The Blades had been penned in to face Walsall last Saturday, but due to three call-ups the Saddlers decided to cancel this arrangement, and as a result the Blades slipped down to 7th in the league. United's last competitive outing was against Walsall in the Checkatrade Trophy nine days ago. The Saddlers won 2-1 on the night with Paul Coutts late goal was not enough to scramble a point. It will be of no loss to Blades fans but the defeat now means that we cannot advance past the group stages.
In the League, United are unbeaten in seven games, winning four of their last six competitive fixtures (WWWDWD), with their 1-1 draw at Fleetwood Town on 1st October as their last league outing. A win tomorrow against Port Vale could potentially see the Blades rise to third in the league.
Ethan Ebanks-Landell scored with virtually the last touch of the game to secure Sheffield United a 1-1 at Sky Bet League One draw at Fleetwood. Chris Wilder's side could have grabbed an early advantage as they bossed possession and opportunities, Paul Coutts going closest with a deflected effort which spun just wide of the post.
But it was Fleetwood who took the lead against the run of play. Chris Long, returning from injury, stole in from the left, taking advantage of some slack defending and his effort from a tight angle deflected into the path of David Ball, who stroked home from close range for his fifth goal of the season. Billy Sharp could easily have levelled shortly after but his 18-yard drive was tipped over by Chris Neal.
But Fleetwood came more into the game as the half went on, Ball coming close to doubling his tally, denied by Simon Moore after a fine through ball from Kyle Dempsey. The end-to-end action continued after the break, Ball once again involved as Fleetwood looked to stretch their lead, with Long denied by Simon Moore. Sharp then raced in behind the hosts, his pace almost rewarded, Neal's flailing legs denying John Fleck from inside the six-yard box.
The Blades looked for a long time like drawing level but it was Fleetwood and former United man Martyn Woolford who nearly had the last laugh. Sub Woolford's pace down the right unlocked the visitors, Ash Hunter's flicked header forcing a fingertip save from Moore.
When all seemed lost for the visitors, Chris Hussey was allowed space on the left, Ebanks-Landell thrown forward, rising through a crowd at the back post to power home.
Blades boss Chris Wilder is boosted by the return of defensive-midfielder Chris Basham following the completion of his three match ban. He was dismissed at Scunthorpe United on 24 September and has since been absent from the results against Bristol Rovers (1-0), Fleetwood Town (1-1) and Walsall (1-2). Meanwhile Striker Leon Clarke will be out of action for a month after further scans revealed he had chipped a bone in his ankle.
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