Sheffield United consolidated their place in the Championship play-offs after beating Cardiff City 1-0 at Bramall Lane.
The Blades began in an edgy fashion, but Iliman Ndiaye’s second-half header sealed a big three points in the race for the top six. Sander Berge also hit the post while the Blades had a couple of penalty appeals turned down – one by the returning skipper Billy Sharp, who received a standing ovation on his return to the side after a hamstring injury.
Here’s how we rated United’s players on an afternoon that play-off rivals Middlesbrough, Luton Town and Millwall all drew, putting United in a good position in the table with just two games of the regular Championship season to play …
Almost put the Blades ahead when he took down Gibbs-White's pass beautifully before Phillips made the save from his effort. Did brilliantly well to fashion a shot which was touched behind by Phillips Photo: Simon Bellis
Great vision and then execution to lift the ball over the Cardiff defence for Berge, but Phillips denied what would have been a sublime goal. Picked out Ndiaye with a superb cross for his goal, too. Some player Photo: Simon Bellis
Was perhaps an unlikely source of a towering headed goal but it capped a great display from the young Frenchman, who is so strong when he looks after the ball and prevents defenders from knocking him over. Photo: Simon Bellis
12. Sheffield, England, 4th March 2022. Billy Sharp of Sheffield Utd celebrates scoring the first goal during the Sky Bet Championship match at Bramall Lane, Sheffield. Picture credit should read: Andrew Yates / Sportimage
Billy Sharp should start against Cardiff City this afternoon: Andrew Yates / Sportimage Photo: Andrew Yates
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