Sheffield United edged out Portsmouth to take all 3 points with a 2-1 home victory in what was an open, well contested Championship match.
It was the visitors who started the brighter and six minutes in Portsmouth had a good chance to open the scoring. Colby Bishop found himself in acres of space in the box and tried to round Michael Cooper, but the Blades’ keeper did well to stick a leg out and turn the ball behind for a corner.
Portsmouth continued to press and should have scored again with 17 minutes on the clock. Callum Lang found himself unmarked at the far post but could only put his chance high and wide from five yards out.
A few minutes later, Sheffield United showed their class to take the lead against the run of play through top-scorer Gustavo Hamer. The Dutchman cut in from the left and curled home from 12 yards out for his 7th league goal of the season so far.
United’s lead didn’t last long however as Pompey equalised three minutes later, as left-back Connor Oglivie poked home from close range following superb wing play by Josh Murphy, who would go on to be named Man of the Match.
Oglivie should have had another on the stroke of half time; with the defender squandering a huge chance by heading over from a few yards out.
Portsmouth continued their good first half performance and started strongly after the interval, with Colby Bishop having a goal ruled out for offside in the 48th minute.
Chances followed for both sides but it was Sheffield United who retook the lead in the 73rd minute through Jesurun Rak-Sakyi. The winger, on loan from Crystal Palace, finished off a good team move and restored the Blades’ lead.
Portsmouth’s momentum was shattered by the hosts’ second goal, and John Mousinho’s men failed to regain a hold on the match in the final 15 minutes.
Rhian Brewster had the chance to make it 3-1 with the last kick of the match as he raced through on goal, but the former England U21 striker saw his shot cannon back off the crossbar.
Referee Oliver Langford blew for full time a few seconds later, with Sheffield United taking all 3 points in what was a closely fought match.
Blades return to action on Wednesday night against Middlesbrough at Bramall Lane, while Portsmouth will be hoping for a better result at home to Cardiff City on Tuesday evening.
