some point, enjoyed a spell of pressure as they began to get in behind Blackpool’s left worryingly often. Wes Foderingham was shown a straight red for the Blades, while Shayne Lavery was also brandished a red despite only appearing to be wrestled to the floor. The home side, who started the game top of the table despite losing two of their last three encounters, had the ball in the back of the net inside two minutes.