Once again the Blades shunned maximum league points at home to Oldham Athletic last Saturday, United were poor in the first half and failed to accumulate any opportunities in front of goal, whilst the Latics saw a goal disallowed for offside. United were better in the second and were awarded with a penalty when Dave Kitson was man handled in the box; Nick Blackman (59th minute) stepped and coolly sent the keeper the wrong way to score and United looked to see a third straight win on the cards until substitute Smith steered home Baxter's cross deep into stoppage time.
United and the Magpies met in League One action on 29 September at Bramall Lane with each side sharing a 1-1 draw. Yet, a win looked on the cards against County and I am sure that Blades fans like myself will consider the game as 'two points lost' - United squander a hat full of opportunities to score until they finally did; Dave Kitson (51st minute) heading home Ryan Flynn's quick-fire crossing after Nick Blackman was denied twice in quick succession. Football villain Lee Hughes (76) levelled the scores following a badly defended corner and despite making further attempts to score, the Blades failed to do so and was forced to settle for a point.
The Cutlers were handed a 'bye' in the first round of this seasons Johnstone Paint Trophy but last season reached the third round after seeing off Burton Albion and Rotherham United (both 2-1) in away games before facing Bradford City at the Lane live on Sky. The Blades and the Bantams drew 1-1 and with the scores locked at 90 minutes a penalty shoot-out was played out with City winning 6-5.
Blades boss Danny Wilson is faced with a slight selection headache ahead of tonight's clash, they had already lost defender Neill Collins (injured) prior to there game at Leyton Orient on two weeks ago with Marcus Williams taking his place - but 11 minutes into the match keeper Mark Howard was forced off through injury and had to be replaced by Academy player George Long. Elsewhere on the injury front, defender Lescinel Jean-Francois has reported on twitter that he has been given the ok to return to full training.
Blades boss Danny Wilson is likely field Kevin McDonald to face his former club. He joined Meadow Lane on loan from Burnley in February 2011 until the end of the season - making his debut in a 2-0 home defeat to Exeter City and went onto make 10 (+1) appearances for the Magpies.
Nott's County stopped a rot of three games without a win with a fine 4-0 victory claimed at Carlisle United on Saturday, prior to that there only points accumulated was the draw at Barmall Lane - though it was the Magpies thirteen away games without defeat in a row (six this season).
Midfielder Andre Boucaud has since returned from suspension; he sat out the 1-1 draw at Bramall Lane during his three match ban, whilst Alan Sheehan (hamstring) will retain his place on the bench after recovering from injury.
Blades-Mad Prediction: Nott's County 1-2 Sheffield United