Storm Francis rips through Sheffield United's pre-season plans at Dundee United

Sheffield United’s first pre-season game ahead of the new Premier League season fell victim to Storm Francis, as the referee was forced to abandon the fixture at half time.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Chris Wilder’s side were leading, courtesy of Billy Sharp’s strike just before the interval, when the decision was taken to call a halt because of the worsening conditions inside Tannadice Park.

Although the outcome clearly came as a disappointment to Wilder, who could be seen shaking his head when Steven McLean relayed the news to both him and his opposite number Micky Mellon, it was hardly a surprise. On several occasions, as the rain became heavier and the wind stronger, players from both teams fell awkwardly during challenges.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“I had no problems with it whatsoever,” Wilder said. “It was the right thing to do.”

Billy Sharp after scoring for Sheffield United against Dundee United in a match that was abandoned at half timeBilly Sharp after scoring for Sheffield United against Dundee United in a match that was abandoned at half time
Billy Sharp after scoring for Sheffield United against Dundee United in a match that was abandoned at half time

As it turned out, the match was bookended by two incidents involving Sharp - who partnered Callum Robinson in attack. It was less than five minutes old when Ross Graham attempted a sliding tackle on Sander Berge as the Norwegian prepared to square the ball from the byline after bursting into the penalty area. It was, unsurprisingly given the precarious surface, mistimed. Sharp stepped up to take the resulting spot kick but it rebounded back off an upright and was hacked clear.

With Robinson a lively presence, despite seemingly being destined for West Brom as part of a swap deal involving Oli Burke, and academy graduate Regan Slater impressing in an unfamiliar role at wing-back, Dundee United goalkeeper Mehmet Deniz as forced to make a series of fine saves to keep Wilder’s men at bay. He did well to deny Robinson midway through, after John Fleck had created the opportunity with a clever pass, before palming behind for a corner when the move was recycled.

Dundee United had their moments and battled well. But the gulf in experience between the two sides, despite a series of enforced changes on the visitors’ behalf, was evident throughout. Three minutes before the interval, which also proved to be the end, Berge and Sharp combined again to break the deadlock; the latter sliding home into an empty net after reacting first when the Norwegian’s shot was parried.