Michael O'Neill laments goals Stoke City conceded in Sheffield United defeat

The visitors led through Jacob Brown’s second-half strike, but the Blades turned things around with two late goals from substitutes Lys Mousset and David McGoldrick to register their first win in three games.

“We’re disappointed, obviously,” the former Northern Ireland manager said.

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“The first half was pretty even and they made it difficult for us at times. We struggled with that and we asked for a reaction at half time, and got that for the first 25 minutes of the second half.

“We were in control but the game changed with the substitutions. We’re disappointed with the goals but we have to accept it and go again.

“The lesson for us if we don’t score that second goal, the opposition are still in the game. Their first goal, we overcommit two or three times and it made it easier for the attacker with his decisions. The second happens when we’re down to 10 men but we still had enough behind the ball. We have to do better to stop the cross and it was a disappointing goal to lose to.”

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“When you’re away from home it’s always more difficult,” O’Neill added.

“The home side got their tails up. The goal lifted them massively and the crowd react to that, you can see the confidence grow. You have to be more resolute.”

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