Sheffield United lost to promotion rivals Middlesbrough 3-1 at Bramall Lane to dent their hopes on winning the championship.
Sheffield United took the lead through Oli Mcburnie seven minutes into the game. However Middlesbrough (Boro) took the victory through Chupa Akpom and a second half brace from Cameron Archer.
Sheffield United manager Paul Heckingbottom was sent off after his protests about Boro’s third goal which he believed had a foul on McAtee in the build up.
Nathan Hemmingham, Sheffield United reporter for the Yorkshire post, thought that Sheffield United played well especially in the first 20 minutes.
“The game could have been a lot different with two early chances from Mcburnie and N’Diaye that could have killed the game off early.”
However, Hemmingham thought that Boro were “one of the best, if not the best team I have seen this season at Bramall Lane and really deserved to win the game.”
Hal the Blade, presenter of the Sheff United Way, thought that Sheffield United played well but overall believed Middlesbrough deserved to win the game.
“We started really well, but Boro deserved it, they had the better chances and were more clinical but if you look at the stats we were definitely in the game and it was a lot closer than the score line suggests.”
| Stats from Sheffield United vs Middlesbrough | Sheffield United | Middlesbrough |
| Possession | 49% | 51% |
| Shots | 18 | 17 |
| Shots on Target | 10 | 5 |
| Corners | 6 | 6 |
| Fouls | 10 | 8 |
Sheffield United face Millwall at The Den for the early kick off on Saturday in what promises to be a close contest.
Hemmingham said: “It’s a tough place to go especially losing the unbeaten run the game before and they have lost the past two times in the league so it will be tough.
However, they have won at The Den in the cup this season and we have the experience and I think they can get a result.”
Hal said: “I think we will know where we really are after the game at Millwall. If we put in the same performance as last night then I think we can get a result, but if the fans get frustrated and anxious during the game it could be a very long day for us.”
Sheffield United remain 2nd in the Championship whilst Middlesbrough remain 3rd with 15 games remaining in the season.