League One: Sheffield United 2-1 Notts County

by Adam D Sat 03 Aug 2013, 1:04 pm

By [b style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"]Peter Wells (twitter- @boxingsaddler):[/b]

With the new season officially underway, Harry Maguire's 66th minute header secured a 2-1 victory for Sheffield United against 10 man Notts County.

After 13 minutes of play Gary Liddle's reckless high boot came down hard on the ribcage of Kevin McDonald, warranting the centre half an early shower. Despite the protests there was little substance in arguing Liddle's case.

United who were already enjoying a large percentage of possession had just seconds earlier survived a scare when Danny Haynes headed towards goal from a corner only to be denied by keeper George Long.

Sheffield United continued to apply pressure as Febian Brandy and Jamie Murphy looked lively on both wings. Finally the breakthrough came when Darryl Westlake's low ball was slotted into the bottom corner by the on-rushing McDonald.

The lead was almost snatched away before the break when a County free kick was headed wide by Joss Labadie.

In the second half, United had several chances to wrap up the game, but failed to convert their chances. Chris Porter was the guiltiest of all when he leaned back to fire over from 7 yards out after a fantastic run from Brandy.

Then on 59 minutes they were made to pay when substitute Enoch Showunmi shrugged off the attentions of Maguire before firing into the bottom corner from just outside the penalty area.

With the crowd in shock, United set about restoring their lead. The chance came about when a free kick was given just outside the corner of the area, when there seemed nothing to award a free kick for. Even so Notts County could not be excused for the poor defending from the resulting set piece. Maguire was left unattended at the back post to nod over the keeper and into the back of the net.

County gave it their all but despite some late pressure, they couldn't find a chance to find an unlikely leveller. Sheffield on the other end had several more chances to seal the deal but failed to do so.

Both teams will have plenty to be pleased about. 3 points to start the campaign for United while Notts County showed plenty of energy and commitment to remain competitive for so long with a man light.

You can follow Peters blog at http://premierleague4fans.blogspot.co.uk/2013/08/league-one-sheffield-united-2-1-notts.html

Other articles of Interest:

The v2Football Show with Adi Moses
Last weeks football podcast with Cardiff Citys Craig Conway