James Shield's Player Ratings: How Sheffield United fared against Hull City

David McGoldrick's second-half penalty, following Eric Lichaj's foul on Jack O'Connell, proved enough to secure propel Chris Wilder's side above West Bromwich Albion and Leeds, after 12 games of the season.

Dean Henderson 8

The mark of a good goalkeeper is producing key saves after long periods of inactivity. The youngster, on loan from Manchester United, did exactly that at the beginning of the second-half to thwart Nouha Dicko at the near post before twice denying Markus Henriksen.

Jack O'Connell 6

Drew the foul from Tommy Elphick which presented David McGoldrick with the chance to score from the penalty spot. It was a rare foray forward from the usually swashbuckling centre-half, who went about his business with the bare minimum of fuss..

John Egan 6

His head still bandaged after sustaining a nasty cut against Millwall last weekend, the latest in a long catalogue of lumps, bumps and lacerations, the centre-half can always be relied upon to go in where it hurts. 

Chris Basham 8

Was presented with a memento to commemorate his 200th start for the club before kick-off. The centre-half duly produced another typically industrious display and always looked to overlap his midfielders whenever the opportunity presented itself.

Enda Stevens 7

Enjoyed an early sight of goal when Reece Burke miscontrolled a David McGoldrick cross but could not prod the ball home past David Marshall. Continued to press forward and created chances for Kieron Freeman and Billy Sharp soon after, as he camped in Hull City's half.

Kieron Freeman 7

Signalled his intention to spend his afternoon charging forward rather than tracking back early on, drawing a fine block from Reece Burke after some good work by his fellow wing-back Stevens.

Oliver Norwood 6

Constantly demanded possession but, with City clearly intent on squeezing play, was confronted by a wall of black and amber shirts whenever he received it. Not the Northern Ireland international's most effective appearance of his United career so far. 

John Fleck 6

Like Norwood, was not his usual dynamic self. But, like Norwood, always urged his team mates to give him the ball and tried to make things happen. He very nearly did just past the hour when Billy Sharp's acrobatic attempt flew just wide from a clever cross.

Mark Duffy 6

Threatened to take control of the fixture midway through the first-half before City found their feet towards the end of the opening period. Always looked dangerous with the ball and provided Stevens with a chance after wrong footing his marker with a clever back heel.

Billy Sharp 6

United's skipper never stopped running as he searched for his ninth goal of the season. But clear cut openings were few and far between. His best chance of the afternoon, which still forced him to arch his back before plucking the ball out of the air, flew wide of the far post.

David McGoldrick 7

Showed some neat touches and linked up play, despite the congestion, well. Having wrestled penalty duties from his captain, the former Ipswich Town centre-forward was composure personified as he stepped-up to convert from the spot in front of The Kop after Lichaj's foul.

Substitutes: Paul Coutts (Duffy, 66), Leon Clarke (Sharp, 88), Marvin Johnson (McGoldrick 88).

Not used: Moore, Stearman, Washington.