Richard Cresswell, formerly with Sheffield Wednesday, Leeds United and Stoke City netted his second goal in two games for United - his eighth goal of the season as United torn through their Lancashire opponents following a goal-less first half at Gigg Lane. Ched Evans netted his 18th of the campaign whilst Lee Williamson made it safe moments from time.
Across the City our rivals Sheffield Wednesday were beaten by league leaders Charlton Athletic (1-0) at Hillsborough whilst Huddersfield Town overcame Oldham Athletic at the Galpham Stadium (1-0). The results retained the Blades second placed position, just four points behind the Addicks and three points ahead of the Terriers whilst they are four points ahead of their S6 neighbors.
United took a strong following of 3,738 supporters to Gigg Lane against a total attendance of 6,970 with Blades boss Danny Wilson naming an exact sixteen man squad to face Bury which beat Yeovil Town 4-0 last Tuesday at Bramall Lane, leaving James Beattie and Nick Montgomery on the substitutes bench.
In the opening 15 minute exchanges it was the visitors who looked the most dominant with Matthew Lowton, Kevin McDonald, Stephen Quinn as well as the front two attackers of Cresswell and Evans linked up well on occasions has they bit at the opposition defense without a positive result. At the other end David Amoo (on loan from Liverpool) worked well down the flanks but his crosses were poor as Harry Maguire measured up easily in a solid performance for the youngster.
It was the half hour mark before Simonsen was tested in the United goal but prior to that Evans had seen two efforts saved by Belford. Steven Schumacher fired at Simonsen who saved well and Lescinel Jean-Francois timely tackled as Amoo looked to take advantage of a rebound. United were denied a penalty in the final minutes of the 45 when Hughes looked to penalize Cresswell in the box with referee Miller ignoring any appeals.
Sheffield United began the second half equally as dominant as the first with Evans hammering a trademark free-kick wide before Cresswell headed wide of goal following Williamson's cross. United were soon however to take the lead; on 54 minutes McDonald ghosted past two white shirts before finding Cresswell who beat the offside trap before firing his left-footed shot past the helpless keeper.
In front of the United goal Jean-Francois prevented Bishop from taking advantage from Worrel's cut back before McDonald was again in the thick of things as the visitors doubled their lead when he picked out Evans in space before the Welshman's shot was too hot to handle as it flew into the net. Amoo moved into a central-striker role as the Shakers made every attempt to dwindle their way back into this League One tie.
With nine minutes left on the clock the game was made secure through midfielder Lee Williamson who netted his second goal in as many games. He scored his 6th goal of the season; Lowton's throwing found the former Watford midfielder on the right and he cut into the box before hitting the sweet spot; 0-3.