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MATCH REPORT AND SLIDE SHOW - Unplayable United can think big
Sheff Utd 2 Halford (19), Henderson (27) Ipswich 0
KEVIN Blackwell has made precious few mistakes since taking charge at Bramall Lane.
But the Sheffield United manager's prediction that Ipswich Town - one of the Championship's most formidable propositions away from home and, until Saturday evening, harbouring play-off aspirations of their own - would provide awkward opposition proved to be a gross error of judgement.
Greg Halford and Darius Henderson, two players Blackwell brought to the club last summer, delivered the goals which enabled fourth-placed United to move within three points of Birmingham City in second.
"You always look to the big uns like Greg and Hendo," he said. "But we are a real team in the true sense of the word.
"There are no really big names here and if someone has to carry someone else then they are prepared to do it.
"When you've got strikers who are willing to chase back and put in tackles on the edge of their own box then, to be honest, I think that speaks absolute volumes."
United, who entertain Barnsley tomorrow, have indeed built their success on egalitarianism and a prodigious work ethic.
But, even under Blackwell's ego-free regime, some are more equal than others.
Together with David Cotterill and the hugely promising Jamie Ward, Halford and Henderson spread a veneer of quality across an industrious squad which now senses it can snatch automatic promotion.
The latter is a proven performer at this level - what you see is what you get from the former Watford and Gillingham striker - but Halford, on a season-long loan from Sunderland, had been something of an enigma until his arrival in South Yorkshire.
His 19th-minute opener - an unstoppable curling shot from the edge of the penalty box - was a reminder of the qualities which once made him one of the most sought-after young defenders on the country.
"Greg is six foot three inches tall, he's got pace, he's got strength, he can kick it, shoot it, pretty much everything really," Blackwell, who once again employed him in a more advanced role, oozed.
"Perhaps part of Greg's problem has been that he's just too adaptable.
"When we came up against Hull in the cup a while back, Michael Turner was saying afterwards that he was the most powerful player he's come up against all year, which is some statement when you think he's been competing in the Premier League against the likes of Didier Drogba.
"Greg will tell you that this is the first time he's felt settled anywhere in ages and we're reaping the rewards.
"He really doesn't know how good he can be."
Halford's effort, which he later described as "one of the best of my career," laid the foundations for a first-half performance Blackwell believed was "unplayable".
Ipswich, including former United favourites Jon Stead and Alan Quinn in their starting line-up, improved after the interval.
But with Chris Morgan and Matthew Kilgallon marshalling the Town forwards tighter than a French factory worker shadows the boss, Blades keeper Paddy Kenny was a spectator until the closing stages.
Henderson and Halford, by contrast, were afforded far too much space on the edge of the area, a situation they ruthlessly exploited to end the visitors' challenge after just 27 minutes.
Having seen Halford curl home after receiving possession from Gary Naysmith, Henderson followed suit by powering a header beyond Richard Wright after Kyle Naughton had seized upon more indecisive defending.
Ward hit the post and Wright was forced to claw Cotterill's cross away to safety as United , full of confidence, threatened to run riot.
Kenny parried away Pim Balkestein's attempt at the death but not before Ward had spurned a glorious opportunity to increase United's advantage after the Dutchman had dithered a moment too long.
"First goals are always important," Ipswich manager Jim Magilton said. "Especially when United are at home, flying high and full of confidence.
"To give Halford, with his ability, that much room was criminal. He punished us, and the second was also poor on our part.
"We lacked punch and I doubt we can make the Play-offs now."
Boss's view
I'm delighted. I thought we were unplayable for 45 minutes.
After that, we still had some great chances to finish them off.
Greg's goal was as good as you'll see anywhere. He's been good all season but he can still give us more. He's got more than the Average Joe, that's for sure.
Got a view? Add your comment below.
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Weather for Sheffield
Friday 10 February 2012
Today
Fog
Temperature: -6 C to 0 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
Wind direction: South east
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Sunny spells
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