Despite drawing at what many would have suggested a 'banker' away win the Blades remain six games unbeaten . Sincve beating Colchester United 4-1 on 10 February United have drawn two games and won four matches and whilst they currently fall 9 points behind the two top they are on a lighter note 8 points clear of 7th placed Chesterfield with tonight's opponents Peterborough only a point behind our local rivals.
A late penalty from substitute Marc McNulty rescued a point for Sheffield United who were guilty of poor finishing in a 1-1 draw at relegation-threatened Crawley. Defender Richard Wood gave the hosts the lead against the run of play before McNulty kept his cool from the spot to convert his 12th goal of the season. Blades goalkeeper Iain Turner came to United's rescue early on when tipping a goalbound 25-yard drive from Mathias Pogba over the crossbar. Visiting defender Chris Basham had the ball in the net in the 16th minute when he turned in a cross from Jamie Murphy but was deemed to be in an off-side position.
Blades skipper Michael Doyle then wasted a glorious opportunity to put United ahead eight minutes before the break when he blazed over from eight yards after Crawley goalkeeper Lewis Price had parried an effort from Murphy. United continued to press after the interval and defender John Brayford had a low shot parried before substitute Kieran Freeman fired an angled shot over. Blades defender Bob Harris was only just off target with a left-footed shot which flew inches wide of Price's left-hand post, but Wood, on loan from Rotherham and making his home debut, put Crawley ahead in the 63rd minute by heading home Anthony Wordsworth's free-kick at the near post. But Blades substitute McNulty made it 1-1 after 81 minutes from the penalty spot, sending Price the wrong way after Crawley skipper Ryan Dickson had brought down Matty Done.
The hosts will once again be without midfielder Jose Baxter who serves the last of a three match ban following his sending off at home to Coventry City ten days ago and will be able to face Fleetwood Town at home on Saturday. Meanwhile striker Michael Higdon (hamstring) and midfielder Stefan Scougall (knee) both remain doubtful and defender Terry Kennedy is sidelined with a knee injury so Kieron Freeman could return to the starting XI.
Peterborough, who will be looking to sneak into the play-offs come May lay tenth in the League One table after beting Bradford City by two goals to nil at London Road. It was the Posh's second win in six matches (1 drawn) with three defeats as they look to appoint a new boss following the dismissal of Darren Ferguson.
Caretaker boss Dave Robertson enjoyed a winning start in the Peterborough dugout as Posh sank FA Cup heroes Bradford 2-0 at the ABAX Stadium. Academy manager Robertson, handed the first-team reins following the departure of Darren Ferguson last weekend, guided his side to a welcome win that keeps them within touching distance of the play-off places. A scruffy goal early in the second half set them on their way with Bradford defender Stephen Darby appearing to get the final touch after goalkeeper Jordan Pickford had failed to punch clear a 52nd-minute Jon Taylor free-kick.
And victory was clinched in the final minute when Michael Bostwick thumped in a penalty after Alan Sheehan had handled a cross from substitute Harry Beautyman. Most of the other goalmouth incident had arrived early in the game with Luke James being denied by a fine near-post stop from Pickford before recalled defender Gaby Zakuani headed a Joe Newell corner wide. Bradford offered little as they dropped out of the play-off places. Sheehan saw a first-half shot saved by Ben Alnwick before Andy Halliday volleyed over their best chance of the second period.
Caretaker boss Dave Robertson will be without long term absentees Jermaine Anderson (toe) and Jack Baldwin (knee) through injury but will be hoping that Conor Washington (back) and Marcus Maddison (dead leg) are able to return to the Peterborough side after nearing full fitness.
Blades-Mad Prediction: Sheffield United 1 Peterborough United 0
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