Blades boss Micky Adams made three notable changes prior to their kick-off against Watford at Vicarge Road; Darius Henderson, Joe Mattock and Lee Williamson were drafted into the side to replace Richard Cresswell, Matt Lowton and Daniel Bogdanovic – new signing Lawrence Thomas and Ched Evans started on the substitute’s bench.
United, playing in an away kit of black shirt (red trim) with white shorts and socks conducted a casual start to the game – as did the hosts but it was the Hornets who took the lead fifteen minutes into the game when sloppy defending allowed Danny Graham to head home his 23rd goal of the season.
The visitors came close twice to levelling, Captain Nick Montgomery saw his shot fire of his defender and scramble out for a corner and Henderson flashed wide of goal.
On the half hour mark United were reduced to ten men when a tussle in the box led to Darius Henderson receiving his second booking of the match and his first red card in his first game of the season.
Moments later the Blades were reduced to nine men when a high challenge from Lee Williamson resulted in a straight red card.
From then on it was a uphill struggle but the Blades held out until half-time trailing one-nil.
United battled hard but the defence was breached again when eleven minutes into the second half Steven Taylor’s volley crashed into the goal – Graham then flashed wide as they searched for a third of the day.
Micky Adams made three changes in order to get back into the game; Sam Vokes, Nick Montgomery and Stephen Quinn both left the field to be replaced by Ched Evans, Mark Yeates and Daniel Bogdanovic.
The visitors slowly progressed up the field without creating as Watford made changes of their own in what was a ‘steady’ game for the home side who found it comfortable to contend against nine men.
But soon found that third when with four minutes remaining a cross found Ross Jenkins in the box who headed home with ease.
In contrast the performance from United wasn’t terrible, but they were unfortunate to be reduced to nine men within 40 minutes and found the game a struggle – they host Leeds United in seven days time.