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Frustrated Blades make their point - MATCH REPORT AND SLIDESHOW
Sheffield United 2 Blackpool 2 KEVIN Blackwell always predicted this match would stretch Sheffield United's patience.
But little did he suspect it would test their durability too.
David Cotterill's second-half penalty salvaged a point for the hosts after two defensive errors had conspired to leave Blackpool on the brink of what would have been a momentous victory.
And further evidence that the path towards promotion is strewn with surprises was uncovered when it emerged that, far from losing ground in the race for the Premier League, United had in fact climbed one place to fourth following last night's hard-fought draw.
"To come back from 2-1 down meant it was a good point," Blackwell's assistant Sam Ellis insisted.
"Everybody is scrapping and we're a bit frustrated with the way things have gone elsewhere.
"But everything is still up for grabs and, as we've seen, this has got to be the hardest division to get out of.
"Blackpool took their chances when they came but we showed good spirit."
Blackpool manager Tony Parkes, born in the Steel City but of the blue and white persuasion, may not be entirely convinced of United's top-flight credentials.
"They're a tough team although, if I'm being honest, we've played better in the top six of the table."
But while United arguably lack the craft and guile of Reading or even Cardiff, their dogged determination, their sheer will to win means few clubs will relish facing them along the finishing straight.
"You've got to give great credit to the players to hit back," Ellis added.
"But that's their style, that's their attitude and it's a good base to build on."
Having warned their opponents were prepared to "give everything" in pursuit of Championship survival, Blackwell will have been delighted to see his team take the lead within the first five minutes.
Parkes may have crossed the Pennines intent on provoking a war of attrition but when Cotterill, restored to the starting eleven after being rested at the weekend, pierced a crowded penalty box with an in-swinging corner, the ball ended-up nestling in the bottom corner of Paul Rachubka's net.
Danny Coid got the final touch but the Wales international, determined not to be denied only his second goal of the season, wheeled away in celebration.
With Roy O'Donovan withdrawing after being taken ill during the warm-up, Blackpool had barely broken sweat before seeing their tactical master plan consigned to the dustbin.
Danny Webber attempted to exploit the confusion among the visitors' ranks with a jinking run and shot as United threatened to seize complete control. But three minutes before the interval debutant Nick Blackman dragged Blackpool level with a deflected effort after DJ Campbell, who had earlier sent a low drive fizzing just past the foot of Paddy Kenny's post, robbed Matthew Kilgallon of possession.
Worse was to follow when Campbell, a constant source of irritation to United's rearguard, edged Blackpool in front five minutes after the re-start.
Alex Baptiste's through ball released the former Birmingham marksman and when Chris Morgan, who appeared to have snuffed-out the danger, dithered a moment too long, Kenny, left horribly exposed, was powerless to prevent Campbell prodding home.
"We don't usually concede like that," Ellis admitted. "It's not a usual part of our game."
With substitute Craig Beattie leading the charge, United emerged from their stupor to pepper Rachubka's goal.
Webber shaved the woodwork while Morgan and Kyle Naughton also went close but another Campbell effort, which Kenny foiled with his legs, appeared to sap their confidence until Rachubka was adjudged to have brought down Jamie Ward and Cotterill converted.
Ellis' view
From 2-1 down I thought it was a good point. Obviously we were disappointed not to take all three because that's what we wanted to do but it's of great credit to the players that they came back. That's our style. It's their attitude and a good base to build from.
"I was sat in the stands and it was stonewall," Ellis said.
What do you think? Post your comments below.
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Blades Watch 08-09 - The Season So Far
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Friday 10 February 2012
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