Why Chris Wilder was so delighted after Sheffield United's "big win" over Bristol Rovers

United, who last tasted victory in any competition back in July, overcame the League One strugglers thanks to an own goal from Rovers 'keeper Joe Day, Oliver Burke and Jayden Bogle.

Rovers defenders Alfie Kilgour and Max Ehmer equalised from set-pieces for the Sky Bet League One hosts, but United held their nerve to finally win at the 19th attempt this season.

"We needed a win obviously, because of the form and the results that we've produced so far," Wilder said.

"We needed it for the players and for the football club. We went as strong as we could with the selection. It's not a huge game for a lot of people outside our club but it’s a big win for us because of the run we've been on.

"We had to get a result for the players and for the supporters. The players' confidence and belief has been dented and the results haven't been great for the supporters, either. We've got through a very tricky tie, a lot of people would have expected a home win."

Billy Sharp and Phil Jagielka were back in the squad after recovering from Covid-19, although the pair only returned to training on the eve of this tie, but Enda Stevens and George Baldock will both be assessed ahead of Tuesday evening's Premier League clash with Newcastle United.

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