Sheffield United stretched their unbeaten run in all competitions to five games as they beat Rochdale 1-0 at Bramall Lane. Jamal Campbell-Ryce's 86th-minute goal, which took a wicked deflection off Stephen Dawson, proved enough to hand all three points to Nigel Clough's side. However, the visitors had earlier gone close when Ian Henderson struck the crossbar. Despite gaining promotion last season, Rochdale appear more than comfortable at League One level and caused their opponents plenty of problems during an entertaining first half.
But despite seeing Mark Howard forced to divert Peter Vincenti's shot away from goal midway through the opening period, it was United who created the better chances with Jose Baxter a particular threat. The former Everton and Oldham midfielder glanced aheader just wide after meeting Ben Davies' fifth-minute centre before giving Conrad Logan a scare from long range. Jamie Murphy also went close with a curling attempt as the match became increasingly stretched. But it was Rochdale who made the brighter start to the second half as Matthew Done and Vincenti both tried their luck.
United, who saw Jamie Murphy limp off with an injury, wrestled back control when Chris Basham tested Logan's handling skills with a stooping header. The Rochdale goalkeeper showed good reflexes again when Neill Collins climbed highest to meet a corner. Henderson, who impressed for Rochdale, struck the crossbar with a powerful shot on the turn.
Baxter, United's most impressive player, beat the wall but not Logan with a free-kick while substitute Marc McNulty blazed wastefully wide after seizing possession in midfield. But Logan was powerless to stop Campbell-Ryce's cross flying into the back of his net during the closing stages.
Midfielder James Wallace is looking to make his starting debut in United colours after shaking off a groin problem. Meanwhile Stefan Scougall (knee) and Florent Cuvelier (ligaments) have both returned to training but are unlikely to feature tonight.
Blades boss Nigel Clough is likely to field forward Jamal Campbell-Ryce to face his former club. JCR spent time at the U's on loan from Rotherham United in March 2006, making his debut in a 1-0 loss at Nottingham Forest and returned to Millmoor in May having made just one (+3) appearances.
Colchester United remain in the bottom four relegation slots despite a shock 2-0 victory at Leyton Orient last Saturday. Second-half goals by Sanchez Watt and Freddie Sears gave 10-men Colchester their first league win of the season as they beat Leyton Orient 2-0 at Brisbane Road. The visitors had their captain Magnus Okuonghae sent off for a reckless challenge on O's striker David Mooney two minutes before the break but they regrouped effectively to run out worthy winners. After a sterile first-half, the opening goal came following a corner for the home side who had pushed bodies forward only for the set-piece to be cleared. The pacy Sears picked up the clearance just inside in his own half before releasing the unmarked Watt who steered the ball past goalkeeper Gary Woods with ease.
Colchester doubled their lead when Sears turned from provider to scorer. Orient defender Mathieu Baudry committed a howler when he sliced an intended clearance straight into the path of Sears to score from eight yards out. U's keeper Sam Walker was called upon to produce saves from Chris Dagnall, Jay Simpson and Shane Lowry but Colchester were good value for their first win under recently-appointed manager Tony Humes. The U's had actually started the match with 10 players. Referee Keith Stroud was apparently unhappy with the colour of the ankle support worn by George Moncur and instructed the player to ensure the team's yellow socks were worn over the offending item. After a minute, the player was able to join the action.
The U's will be without captain Magnus Okuonghae who will serve a four match ban following his red card at Brisbane Road. Having already recieved a red card this season he will miss the tie at home to the Blades as well as fixtures against; Bradford City, Crewe Alexandra and Preston North End before being eligable at home to Fleetwood Town on 11 October. Meanwhile they will be without Tosin Olufemi (Achilles) through injury.
Blades-Mad Prediction: Colchester United 1 Sheffield United 3