Sheffield United rounded off a crucial three-game week with only their second point as they came from behind to draw at Birmingham City this afternoon, despite playing the majority of the game with 10 men. The game turned midway through the first half when Femi Seriki was sent off.
To compound United’s frustration the Blues then went ahead from the resulting free-kick but United didn’t cave and dragged themselves level on the stroke of half-time, when the returning Patrick Bamford rounded James Beadle to score.
The Blades could have levelled earlier had Sydie Peck converted a bizarre penalty conceded by ex-Blade Jack Robinson while the home side hit the woodwork four times in a clash full of incident, if not goals.
Here’s how we rated the Blades at St. Andrew’s...
9. Callum O'Hare 5
As ever he ran himself into the ground but in truth his influence in the game was always going to be a little bit limited once United went down to 10 men and a striker made way as part of a reshuffle. He was barracked throughout by the home supporters and buzzed about off the left before making way for Hjelde later in the game as part of another shape change | UGC Photo: UGC
10. Patrick Bamford 7
Back on the teamsheet and back on the scoresheet as well, dragging United level on the stroke of half-time with a lovely bit of composure. He did superbly to take down Burrows' chipped pass and then didn't panic, taking the ball around Beadle and rolling it into the empty net. He could have levelled earlier on, too, with a well-directed header that Beadle did well to save down to his right | UGC Photo: UGC
11. Danny Ings n/a
A surprise starter in the eyes of most Unitedites after coming in for his first start since January's FA Cup defeat to Mansfield but Wilder had hinted at turning to experience and was true to his word, even if Ings' afternoon was cut short prematurely when he was the unlucky man sacrificed for Hoever after Seriki's red card | UGC Photo: UGC
12. Notable subs - Ki-Jana Hoever 5
Came on for Ings as part of the reshuffle and will have been a relieved man when he needlessly gave away a foul by barging into Laird, and the resulting free-kick was headed against the bar by Klarer rather than into the back of the United net. But did well late on to win the ball back and look to set up a chance for Cannon, who had strayed just offside as he raced clear | UGC Photo: UGC