Sheffield United comfortably beat Lincoln City 3-0 to put an end to their three-game losing streak in a joyous Bramall Lane.
The Blades took time to get into the game, but managed to score a late goal before half-time through Patrick Bamford. They took control of the game in the second half, which led to two more goals by Tahith Chong and Bamford to complete the latter’s brace.
Chris Wilder’s men were under pressure following this unusually long international break as they had to get back to winning ways after losing three games in a row, and four of their last five.
It was expected to be a tough contest against the recently promoted Imps as they had won their previous three away fixtures and were the third-best defence in the league.
The first half was relatively quiet, with few chances for both teams. Lincoln City tried to put pressure on Sheffield United by delivering a range of crosses in the box, but they ultimately failed to find the back of the net.
The Imps’ best chance came from a cross blocked by Japhet Tanganga, headed back into play by Rob Street which led to Freddie Draper missing a header just over the bar.
Sheffield United progressively got back into the game and tried to score twice from distance, Joe Rothwell’s effort went just wide, while Ben Brereton Díaz’s half-volley was not dangerous enough to truly test George Wickens.
Moments later, Rothwell passed the ball to Sam McCallum at the edge of the box, who sent a low cross towards Bamford, who managed to get a slight touch on it to put it past the keeper at the far post.
After a very even first half, the Blades started the second half confidently and took control of the game.
They nearly scored a second goal just a few seconds into the half, as Bamford set up Sydie Peck with a brilliant outside-foot pass. Peck then crossed it to Rothwell, who missed the target.
Swiftly after, Chong passed the ball to Rothwell, who played it back to him with a perfect pass on the left-hand side of the box. The Curaçao international managed to slot the ball in the back of the net to make it 2-0.
The Blades continued to push and made it 3-0 following a brilliant cross by Brereton Díaz, which was volleyed superbly by Bamford to complete his brace in front of a vibrant Kop Stand.
Lincoln City really struggled to make an impact in this second half, their only good opportunity came in the final minutes of the game, after Sheffield United took their foot off the gas. A low cross from Callum Elder found Mikkel Ladefodeg, who forced a splendid save from Michael Cooper. The ball fell back to him but he missed the target.
The end of the international break meant the Blades welcomed a few players back from injury. McCallum started the game, while Ryan Oné came on at the 85th minute. Harrison Burrows was also included in the squad but didn’t play.
In the post-match press conference, Wilder said: “It was a bit scruffy at the start but once we got the first goal we had control of the game.
“We needed good performances from the players and I think today we got that, they really enjoyed that especially when that first goal went in.”
Sheffield United will be looking to build on this win as they travel to the south coast to play Portsmouth on Wednesday, whereas Lincoln City look for a win at home to West Ham.
Image Credit: Richard Edwards
