Five stand-out performers from Sheffield United's 3-0 win over Lincoln City
Five stand-out Sheffield United players after the 3-0 win over Lincoln City, who will be looking ahead to Wednesday vs Portsmouth
After Sheffield United’s comfortable victory over Lincoln City at Bramall Lane, here are five top performers from Saturday’s match who will be looking to continue their form in Wednesday night’s clash against Portsmouth at Fratton Park.
Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder opted for his trusted 4-4-2 system, which saw Tom Cannon and Patrick Bamford lead the line, with the latter scoring two of the three goals.
Patrick Bamford
The 33-year-old centre-forward showed his experience with two ‘proper striker’ finishes, with the second being a volley rifling into the bottom corner.
Not only did the striker finish his chance exquisitely, but he also did incredibly well to lose his defender to get on the end of Ben Brereton Diaz’s deep cross. Bamford had plenty of time to decide what he wanted to do, which can often lead to the ball landing in row Z, but not on this occasion.
Although his first goal wasn’t quite as spectacular, the seasoned professional used his instinct to find the back of the net. A finish that may have looked easy on the eye, but a first-time finish without looking at the goal is far from simple.
Aside from his own goals, Bamford was involved in creating chances for United and executed strong hold-up play.
Tahith Chong
With the Curaçao international yet to score for United at the start of the day, Chong will be hoping Saturday’s goal can be the first of many for United.
Wilder insisted that Chong ‘has to produce performances’ following a disappointing debut season at Bramall Lane.
After being moved out onto the left-hand side midway through the first half against Lincoln City, the 26-year-old showed bravery in his direct runs and was rewarded with his goal.
Joe Rothwell
The former Rangers midfielder had one of his best performances in red and white, offering dynamic runs but also keeping up his defensive duties.
He notably assisted Chong’s goal as he burst into the box before putting the winger through.
The 31-year-old will be disappointed he didn’t get on the scoresheet, though, after missing a huge opportunity at the start of the second half.
Sam McCallum
With Harrison Burrows still not available, McCallum has to step up to offer an attacking threat on the left, as his opposite, Hamza Choudhury, is a much more defensive full-back.
Not only did McCallum pick out Bamford to break the deadlock, he was non-stop up and down the left flank while also contributing defensively to shut out Lincoln City for the most part.
Should the wing-back consistently perform at the levels he showed on Saturday, Burrows may not simply walk back into the starting eleven.
Ben Brereton Diaz
The Chile international also benefited from the switch to the other flank, as he assisted Bamford’s volley with his pinpoint cross.
When playing on the right, he found more space in threatening areas and his passes increased in quality, as he also played his part in the build-up to Bamford’s first goal.