Blades Neil By Mouth

Last updated : 29 December 2007 By @blades_mad1889

Warnock, who left his post as Sheffield United manager last May following relegation from the Premier League returned to Bramall Lane as manager of Crystal Palace - and doubt took no pleasure in claiming three points against his boyhood team.

Last September a last minute penalty dispatched by Ben Watson was enough to ensure all three points that day with a 3-2 victory at Selhurst Park with Peter Taylor in charge - and their win in Sheffield completed the double.

As the match neared the end shouts of 'Robson Out' once again rung out from the Blades crowed - with James Scowcroft's first half goal incising the Bramall Lane faithful.

The Blades started off the game brightly and almost went ahead adter the kick-off with Phil Bardsley firing a long-distance strike which was kept out by keeper Julian Speroni.

At the other end Sean Scannell cut past winger Keith Gillespie before angling to fire at Paddy Kenny whilst he scooped the rebound wide of the target when really he should have bundled it home.

On 26th minutes United could and should have broke the deadlock; a mistake by the Palace defence allowed Jonathan Stead to break free before stearing his shot wide of goal when Speroni left scrolling to wrong side of goal.

Seven minutes previous Rob Hulse was athletically denied by the Argentinean keeper when Stead found the former Leeds United striker wanting before he hit hard and low at Speroni - the shot looked like it trailed under the keepers legs but somehow he kept it out.

And on 38th minute the deadlock was broken, but at the wrong end! - Ben Watson swept in a free-kick which was met by the head of Mark Hudson, he found James Scowcroft and the much travelled striker lopped past Kenny and into the goal.

Aftyer spotting Kenny off his line Tom Soares tried his luck from 25 yards but with the shot dipping could only find the roof of the net.

Speroni then kept out Hulse who saw his close range effort shunted out before the keeper bravely prevented a Stead cross from going goal bound by substitute Billy Sharp.

Bardsley then saw his snap shot in 68th minute kept out as his rasping 25 yard free-kick smashing against his chest with no United players their to follow up.

Hulse then attempted a over head kick on the penalty spot in a crowed area but his well timed shot found the keeper with ease as the Eagles hung onto their lead until the final whistle.

Least could be said about the officials who failed to take control of the game and give correct decisions to either team - but this was a dismal performance by Sheffield United and need to rapidly improve if they plan to make headway this season.